It is a known fact that some trends leave an indelible stamp on history, and the hip-hop movement is one of the most notable in recent decades. Hip-hop exploded onto the music world in the 1970s, and it’s only become bigger since then! Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the hip-hop genre evolved, with major musicians such as Grandmaster Flash, Public Enemy, and Kurtis Blow giving way to rap-centric artists in the following decades. 

Hip-hop transformed the way people think about music with unforgettable chart-topping singles, award-winning albums, and the exponential rise of colossal personalities like Jay-Z, and Snoop Dogg. This genre became more dimensional in subsequent years as a result of high-energy and showy production. Hip-hop had evolved into a commercialized genre that could compete with any other by the 1990s. The hip-hop lifestyle has not only taken over the current fashion trends but also the jewelry industry – bringing in vogue a new kind of ornamental fashion. Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, P Diddy, and Dr. Dre were among the artists who flooded the scene with opulent displays of jewels and gold.

So, how does jewelry factor into hip-hop discussions? It’s more than just a musical genre: it’s a way of life and a feeling of self. Hip-hop jewelry, like hip-hop culture, represents one’s “climb” through gorgeous, flamboyant pieces. These stunning gold chains, rings, and watches with gleaming diamonds are in fact status symbols and identity totems. Even though the jewelry industry is expanding like crazy, when it comes to the merger of Hip Hop and jewelry there aren’t big Jewelry Brands like Cartier or Tiffany, instead – the Jewelers themselves have gained individual recognition for crafting such pieces. Most likely these jewelers are rappers or music producers who have ventured into catering to the ever-growing ‘jewelry requirements’ of people like them. This blog here will hash out some such jewelers who have made waves in the hip-hop community and gained massive recognition both in the music as well as the jewelry industries. 

1. Avianne (New York)

Avianne & Co., one of New York’s finest jewelers, is a family-owned business that has been in operation since 1999. Starting from the streets of New York City, CEO and founder Joe Avianne spearheaded the success of Avianne & Co to become one of the leading custom jewelry makers globally. They have created pieces for a wide range of prolific clients, from wealthy businessmen to famous rap/hip-hop superstars. The company is most well known for designing Ciara’s gorgeous 15-carat engagement ring with flawless emerald-cut diamonds. Other clients of Avianne from the hip hop industry include Travis Scott, Migos, Lil Wayne, Justin Bieber, and Nicki Minaj to name a few. 

Avianne’s range of flashy sparkling diamond necklaces, watches, and rings have gained mass recognition, especially amongst millennials – so much so the company has garnered a fan following of over 500,000 and counting. 

2.  Ben Baller (Los Angeles)

Another major jeweler dominating the hip hop industry is Ben Baller, founder of  Icee Fresh Jewels, a company known for creating bespoke custom gold jewelry based in  Los Angeles, CA. Ben established this company in 2014, prior to which he and extravagant diamond-encrusted worked as a DJ for music industry icon Dr. Dre. 

Baller’s designs have been seen on industry giants of the hip-hop world. such as Kayne West, Drake, Nas, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Snoop Dog. He’s even worked with well-known brands like Diamond Supply Co. and Neff. From Michael Jackson’s belt buckle to Elon Musk’s diamond and ruby Tesla ring to John Mayer’s Big Lebowski pendant, Baller is responsible for some of the most crazily diamond-encrusted pieces ever seen. He is arguably as well-known as Audemars Piguet, and for good reason. The colossal Stone Island pendant created for Drake in honor of his favorite label is undoubtedly his most recognized item as of 2022. 

Ben Baller, nicknamed “Jeweler to the Stars,” has established himself as the most renowned jeweler in the entertainment industry within a short period of time, garnering over 1.5 million followers on Instagram. Ben Baller’s IF&CO has been ranked #1 jewelry store dominating the hip hop scene with a physical store currently located in the Slauson Mall in the beautiful metropolis of Los Angeles.

3.  Greg Yuna (New York)

Greg Yuna, A true New Yorker by heart, has gained recognition for creating unique jewelry designs made from precious and sparkling diamonds and gold. Landing Floyd Mayweather as one of his first celebrity clients, Yuna currently is one of the most reputed jewelers of all time when it comes to the merging point of the music and jewelry industry. 

