Lisa Nikfarjam of Lisa Nik doesn’t necessarily love Texas, but she may like it a lot more now that her diamond-studded Texas pendant necklace has hit sales-star status. Since its launch at the 2011 JCK Las Vegas show, the New York City–based jewelry designer has sold about 50.
Shown in 18k white gold with 0.26 ct. t.w. diamonds, the piece (with chain) retails for $1,400. Detachable earring charms with 0.52 ct. t.w. melee are also available for $2,600.
Buyers in Vegas ordered 24 Texas necklaces, while 12 more sales took place earlier this fall at a trunk show at Kathryn Penn Fine Jewelry in Aspen, Colo. “There was a big wedding in town and all these 20-something girls from Texas ordered them,” says Nikfarjam.
When the collection launched in September at Bachendorf’s in Dallas, just one style appeared in the case, but orders are trickling in. “The staff said that as soon as one person likes it, it’s easier to create a trend,” notes Nikfarjam.
Though Nikfarjam also makes pendants shaped like the outlines of California, Florida, New York, Louisiana, Ohio, and the District of Columbia—in addition to countries—Texas is by far the most popular. “I just designed the states that had an interesting shape to them,” she explains. For example, Colorado and Wyoming—“the states that don’t artistically translate as well,” she says—aren’t in the line, but are available as a special order. “If someone’s state is square-shaped, I suggest they have a colored stone placed in the location of their city,” says the designer.
The United States is the most requested country, followed by Brazil, but Nikfarjam has also had requests for Aruba and Saudi Arabia. “After Texas, the next most popular state is New York, even though Long Island looks funny because it sticks out on the side,” she says. Following those two, California and Florida are next in popularity.
Out of her 30 U.S. accounts, about 10 have picked up the Texas style so far.
Nikfarjam thought to launch these looks for those who want to identify with their home turfs. The styles may also be of particular interest to merchants in vacation hotspots as many tourists want to leave with a precious memento. The designer is originally from California—and yes, she wears her home state around her neck.
The Texas pendant necklace is in 18k white gold with 0.26 ct. t.w. diamonds; $1,400.
Follow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazineFollow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine