A tale of two seashell necklaces whipped up a white squall of fashion-copycat fury last week that was litigated on Instagram. Sara Beltrán, the designer of the independent fine-jewelry collection on all things ocean, Dezso, accused Veronica Beard—the $400 million accessibly trendy brand founded by two sisters-in-law both named Veronica Beard—of ripping off her designs.
“Shame on you, Veronica Beard. 20 years of my work. And now this,” stated Beltrán’s opening Instagram slide, crystal clear in a clean white typeface against a black background. It introduced a carousel of side-by-side photographic evidence: Veronica Beard’s corded necklaces dangling with a single shell charm, which retail for under $250, next to Beltrán’s handcarved quartz nautilus shell and coquito necklaces and her polki-diamond-studded cowrie-shell necklaces, priced between $1,300 and $3,000. The similarities were too close to be coincidental. Especially after Veronica Beard’s buying director solicited Beltrán for a wholesale partnership in 2024. “Veronica is a HUGE fan of the brand,” the e-mail read. Beltrán declined the offer. She thought the aesthetics didn’t align.