Famous Jewelers for Rappers have played a defining role in shaping hip-hop culture since the late 1980s. Custom chains, diamond-encrusted watches, grills, pendants, and rings are not just accessories in rap—they symbolize success, identity, and cultural influence.
From artists like Jay-Z, Kanye West, Drake, and Lil Wayne, jewelry has become a visual extension of personal branding. The pieces worn by top rappers often represent career milestones, personal stories, and artistic status within the hip-hop community.
This demand gave rise to specialized jewelers who understand both high-end craftsmanship and hip-hop culture. These experts create one-of-one custom pieces that function as wearable art rather than mass-produced luxury items.
The jewelers listed below are widely recognized as the most trusted and influential names in hip-hop jewelry, known for their craftsmanship, cultural relevance, and long-standing relationships with top rap artists.
1. Jacob & Co.: The Legacy of Jacob Arabo
Jacob Arabo established his reputation as one of the most influential jewelers in hip-hop history. Opening his first shop on Sixth Avenue at age 21, Arabo quickly became known for understanding the evolving aesthetic preferences of hip-hop artists during the genre's commercial expansion in the late 1980s and 1990s.
Biggie Smalls coined the nickname "Jacob the Jeweler" in the 1990s, which became synonymous with luxury hip-hop jewelry. Arabo's approach differed from traditional jewelers by embracing custom designs that reflected the bold, expressive nature of hip-hop culture.
His client roster includes Pharrell Williams, Nigo, Drake, Kanye West, and Nas. Notable creations include the N.E.R.D Chain and the Five Time Zone watches, which have become recognized cultural artifacts within hip-hop. Drake featured vintage Jacob pieces in his 2023 music video, demonstrating the enduring influence of Arabo's designs.
2. Johnny Dang: The King of Grills
Johnny Dang built his reputation primarily through specialization in custom grills. Born in Vietnam, Dang immigrated to the United States and began his career repairing watches at a flea market before transitioning to jewelry design.
His business expanded significantly after creating custom grills for rapper Paul Wall. This collaboration established Dang as the premier specialist in dental jewelry within hip-hop culture.
Current clients include Travis Scott, Quavo, French Montana, and Paul Wall. Dang's Houston-based shop has become a destination for artists seeking custom grills and other jewelry pieces. His technical skill earned recognition in the Guinness Book of World Records for creating a 5kg 24-karat gold egg.
3. Ben Baller: Modern Hip-Hop Luxury (IF & Co.)
Ben Baller (Ben Yang) transitioned to jewelry design after working as a DJ and record executive with artists including Prince and Michael Jackson. His background in music industry operations provides insight into the specific needs and preferences of hip-hop artists.
Operating under the brand IF & Co., Baller has developed a reputation for creating bold, innovative pieces that push aesthetic boundaries. His Los Angeles-based operation focuses on one-of-one custom designs rather than mass production.
Notable clients include Kanye West, Drake, Nas, Snoop Dogg, and DJ Jazzy Jeff. One of his most recognized pieces is the Stone Island pendant created for Drake, which became widely recognized within hip-hop fashion circles.
4. Icebox: The Jooma Brothers' Atlanta Empire
The Jooma Brothers (Mo, Rafi, and Zahir) operate Icebox, one of Atlanta's most prominent hip-hop jewelry companies. Established in 2009 in Buckhead, the timing coincided with Atlanta's emergence as a major hip-hop hub.
Icebox distinguished itself through strategic use of social media and content marketing. Their YouTube channel features collaborations with rappers like Lil Baby, Pooh Shiesty, and Lil Durk, transforming jewelry transactions into entertainment content.
Recognized pieces include Lil Baby's "BABY" pendant and NLE Choppa's custom jewelry collection. The company's approach emphasizes transparency and cultural authenticity, building trust within the hip-hop community.
5. Avianne & Co.: Family Business Meets Hip-Hop Culture
Joe Avianne (Yosef Aranbayev) operates Avianne & Co. in New York's Diamond District. His business combines traditional jewelry craftsmanship with understanding of contemporary hip-hop aesthetics.
