Events & AwardsApr 25, 2024
Alexis Padis Takes Over as AGS Board President Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
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
WatchesApr 25, 2024
Audemars Piguet and John Mayer Partner on Limited Edition WatchThe Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
SourcingApr 25, 2024
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2024The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
MajorsApr 25, 2024
Detroit Lions’ QB Jared Goff Keeps Going to JaredThe three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
Weekly QuizApr 19, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
CrimeApr 24, 2024
Jewelry Crime Declines Significantly, But Dollar Losses Remain High A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
CollectionsApr 24, 2024
Pippa Small Announces ‘Venus’ CollectionInspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your BusinessFor over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
FinancialsApr 24, 2024
Kering’s Jewelry Brands a Bright Spot in Tough Q1The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2024
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2024 Grant RecipientsThe selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
SourcingApr 24, 2024
Rio Tinto’s Q1 Production Drops Amid Pause to Honor Lost Colleagues The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
WatchesApr 24, 2024
These Are Rolex’s New Watches for 2024 The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
ColumnistsApr 23, 2024
The Smart Lab: Advanced Email Marketing Strategies for Mother’s DayEmmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
IndependentsApr 23, 2024
Hannoush Jewelers Opens New Store in New York Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
SourcingApr 23, 2024
Lucapa Sells 3 Diamonds for $10.5M in First Lulo Tender of 2024A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
GradingApr 23, 2024
GIA Has a New Book About William RuserRuser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
CollectionsApr 22, 2024
Jacquie Aiche’s New Campaign Stars Adam Levine, Behati PrinslooThe “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
SourcingApr 22, 2024
Virtual Diamond Boutique Rebrands as ‘VDB’The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
MajorsApr 22, 2024
Signet Raises Nearly $9M for St. Jude Children’s Research HospitalThe money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
CollectionsApr 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Treasure NecklaceA new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
CrimeApr 19, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
MajorsApr 19, 2024
Unique Designs Acquires China PearlThe move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
GradingApr 19, 2024
AGS Ideal Report Now Available in Printed FormFrom now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
SourcingApr 18, 2024
Diamond Trade Remains Cautious Amid Economic UncertaintyDe Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Supplier BulletinApr 18, 2024
Discover History’s Hidden Gems at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
WatchesApr 18, 2024
Watch E-tailer Collectability Hires Kelly YochThe Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
WatchesApr 18, 2024
TAG Heuer Opens Its Largest Standalone Boutique at SeaThe 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
