EditorsAug 27, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Is a Fairy Tale for Vintage Diamond CutsThe singer’s new bling, reportedly a natural old mine-cut diamond, is no paper ring.
IndependentsFeb 17, 2021
Marla Aaron’s Latest Vending Machine Supports the Struggling Restaurant Industry
It just made its debut at Rockefeller Center.
Marla Aaron’s latest project benefits World Central Kitchen via an initiative that feeds hungry communities while patronizing struggling restaurant businesses.
New York—Of the many surreal images of a shutdown New York City that have haunted its residents during the pandemic, it was stacks of empty chairs inside dim restaurants in her East Harlem neighborhood that resonated most with Marla Aaron.
In a statement the jewelry designer noted, “I am a small business owner and the struggle over the last year was real and complex in the jewelry industry. That said, our pain doesn’t even compare with how the restaurant industry has been challenged during the pandemic.”
Aaron is channeling her sadness over the state of the restaurant industry into action, and into jewelry, in a program called “Take a Seat for Restaurants.”
Known for her innovative methods of jewelry making and selling, she’s applying her vending machine jewelry concept to a charitable project, this time stocking it with small silver chairs that can be worn on a chain as a pendant or displayed as a tiny art object, with proceeds benefitting World Central Kitchen.
Previously housed at such locations as the Brooklyn Museum and The William Vale Hotel, this week the vending machine has landed at Rockefeller Center.
Each two-inch sterling silver chair sold will aid in World Central Kitchen’s mission to feed and empower communities. Since its founding by founder and chef José Andrés and his wife Patricia, the organization has turned often to disaster relief.
In 2020 and today, that has meant serving food from thousands of local restaurants to families affected by the pandemic around the United States, in an initiative dubbed “Restaurants for the People.” The effort supports both individuals and the small businesses that serve them.
“The Chair,” which Aaron designed to look like the most recognizable and ubiquitous version of a restaurant chair, sells for $250, with 100 percent of proceeds benefitting the nonprofit.
She said of the pandemic and its effect on local restaurants, “It has been heartbreaking as a New Yorker but the same thing is playing out with restaurants around the world. I wanted to do something immediate and am thrilled to support World Central Kitchen. Their work with
‘Restaurants for the People’ keeps restaurants open feeding people who are hungry—I can’t think of a better thing to do.”
In addition to the “Take a Seat for Restaurants” vending machine located outside of the Today Show studio at 1 Rockefeller Plaza between 48th and 49th Street and Fifth and Sixth Avenues, “The Chair” is available for purchase on the Marla Aaron website, and at the company’s Diamond District showroom.
It’s also available at select retailers, who are not taking any profits from the endeavor. Even Aaron’s silver supplier helped multiply the “Take a Seat for Restaurants” impact, donating the silver for the first few hundred chairs.
In addition to the “Take a Seat for Restaurants” vending machine located outside of the Today Show studio at 1 Rockefeller Plaza between 48th and 49th Street and Fifth and Sixth Avenues, “The Chair” is available for purchase on the Marla Aaron website, and at the company’s Diamond District showroom.
It’s also available at select retailers, who are not taking any profits from the endeavor. Even Aaron’s silver supplier helped multiply the “Take a Seat for Restaurants” impact, donating the silver for the first few hundred chairs.
More on Independents
The Latest
SourcingAug 27, 2025
11,685-Carat Emerald Recovered From Zambia’s Kagem MineDubbed the “Imboo,” or “buffalo,” emerald, the rough gemstone is part of Gemfields’ latest emerald auction, which is taking place now.
SurveysAug 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Slips in August Amid Job, Income WorriesPlans for dining out, booking vacations, and buying big-ticket items were down.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
CollectionsAug 27, 2025
Mined + Found’s New Collection Gets Playful The “Play” collection centers on nostalgic toys that have kinetic elements to carry playfulness and wonder into adulthood.
Weekly QuizAug 22, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsAug 26, 2025
Does Your Jewelry Stack Need a Snack?Designer Christina Puchi, the creative force behind CCWW Designs, has created charms and pendants based on iconic candies and crackers.
WatchesAug 26, 2025
Nick Jonas Gets Nostalgic in New Fossil CampaignThe Jonas Brothers star showed off new timepieces against the backdrop of his favorite spots in his home state of New Jersey.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
ColumnistsAug 26, 2025
Back to School, Back to Style: Why August is Prime Time for Self-GiftingIn his latest column, Emmanuel Raheb shares tips for encouraging customers to treat themselves to new jewelry.
WatchesAug 25, 2025
London Jewelers Brings Rolex to Historic Hamptons HomeThe new stand-alone Rolex boutique is housed in the former Odd Fellows Hall, a landmark built in 1897.
CollectionsAug 25, 2025
Tennis Star Madison Keys Has the Perfect Necklace for the US OpenThe Brilliant Earth ambassador co-designed a diamond medallion featuring meaningful symbols.
TrendsAug 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: That’s a WrapWrap jewelry is more than just a trend; it’s the perfect motif for the coming season of layering, scarves, and pumpkin spice.
WatchesAug 25, 2025
WatchTime NY Show Returns for 10th Anniversary EditionThe three-day watch collector show, coming this October, will feature 44 exhibiting brands, as well as a new dinner experience.
GradingAug 22, 2025
Former Head of GIA India Promoted to Oversee Global Operations Sriram “Ram” Natarajan is now GIA’s senior vice president of laboratory operations and is based out of the lab’s headquarters in Carlsbad.
CollectionsAug 22, 2025
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s ‘Diamond Vein Bond’ CollarThe one-of-a-kind collar represents the beauty of imperfection and the strength to rebuild.
MajorsAug 22, 2025
Kendra Scott Returns as CEO of Her Jewelry EmpireThree C-suite executives, including former CEO Tom Nolan, have resigned as part of what the company describes as a “transition.”
MajorsAug 21, 2025
Claire’s Finds Buyer, Could Save up to 950 StoresThe retailer, which recently filed Chapter 11, inked a deal to sell its North American business and intellectual property.
MajorsAug 21, 2025
Target Names New CEO as Sales Continue to Lag Target CEO Brian Cornell will step down in February and be replaced by the company’s chief operating officer, Michael Fiddelke.
Policies & IssuesAug 21, 2025
JA, IDMA Talk Tariffs With Execs in DC The group met with the president's senior trade advisor earlier this week to express the industry’s concerns about the effects of tariffs.
MajorsAug 21, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Pops Up at 2025 US OpenThe pop-up will display this year's Tiffany & Co. Singles Championship trophies along with a diamond-encrusted tennis racket and ball.
CrimeAug 20, 2025
Another CA Jewelry Store Rammed With Car, RobbedThe latest incident happened Monday at a store in Oakland, California, continuing a pattern JSA first warned about last month.
WatchesAug 20, 2025
Oris Launches Watch Benefiting NYC Harbor Oyster RestorationThe new aqua green New York Harbor Limited Edition II is the watchmaker’s second collaboration with the Billion Oyster Project.
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2025
Take the Jewelers for Children ‘Trinity of Purpose’ ChallengeParticipants who attend any three Rings of Strength events will be awarded a special medal.
SourcingAug 19, 2025
Dubai’s Jemora Group Buys Diamond Miner LucapaThe investment company, founded by Dev Shetty, has acquired the struggling miner and its assets, including the Lulo mine in Angola.
ColumnistsAug 19, 2025
Peter Smith: The Arrival Fallacy and Jewelry RetailSmith shares wisdom he gleaned from a podcast he was listening to one morning while being walked by his dog, a Malshi named Sophie.
CrimeAug 19, 2025
Customs Seizes 7,300 Pairs of Fake ‘Alhambra’ EarringsThe counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels jewels would have been worth more than $30 million if genuine.
MajorsAug 19, 2025
MJSA Apprenticeship Program Is Nationally RecognizedThe MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program received the Registered Apprenticeship Program designation by the U.S. Department of Labor.