Despite competition from numerous Diamond District jewelers, Avianne has maintained relationships with prominent clients including Justin Bieber, Ray J, and Chris Brown. The company handles both commercial jewelry and high-value custom commissions.
Notable work includes Ciara's 15-carat engagement ring featuring flawless emerald cut diamonds. Avianne's reputation is built on consistent quality and discretion in handling high-profile commissions.
6. TraxNYC: The Entertainer's Jeweler
Maksud "Trax" Agadjani founded TraxNYC with minimal initial capital, starting with $1,500 and utilizing online platforms like eBay for early sales. Born in Azerbaijan, Agadjani built his business through direct engagement with clients and strategic marketing.
TraxNYC has become known for combining quality craftsmanship with accessible customer service. Agadjani's appearance in the film Uncut Gems alongside Adam Sandler provided insight into Diamond District operations and further established his profile.
The company serves rappers and celebrities seeking custom pieces without the formality associated with some luxury jewelers. This approach has built a loyal client base valuing both quality and approachability.
7. Eliantte: The Extravagant Vision
Elliot Eliantte has established a reputation for creating bold, headline-generating pieces. His work emphasizes maximalist aesthetics and technical innovation, appealing to artists seeking statement jewelry.
Clients include Lil Wayne, Young Thug, Future, and Cam'ron. Eliantte's designs prioritize visual impact and unique concepts over traditional jewelry conventions.
His most publicized commission was a $24 million pink diamond that Lil Uzi Vert temporarily had implanted in his forehead. This project demonstrated Eliantte's willingness to execute unconventional visions and pushed boundaries of what constitutes jewelry.
8. Jason of Beverly Hills: Championship Jeweler
Jason Arasheben operates Jason of Beverly Hills, specializing in both sports championship rings and custom hip-hop jewelry. Between 2009 and 2024, his company designed 18 championship rings across the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL.
This dual expertise in sports and entertainment jewelry provides unique technical capabilities. Championship ring production requires precision engineering, secure stone settings, and ability to meet tight deadlines.
For hip-hop clients, Arasheben has created pieces including Drake's Anita Max Wynn pendant for his 2025 Australian tour and a Rihanna statue ring worn by ASAP Rocky in the "D.M.B." music video. His work often incorporates hidden compartments and intricate details.
9. Greg Yuna (Mr. Flawless): The Instagram Jeweler
Greg Yuna founded Chapter II in New York City's Diamond District and built his brand primarily through strategic social media marketing. Known as Mr. Flawless, Yuna recognized early the potential of Instagram for showcasing luxury jewelry.
His marketing approach focuses on visual presentation of finished pieces worn by celebrities. This strategy has attracted clients including Floyd Mayweather, Meek Mill, and Drake.
Yuna specializes in customizing luxury watches, particularly heavily diamond-encrusted Audemars Piguets and Rolexes for Floyd Mayweather's collection. His business model demonstrates the effectiveness of digital marketing in luxury goods.
10. Lorraine Schwartz: The Celebrity Jeweler
Lorraine Schwartz brings high-fashion credentials to hip-hop jewelry. While her client base extends across entertainment industries, her work with hip-hop royalty including Beyoncé and Jay-Z has established her relevance in the culture.
Schwartz's background in fashion jewelry provides aesthetic perspectives that differ from jewelers exclusively focused on hip-hop. This allows her to create pieces suitable for both red carpet events and music industry contexts.
Her inclusion represents the evolution of hip-hop jewelry from subcultural expression to mainstream luxury. Artists seeking pieces that translate across multiple contexts often commission Schwartz's work.
Why Rappers Invest in Custom Jewelry
Custom jewelry serves multiple functions within hip-hop culture beyond personal adornment. Approximately 1.85 billion people globally listen to rap and hip-hop music, making artist appearance and branding significant business considerations.
Jewelry communicates personal narrative, representing geographic origins, personal losses, career achievements, and cultural affiliations. Each piece can function as wearable autobiography, telling specific stories through symbolism and design.
