MajorsAug 04, 2021
Piercing Pagoda Has a New NameMajorsJun 03, 2022
Banter by Piercing Pagoda Names Tierra Whack as Creative Director
The Grammy-nominated rapper also created a capsule collection alongside designer Malyia McNaughton.
Banter by Piercing Pagoda has named rapper Tierra Whack as its first creative director.
Dallas—Banter by Piercing Pagoda has named Grammy-nominated rapper, songwriter, and artist Tierra Whack as its first creative director.
Whack received her first Grammy nomination for her video “Mumbo Jumbo” in 2019 and was named an XXL Freshman as part of a list of the year’s hottest artists compiled by hip hop magazine XXL.
She has been featured on Apple’s “Up Next” program and in Teen Vogue.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Tierra to the Banter family and are energized to share her creative energy and fierce individuality with our customers,” said Kecia Caffie, president of Banter by Piercing Pagoda.
“Bringing Tierra onboard will help amplify our ongoing mission of inclusivity. Like our customers, Tierra is a creative visionary who rejects labels and celebrates her own unique identity.”
Whack, known for her creativity and bold lyricism, is a natural fit as the banner looks to appeal to Gen Z and millennial customers.
It rebranded itself as Banter by Piercing Pagoda in August 2021, having been known as Piercing Pagoda for more than 50 years, shifting its focus to helping customers express their individuality through jewelry and piercings.
“As part of the Signet Jewelers portfolio, the brand caters to the Gen Z and millennial customer who expresses themselves boldly through their personal style. Similar to Whack’s mission, the brand’s goal is inclusivity for all people,” said the company.
Whack’s approach to the newly created role, which she will hold for one year, will be documented through a content series, shared via the banner’s social media.
Banter released the series’ first of five episodes Thursday on its YouTube channel.
Related stories will be right here …
Whack received her first Grammy nomination for her video “Mumbo Jumbo” in 2019 and was named an XXL Freshman as part of a list of the year’s hottest artists compiled by hip hop magazine XXL.
She has been featured on Apple’s “Up Next” program and in Teen Vogue.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Tierra to the Banter family and are energized to share her creative energy and fierce individuality with our customers,” said Kecia Caffie, president of Banter by Piercing Pagoda.
“Bringing Tierra onboard will help amplify our ongoing mission of inclusivity. Like our customers, Tierra is a creative visionary who rejects labels and celebrates her own unique identity.”
Tierra Whack, the new creative director for Banter by Piercing Pagoda, will launch her own capsule collection in July.
Whack, known for her creativity and bold lyricism, is a natural fit as the banner looks to appeal to Gen Z and millennial customers.
It rebranded itself as Banter by Piercing Pagoda in August 2021, having been known as Piercing Pagoda for more than 50 years, shifting its focus to helping customers express their individuality through jewelry and piercings.
“As part of the Signet Jewelers portfolio, the brand caters to the Gen Z and millennial customer who expresses themselves boldly through their personal style. Similar to Whack’s mission, the brand’s goal is inclusivity for all people,” said the company.
Whack’s approach to the newly created role, which she will hold for one year, will be documented through a content series, shared via the banner’s social media.
Banter released the series’ first of five episodes Thursday on its YouTube channel.
“I’m excited to be the first-ever creative director for Banter by Piercing Pagoda and give a unique spin on what jewelry means to me,” said Whack.
Her fans have been a source of inspiration, she said, noting how she and her fan base celebrate creativity.
“I’m thrilled to now turn my attention toward creating jewelry that brings all our shared passions to life.”
Whack also teamed up with jewelry designer Malyia McNaughton of Made by Malyia, a member of the Black in Jewelry Coalition, to create a capsule collection.
The Tierra Whack collection includes one necklace, two bracelets, seven earrings, five charms, and a ring available in every letter of the alphabet.
Whack chose symbols meaningful to her, including wings and music notes.
The pieces, available in 10-karat and plated gold, range in price from $55 to $1,750.
The collection will be available July 12 at Banter locations and on its website.
Her fans have been a source of inspiration, she said, noting how she and her fan base celebrate creativity.
“I’m thrilled to now turn my attention toward creating jewelry that brings all our shared passions to life.”
Whack also teamed up with jewelry designer Malyia McNaughton of Made by Malyia, a member of the Black in Jewelry Coalition, to create a capsule collection.
The Tierra Whack collection includes one necklace, two bracelets, seven earrings, five charms, and a ring available in every letter of the alphabet.
Whack chose symbols meaningful to her, including wings and music notes.
The pieces, available in 10-karat and plated gold, range in price from $55 to $1,750.
The collection will be available July 12 at Banter locations and on its website.
More on Majors
The Latest
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
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.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
Weekly QuizMay 28, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
IndependentsJun 02, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Events & AwardsJun 01, 2026
Design Atelier Brands Have a Big Night at Emotional Couture Design AwardsThe show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
RapNet Rebranding as Rapaport TradeThe revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
Gemfields’ Higher-Quality Emerald Auction Achieves $26.8MThe miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerThe author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion CutThe lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital PlaybookHigh-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry DesignersThe designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.