What really differentiates him from other popular jewelers is his creative designs inspired by his urban NYC upbringing – which inevitably connects to his client base and has resulted in him garnering widespread popularity, building a massive fan following, especially millennials and Gen Z. 

Yuna’s clients have gone on to include Rick Ross, 50 Cent, Raekwon Floyd Mayweather, Drake, Meek Mill, and Victor Cruz. He also created Ariana Grande’s engagement ring, a Nipsey Hussle pendant for Lauren London, Hussle’s long-term lover, and Nike shoe pendants. He also played a minor role in the making of the blockbuster film Uncut Gems by Adam Sandler. 

4.  Johnny Dang  (Houston)

Johnny Dang, a Vietnamese immigrant who went on to become a trailblazer in the American Jewelry industry, is the founder of Johnny Dang & Co a brand best known for its diversity and spectacular quality, which includes everything from grills to diamond chains. Dang is the epitome of an American success story, having risen from humble beginnings as a watch technician to become one of the industry’s most powerful jewelers. 

Dang rose to popularity by designing custom pieces, especially Grills that caught the attention of rappers and hip hop savants alike, using round diamonds, various colored diamonds, and numerous embellishments. These rappers became the early brand ambassadors for Dang and his craft assisting him to reach the heights that he is on today. His unique pieces have been prominently seen in songs by Gucci Mane, Chief Keef, and Lil Pump even in their live performances. His clients also include the popular hip-hop artists Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and Kevin Hart. Having landed such high-profile clients has earned Dang the title of the ‘King of Bling.’ He also became a Guinness Book of World Record holder for creating a 5kg 24kt gold egg.

5.  Eliantte (New York)

For the past decade, Eliantte, a namesake brand that originated in New York City has been one of the most trusted names in the jewelry market, renowned largely for lavish high-end jewelry with a concentration on the precise diamond setting.  Eliantte caused a stir when he created a $24 million diamond implant for Lil Uzi Vert and since then has been considered one of the go-to jewelers, especially for the people that are heavily involved in the rap scene of The Big Apple. 

Eliantte while curating his pieces tend to go all in, including bling and chunky patterns – that are so very much in trend these days and are commonly seen on Hollywood celebrities and hip hop icons such as  Roddy Ricch, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Nicki Minaj, Migos, 21 Savage, Young Thug, and others.

6.  Ice Box (Atlanta)

Ice Box, yet another big name in the hip-hop jewelry sector, is an Atlanta-based business that is dated back to 1976. Rising from the streets of Pakistan, Ice Box has come a long way from being just another retail flea market shop to becoming the brand of a newer generation. What was then run by Mike (the patriarch of the family) is now being handled by the sons Rafi, Zahir, and  Mo Jooma. 

The brand has exponentially risen to land some big names in the hip hop scene such as Lil Baby, NLE Choppa, Lil Yachty, and Swae Lee, Ice Box has gained massive recognition not only for its bespoke custom pieces but also for its unwavering investment in curating digital content. The brand practically features its accomplishments and of course, its success story across all the social media channels and now has 860,000 subscribers on YouTube and over 3.8 million followers on Instagram – clearly reflective of its popularity amongst the masses. 

Ice Box’s work mainly comprises diamonds and gold contemporary hip-hop luxury jewelry be it  Cuban link chains, watches called bust downs covered edge to edge in diamonds, gold pendants in dozens of designs. The brands’ intricate custom work is known to be much liked by rappers, hip hop aficionados, musicians, and entrepreneurs alike. What sets this family business apart is its utmost commitment to fulfilling the requirements of its customers and giving their best to create new masterpieces on every order. 

7.  Mazza (New York)

Paul Mazza’s dexterity has elevated him to one of New York City’s most influential personalities in the custom jewelry industry. This artist is best known for his detailed enamel pieces that are most liked and preferred in the sports and music industries. Where the enamel encrusted craft is still not at its peak, Mazza is revolutionizing the jewelry industry by applying his unique perspective and curating exceptional pieces that are to die for!

