EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
TrendsJul 17, 2018
Marla Aaron’s Vending Machine Finds a New Home
The machine, which dispenses her fine jewelry, debuted earlier this year at the Brooklyn Museum.
Jewels on wheels. A view of the Marla Aaron fine jewelry vending machine at its new home at The William Vale hotel.
New York—Marla Aaron’s fine jewelry vending machine is on the move.
Late last year, the designer launched her ultra-creative retail endeavor, selling a small selection of her sterling silver and gold signature lock jewelry in a customized vending machine at the Brooklyn Museum.
Now, the machine has moved, not terribly far away but to an area with a distinctly different feel.
In late June, it appeared at the location that will be its new home through September, the park outside The William Vale hotel, an independent boutique hotel in Brooklyn’s trendy Williamsburg neighborhood.
“I wanted the next location of our vending machine to be outside,” Aaron explained, noting that the Japanese vending machines that originally inspired her concept are often found out-of-doors.
Aaron feels that such a novel retail concept resonates well with the denizens of Brooklyn.
“If it's interesting and new, whether it be food, fashion or music, it's happening in Brooklyn and The William Vale is at the heart of it,” she said.
Since it opened in 2016, The William Vale has become a major New York City tourist destination, not least for its spectacular rooftop views of the Manhattan skyline.
Perhaps those tourist dollars are the explanation for the machine’s sales so far.
“Interestingly, at the Brooklyn Museum the price point of what we sold was much lower. We mostly sold the silver pieces. Since launching at The William Vale the single most popular piece is the gold ‘Babylock’ on a chain that retails for $644.00. We have sold several,” Aaron said.
The machine sells 12 pieces, focusing on the brand’s most straightforward designs, like the Babylock in five different metals.
The items start at $165 for a sterling silver Babylock on a sterling silver chain. The most expensive piece is the 14-karat yellow gold twisted lock pendant on an oxidized sterling silver chain that sells for $1,588.
Aaron said that like her design process, which started with the concept of a fine jewelry lock and has organically grown to include different jewelry making techniques and styles, her retail strategy takes a learn-as-you-go approach.
“I don’t feel like we are innovating consciously,” she said, “it’s more that we are following an iterative process, tweaking and improving as we go along, zealously and constantly. That's how I view the collection, and I view our retail strategy the same way.”
Aaron is planning to launch more vending machines in the future, but
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
is as focused on her wholesale business as ever.
“We will continue to grow our retail and wholesale business on a parallel path as they are both critical for the long-term success of our company,” Aaron said.
In the meantime, the vending machine will be at The William Vale’s outdoor Vale Park through September.
“We will continue to grow our retail and wholesale business on a parallel path as they are both critical for the long-term success of our company,” Aaron said.
In the meantime, the vending machine will be at The William Vale’s outdoor Vale Park through September.
More on Trends
The Latest
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
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.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