The U.S. jewelry market was valued at $76.6 billion in 2024 with projections to reach $114.5 billion by 2033. Hip-hop culture influences a substantial portion of custom jewelry demand, particularly in the luxury segment.
What Makes a Jeweler Famous Among Rappers
Several factors determine which jewelers gain prominence within hip-hop culture:
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Trust and discretion - High-value transactions require reliable jewelers who protect client privacy and deliver as promised
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Custom craftsmanship - Artists demand unique, one-of-one designs rather than mass-produced pieces
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Cultural understanding - Jewelers must comprehend hip-hop aesthetics and the symbolic meanings artists want to convey
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Reputation and referrals - Word-of-mouth recommendations within the hip-hop community drive business
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Reliability and speed - Album releases, tours, and major events create time-sensitive demands
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Fair pricing - Despite high budgets, artists value transparent pricing and long-term business relationships
How Rappers Choose the Right Jeweler
The jeweler selection process typically begins with referrals from other artists. Hip-hop community networks are tight-knit, with successful collaborations generating recommendations.
Average American households spend $434 annually on jewelry, while rappers may spend this amount on a single pendant chain. This investment level requires careful vetting of potential jewelers.
Many artists start with smaller commissions (rings or bracelets around $10,000-$20,000) to evaluate quality and service before proceeding to larger projects. This incremental approach builds trust and allows assessment of the jeweler's capabilities.
Geographic location influences access to premier jewelers. New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Houston serve as hip-hop jewelry hubs with concentrated networks of specialized craftsmen.
Trust remains the fundamental requirement. Artists transfer substantial sums for products requiring weeks or months of production time, necessitating absolute confidence in the jeweler's integrity and ability.
FAQs About Famous Jewelers for Rappers
Who is the most famous jeweler for rappers?
Jacob Arabo is widely considered the most influential jeweler in hip-hop history due to his long-standing work with top artists and cultural impact spanning over 40 years. Johnny Dang, Ben Baller, and the Icebox brothers also have significant influence in different regions and specialties.
How much do rappers spend on custom jewelry?
Basic custom chains start around $10,000-$20,000. Mid-tier pieces with significant diamonds range from $50,000-$200,000. Elite pieces have sold for millions, with Pharrell's Neptunes chain reaching $2.184 million and Kendrick Lamar's Tiffany crown valued at approximately $3 million.
Why do rappers prefer certain jewelers?
Reputation, trust, and understanding of hip-hop culture determine jeweler selection. Artists seek craftsmen who have proven themselves with other prominent clients, understand cultural significance of designs, and can deliver quality work under deadline pressure.
What differentiates hip-hop jewelry from traditional jewelry?
Hip-hop jewelry emphasizes boldness, extensive customization, and cultural storytelling. While traditional jewelry focuses on elegance and timelessness, hip-hop pieces are designed to make statements through oversized chains, fully diamond-encrusted watches, custom pendants with personal meaning, and grills.
Are expensive rapper chains worth the investment?
From a financial investment perspective, jewelry typically depreciates. However, for artists these pieces serve as business expenses and brand-building tools. Significant jewelry moments can generate substantial publicity value. Some pieces with historical significance or legendary provenance do appreciate in value.
Conclusion
The relationship between hip-hop culture and jewelry represents more than luxury consumption. These jewelers preserve cultural narratives, create artistic expressions, and document artistic movements through their craftsmanship.
The famous jewelers for rappers profiled here have influenced not only hip-hop fashion but global luxury trends. From Jacob Arabo's foundational legacy to Johnny Dang's grill specialization to Icebox's digital marketing innovation, each jeweler has contributed distinct expertise to the culture.
Men's jewelry is projected to grow at 4.8% annually, with 78% of U.S. men believing men's jewelry is becoming mainstream. Hip-hop culture's influence on jewelry consumption patterns will likely continue expanding as the genre maintains its position as the dominant music format in the United States.
Understanding these jewelers provides insight into the cultural, artistic, and economic dimensions of hip-hop jewelry as both personal expression and business investment.