Paul Mazza, a native of Bridgeport, Connecticut, has built a reputation for designing and selling high-end watches and custom gold jewelry. Over the years, Mazza has established itself as one of the most reputable jewelry businesses in the country, with clients including MLB pitcher Johnny Cueto, NFL quarterback Dak Prescott, future NBA Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony, Dave East, Trey Songz, Juelz Santana, and more.

8. Jimmy Boi  (Houston)

This Houston-based jeweler, a former jewelry enthusiast turner entrepreneur, founder of Done Right & Co., has come to become one of the most go-to artists when it comes to blingy jewelry – So much so he has even been titled with the name “The King of Bling.” And let’s face the facts the music industry is vastly inclined towards bling when it comes to choosing selective jewelry – which is Jimmy Boi’s target niche. 

Jimmy, since the establishment of his brand (just seven years back), has catered to some of the industry giants including  Floyd Mayweather, Devin Haney, Roddy Ricch, the Weeknd  Flo Rida, Slim Thug, Blac Youngsta, Future, and Tekashi 6ix9ine. He has without a doubt become a household name for his famous hip-hop style grills and custom diamond jewelry for the multi-platinum sets. 

9. TraxNYC (New York)

Founded by Maksud Agadjani, an Azerbaijani-born entrepreneur, TraxNYC has grown from a small street-side operation to a suite of offices in New York City’s Diamond District. This leading jewelry business is vastly known for its custom jewelry, gold jewelry, diamond jewelry, loose diamond acquisition, and silver jewelry. Trax has even been featured in GQ for creating jewelry masterpieces and catering to a huge influential client base which includes Cardi B the queen of Hip Hop. To top that, the founder himself played a supporting role in the making of the hit film Uncut Gems.

What’s crazy about Trax is its newfound approach to keep its followers and clientele entertained and involved. The company is often seen hitting the tabloids for its controversial posts on social media handles that can be characterized as ‘dark yet funny.’ Trax sure has a way to hit the nerves and pull in all the attention of people by exposing the dark side of the jewelry industry. 

10. Vobara (Miami)

This Miami-based custom jewelry designer is every millennial’s dream come true. The affordable luxury pendants and jewelry that come in all price ranges is what has attracted Vobara a massive fan following.  What’s interesting is this jeweler’s personalized approach to creating unique pieces made from the best caliber materials be it diamonds or gold. VOBARA specializes in high-end custom pieces, with clients including Rick Ross, Soulja Boy, Diddy, Quavo, and others. Despite his celebrity clientele, Alex welcomes everyone looking for one-of-a-kind artwork.

Starting from selling Shamballa bracelets to friends and family, Vobara in today’s day and date has become a big name in the jewelry industry, fighting head to toe with the industry giants.  The VOBARA Apple watch pendants, the company’s first offering, demonstrated that Alex belonged in the jewelry market. These sleek, fashionable pendants, which come in gold, rose gold, and white gold, are specially crafted to fit the Apple Watch and transform it into a striking necklace.

11. Eric da Jeweler (New York)

Finally, Eric Mavachev, popularly known as “Eric Da Jeweler,” is a well-known figure in the hip-hop jewelry scene. Eric, who is based in New York, is known for selling high-end jewelry, watches, gold, and diamonds.

He has collaborated with multiple celebrities and musicians since his debut in the industry including Antonio Brown, Lil Baby, and most recently Kim Kardashian. His work mostly dwells on the verge of incorporating diamonds, enamel, and gold – creating unique Blings that are to die for!
Apart from these major trailblazers in the industry, other jewelers and brands who dominate the hip-hop scene include King Ice, and Angel City Jewelers. King Ice, a hip hop jewelry firm founded by two young hip hop aficionados that have designed unique pieces for hip hop moguls such as Snoop Dogg, The Game, Tyga, and Wiz Khalifa, becoming one of the most credible and revered brands in the industry. On the other hand, Izac Bokhoor’s Angel City Jewelers is recognized for crafting Post Malone’s gold Grillz, which can be seen in the White Iverson and Too Young music videos. The company has also made jewelry for many celebrities like Trey Burke of the Utah Jazz, fashion designer Michael Costello, and even Bizzy Bone of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.