MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
Recently, Bierker landed another job through CustomMade.com, which connects consumers and companies with artisans in a variety of fields, including jewelry design.
This time, it was the movie company Warner Bros. that contacted the designer about creating a locket for the new horror movie The Conjuring. Directed by James Wan, of Saw fame, The Conjuring is based on the allegedly true story of a family possessed and terrorized by spirits in their home, an old Rhode Island farmhouse.
Actress Vera Farmiga, who was nominated for an Oscar for Up in the Air and plays real-life ghost-hunter Lorraine Warren in the film, is the one who dons Bierker’s creation.
Bierker said the studio requested something that was “somewhat period,” resembling jewelry from the late 1800s to early 1900s, and completely unique in order to avoid trademark issues.
He only had about nine days to come up with a design but he did it. He made several versions of the same locket in multiple metals including one in sterling silver, which is the one, he believes, Farmiga wears in the movie. He also sent the studio the CAD geometry for the piece, which enables them to do special effects if needed, such as making the locket melt.
“What we had to do is look at the totality of the lockets on the market and come up with something that would be stylistically appropriate but completely unique. As a designer, it’s actually a pretty difficult task to look at something and then pull something out of thin air,” Bierker says. “It’s really cool when you have to think outside the box like that.”
Due to potential copyright issues with Warner Bros., the designer was hesitant to send us a picture of the locket but Farmiga can be seen wearing it in this scene.
Bierker says he hasn’t seen the movie, yet. He is not sure if the locket is intended to possess some special sort of powers, though he does believe it plays a prominent role in the movie’s end.
“Of course, I have to,” he
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
says when asked if he plans to see The Conjuring. “I just need to find time. I’m slammed. It's great.”
"You know you are busy when you don't have time to go to the movie your first major prop is in,” he laughs. “R2D2 is still keeping me busy."
I plan to see this movie as well, though I’m not sure why. I watched one of the A Nightmare on Elm Street movies with my brothers and cousins when I was in elementary school and was up all night, prompting my mother, who was up for the entirety of that same night by association, to ban horror-film watching for foreseeable future. (My brother and my boy cousins, by contrast, were not at all bothered by the movie.)
Despite my fears, I continue to torture myself with scary movies into adulthood, long after one would think the desire to defy mother by watching banned films would have dissipated.
Shortly after hanging up with Bierker, I emailed my friend to set up a time to see The Conjuring this coming Friday.
I read a review last night where the writer stated that the movie was so scary they cried. I anticipate sleeping with the lights on all weekend.
"You know you are busy when you don't have time to go to the movie your first major prop is in,” he laughs. “R2D2 is still keeping me busy."
I plan to see this movie as well, though I’m not sure why. I watched one of the A Nightmare on Elm Street movies with my brothers and cousins when I was in elementary school and was up all night, prompting my mother, who was up for the entirety of that same night by association, to ban horror-film watching for foreseeable future. (My brother and my boy cousins, by contrast, were not at all bothered by the movie.)
Despite my fears, I continue to torture myself with scary movies into adulthood, long after one would think the desire to defy mother by watching banned films would have dissipated.
Shortly after hanging up with Bierker, I emailed my friend to set up a time to see The Conjuring this coming Friday.
I read a review last night where the writer stated that the movie was so scary they cried. I anticipate sleeping with the lights on all weekend.
More on Editors
The Latest
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
