EditorsFeb 25, 2025
Out & About: Visiting Tacori’s New Shop-in-Shop EditorsJul 29, 2025
Out & About: Visiting Tacori’s Design Studio in LA
Senior Editor Lenore Fedow learned a lot when she took a behind-the-scenes factory tour with the jewelry brand earlier this year.
Bezel-set diamond bands from Tacori’s “Couples” collection. National Jeweler Senior Editor Lenore Fedow recently toured Tacori’s design studio in California.
One of my favorite aspects of my job here at National Jeweler is that I’m always learning something new.
I’ve been an National Jeweler editor for more than six years now (unbelievable!) and I’m not sure I’ve even scratched the surface of all the knowledge the jewelry industry holds.
I’ve learned a lot about retail, marketing, diamonds, and colored gemstones, and met with many designers and brands.
I’ve earned my applied jewelry professional (AJP) certificate from GIA and completed a pearls course offered by the Cultured Pearl Association of America.
Something I didn’t know much about until recently is perhaps the most crucial link in the jewelry supply chain—how the jewelry is made.
I did spend one day as a bench jeweler at the Miami Jewelry School on a press trip with Platinum Guild International in 2024. (My takeaway from that experience was, I am not ready to be a bench jeweler!)
I’ve been an National Jeweler editor for more than six years now (unbelievable!) and I’m not sure I’ve even scratched the surface of all the knowledge the jewelry industry holds.
I’ve learned a lot about retail, marketing, diamonds, and colored gemstones, and met with many designers and brands.
I’ve earned my applied jewelry professional (AJP) certificate from GIA and completed a pearls course offered by the Cultured Pearl Association of America.
Something I didn’t know much about until recently is perhaps the most crucial link in the jewelry supply chain—how the jewelry is made.
I did spend one day as a bench jeweler at the Miami Jewelry School on a press trip with Platinum Guild International in 2024. (My takeaway from that experience was, I am not ready to be a bench jeweler!)
So, when Tacori reached out and asked if I’d like to fly out to Los Angeles for a behind-the-scenes tour of its design studio, I said yes.
My previous “Out & About” story was about my trip to Maryland to see Tacori’s new shop-in-shop experience, so I thought I knew the brand pretty well.
Yet, as I’m constantly discovering, there is always more to learn.
In late April, I arrived at the studio with a handful of fellow journalists. The outside is understandably nondescript but the inside is very Tacori, with its branding and signature blue hue seen throughout the space.
The biggest surprise for me was how many bench jewelers were there, especially given the shortage I’ve so often heard about.
I’m also always curious what people’s offices look like, from the wall art to the personal touches.
Well, another surprise was that CEO Paul Tacorian and Head of Design Nadine Tacorian Azerounian don’t have offices.
While their father, Tacori founder Haig Tacorian, has an office, Paul and Nadine’s desks are out in the open on the work floor. It makes for better communications, they said.
There was a friendly vibe throughout the design studio, which makes sense considering how all these moving parts need to work together throughout this long process.
For the visual learners, I take you through Tacori’s jewelry-making process via an Instagram Reel on the National Jeweler account, which you can watch below.
I’m sure many of our readers already know how this works, but I’d bet there are many of you out there who, like me, will be fascinated by the process.
Nadine led our tour and, as the brand’s head of design, had a lot of insight into the design process, including classics, like the Tacori Crescent, and the new designs that debuted at Couture in June.
The designs travel from the team’s imagination to a CAD sketch, which look incredibly realistic, by the way. Then, using a 3D printer, they create a wax mold.
This is a “tree” of wax molds. Using the lost-wax casting process, the molds are filled with liquid metal. The wax then melts away to reveal the design.
The molds are then filled with liquid metal. The wax melts away and you’re left with your design.
Then comes the polishing, the stone setting, and the finishing touches.
I walked away from my visit with Tacori with two key takeaways.
First, I had no idea how much of this work was done by hand.
When I think of manufacturing, I envision assembly lines and machines spitting out finished products.
Despite all the fancy equipment and expensive machines I saw at Tacori, a lot of work was still done by a bench jeweler.
I can only imagine the training it takes to create these intricate, delicate designs out of metal.
Tacori let us try on a few rings to see the finished product for ourselves. I’m a marquise girl, through and through.
Bringing manufacturing back to America is a hot topic, and so it was interesting to see what that entails and just how many skilled workers we’d need to make that happen.
My second takeaway was how enthusiastic everyone was about their own department.
Paul and Nadine seemed genuinely excited to show us around.
The casting department was ready to explain every step of the process.
The diamond sorters wanted to show us how their machines worked.
The people who set the stones couldn’t wait to explain to us what French pavé is.
I imagine they were eager to share their contributions to the process with us because their work goes unseen and unnoticed by the general public.
People may be familiar with brands and designers, but they don’t think about who’s polishing the metal or setting the stone.
It reminded me of jewelry designer Marla Aaron’s acceptance speech at Gem Awards in 2024, when she thanked the bench jewelers on 47th Street who bring her designs to life.
It’s all nebulous creativity until a craftsperson turns an idea into a tangible piece of jewelry.
The employees at Tacori take a lot of pride in their work and it shows in the final product.
The industry has been having conversations about how to solve the bench jeweler shortage and inspire the next generation to take up the trade, and I hope my bringing awareness to the importance of the work is a small contribution to the cause.
More on Editors
The Latest
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
