Jacob the Jeweler Net Worth (Money & Salary)

What Is Jacob the Jeweler’s Net Worth?

Jacob the Jeweler, also known as Jacob Arabo, is a Bukharian-American jeweler with an impressive net worth of $50 million. He amassed this wealth as the founder and owner of Jacob & Co., a luxury brand renowned for its watches and jewelry. His creations have gained significant popularity among hip-hop artists, athletes, and numerous high-profile celebrities. Notable clients have included Floyd Mayweather, Sir Elton John, Bono, and David Beckham over the years.

In 2006, Jacob earned the Travel and Leisure Design Award for his Five Time Zone “The World is Yours” Timepiece. Gaining the moniker “Jacob the Jeweler,” he was referenced in rap songs by prominent artists such as Jay-Z, Kanye West, 50 Cent, Big Sean, and Nas. One of his notable sales includes a watch named “Billionaire,” purchased by boxer Floyd Mayweather for $18 million, while a less extravagant version, known as “Millionaire,” is offered at $6 million.

However, Jacob faced legal troubles, serving two and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to involvement in a money-laundering operation linked to the Detroit-based Black Mafia Family criminal organization. He was implicated in laundering $270 million in drug profits and also conceded to not reporting income to the IRS. As a consequence, Jacob was fined $50,000 and mandated to forfeit assets valued at $2 million to the U.S. government. He began his sentence in 2008 and was released in April 2010.

Early Life

Born Yakov Arabov on December 26, 1965, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Jacob was the youngest and only son among five children. From a young age, he displayed a natural talent for artistry and craftsmanship. His fascination with the intricate designs of jewelry pieces grew over time, particularly sparked at age 13 when his father gifted him a world time watch.

At the age of 14, Jacob and his family emigrated from Uzbekistan to the United States.

Seeking better living conditions, Arabo’s family struggled financially, prompting their move to the United States during his teenage years. They settled in Forest Hills, Queens, New York, where Jacob attended Forest Hills High School. His father juggled multiple jobs but still faced difficulty in providing for the family, leading Jacob to enroll in a six-month jewelry-making course. He completed it in just four months and subsequently left high school. He secured a position at a local jewelry wholesale factory, producing market jewelry, which provided him the opportunity to refine his skills and deepen his understanding of jewelry craftsmanship. By 17, he was already designing his own pieces at night while working at the factory during the day.

Photo provided by Jacob Arabo

Career

The innate talent and skill of Arabo caught the attention of many as interest in his jewelry creations from his evening workshop grew. Specializing in gold jewelry, the pivotal moment in his career arrived with the establishment of his own company, Jacob & Co., in 1986, when he was just 21. With a vision to produce extraordinary and unconventional pieces, he quickly garnered recognition for his bold designs and exceptional craftsmanship.

His celebrity clientele was drawn to his creations, which encapsulated the essence of luxury. The hip-hop and rap community in New York, particularly the likes of Notorious B.I.G., found his designs especially appealing. It was Biggie who crowned Arabo with the nickname “Jacob the Jeweler” and introduced him to other notable figures, such as Jay-Z, who made purchases of his pieces.

In the 1990s, Arabo began collaborating with entertainers on bespoke designs. He was among the pioneers in crafting bold diamond jewelry pieces for men, a trend that continues to thrive today. Notable clients from this period include Sean “Puffy” Combs, Biz Markie, 50 Cent, Big Sean, Madonna, Pharrell, Elton John, David and Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Lopez, Salma Hayek, Sofia Vergara, Michael Jordan, Mariah Carey, and Canelo Álvarez.

In 2002, Arabo launched a quartz watch line named Five Time Zone. This collection showcased vibrant primary colors and integrated multiple time zone technology, catering to both genders. Celebrities such as Naomi Campbell, Bono, Angela Bassett, and Derek Jeter were seen sporting these watches. The timepieces also offered significant customization options, with some famous clients like Leonardo DiCaprio commissioning unique designs.