Veronica Beard pulls necklaces after designer Sara Beltran claims copy

Veronica Beard, the New York womenswear label, has removed several necklaces from its shops and website after Sara Beltran, the designer behind New York jewellery brand Dezso by Sara Beltran, accused it of copying her work.

Beltran said three shell necklaces she designed in 2021 were very similar to necklaces Veronica Beard offered in 2026. She laid out the comparisons in Instagram posts over the weekend of Oct. 17-18, writing: “Shame on you Veronica Beard, 20 years of my work, and now this,” according to WWD.

The dispute moved quickly. Beltran, who posts as Dezso by SB from New York, said Veronica Beard released the pieces knowing the years of dedication, creativity and craftsmanship behind her own designs.

The two sides had spoken before. In 2024, Gabriela Sorrentino, Veronica Beard’s director of buying — the team that selects what the shops stock — contacted Beltran about a collaboration in the brand’s locations in Nantucket, Mass., and the Hamptons. Sorrentino told Beltran the company was a “huge fan” of her work. Beltran declined because the proposal did not fit her brand’s aesthetics.

Beltran said she first raised the current issue privately. She emailed Veronica Beard about the similarities on Monday, Oct. 12. Lisa Campario, the label’s director of merchandising for non-apparel, replied: “Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We’re reviewing internally and we’ll follow up with you shortly.”

Beltran said she followed up two or three times with no response. She then posted about the claim on Instagram Stories on Thursday night, followed by a main Instagram post on Friday. Beltran said Veronica Beard’s Instagram drew about 1,000 comments at one point, after which the brand blocked comments.

By 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Veronica Beard answered on Instagram Stories. The brand acknowledged that certain pieces from its recent jewellery collection closely resembled Dezso designs, said it had removed them from stores and its website, and said it was reviewing its design process.

“We sincerely apologize to Sara. Veronica & Veronica,” the statement read. Stephanie Unwin, chief executive officer of Veronica Beard, also contacted Beltran on Saturday with an apology and an offer to speak. The apology remains visible on the company’s Instagram highlights, the saved Stories that stay on a profile after the 24-hour post expires.

Beltran told WWD on Monday, Oct. 19, that she did not consider the Instagram Story an apology. Executives at Veronica Beard declined further comment that day.