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| {{short description|American designer}} | |||
| {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}} | |||
| {{Infobox person | {{Infobox person | ||
| |name=Jacob Arabo | | name = Jacob Arabo | ||
| | image = Jacob Arabo.jpg | |||
| |image= | |||
| | alt = <!-- descriptive text for use by speech synthesis (text-to-speech) software --> | |||
| |caption=Jacob Arabo | |||
| | caption = Arabo in 2022 | |||
| |imagesize= | |||
| | birth_name = Yakov Arabov | |||
| |birth_date= | |||
| | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1965|06|03}} | |||
| |birth_place= | |||
| | birth_place = ], ], ] | |||
| |death_date= | |||
| | death_date = <!-- {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (DEATH date then BIRTH date) --> | |||
| |death_place= | |||
| | death_place = | |||
| |occupation= | |||
| | nationality = American | |||
| |salary= | |||
| | other_names = Jacob the Jeweler<ref name="CityFileArticle" /><ref name="naturaldiamonds" /> | |||
| |networth= | |||
| | occupation = Jewelry and watch designer | |||
| |website=}} | |||
| | years_active = | |||
| | known_for = ] | |||
| | notable_works = | |||
| }} | |||
| '''Jacob Arabo''' (born '''Yakov Arabov'''; June 3, 1965) is an American jewelry, watchmaker, who founded ]mpany in 1986 and grew it to become an international luxury brand.<ref>{{Cite web|last=says|first=Gil|date=2018-10-10|title=Jacob & Co – The Method Behind the Madness|url=https://monochrome-watches.com/jacob-co-the-method-behind-the-madness/|access-date=2021-10-13|website=Monochrome Watches|language=en-US}}</ref> He began strictly as a jeweler with bold designs that appealed to celebrities who became regular customers.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Brookins|first=Laurie|date=2018-04-27|title=Jacob & Co. Shows Off Its Newest Treasure|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/style/jacob-shows-newest-treasure-1106501/|access-date=2021-10-13|website=The Hollywood Reporter|language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
| == Early life == | |||
| '''Jacob Arabo''' (a.k.a. '''"Jacob the Jeweler"''', born '''Yakov Arabov''') is a Bukharian-American jeweler who is owner and founder of Jacob & Company. He is known for providing watches and other jewelry to ] artists, ] players, and other celebrities like ], ], ] and ]. | |||
| Arabov was born in ], ], ] as the youngest of five children and the only male, to a ] family.<ref name="HipHop">{{cite magazine|author=Nancy Jo Sales|author-link=Nancy Jo Sales|date=November 2006|title=Is Hip-Hop's Jeweler on the Rocks?|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2006/11/jacob200611|magazine=]|accessdate=2019-12-24}}</ref><ref name="Jspace">{{cite web|title=Jspace Sits Down with Jacob Arabo from Jacob & Co.|publisher=Jspace News|website=jspace.com|date=2014-08-09|url=http://www.jspace.com/news/articles/jspace-sits-down-with-jacob-arabo-from-jacob-co/7945|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809185314/http://www.jspace.com/news/articles/jspace-sits-down-with-jacob-arabo-from-jacob-co/7945|archive-date=2014-08-09|url-status=dead|access-date=2021-10-20}}</ref> As a child, he helped his sisters repair their jewelry.<ref name="worldtempus">{{cite web|title=Ten Minutes With Jacob Arabo: Discover The Man Behind Jacob & Co.|website=WorldTempus|url=https://en.worldtempus.com/article/industry-news/people-and-interviews/jacob-et-co-ten-minutes-with-jacob-arabo-discover-the-man-behind-jacob-et-co-29132.html|access-date=2021-10-20}}</ref> He credits taking a photography course at the time, which gave him an understanding of design principles.<ref name="about"></ref> | |||
| His interest in watches began at the age of 13 when his father gave him a world time watch.<ref name="about"/> A year later he had a part-time job assisting a watchmaker. According to Arabo, he "loved all the tiny parts and gears" and was "enthralled by his ability to breathe life into a movement, to assemble it and then have it actually tell time."<ref name="worldtempus"/> | |||
| == Early Life == | |||
| In 1979, at the age of 14, he and his family emigrated to New York City.<ref name="bruner2016"/> They lived in ], and he attended ]. | |||
| Jacob Arabo, formerly Yakov Arabov <ref>{{Cite web| url = http://jacobarabo.net/?page_id=6 |title= About Jacob the Jeweler |publisher= JacobArabo.net}}</ref>, and his family emigrated from ] at the age of 14, and came to live in the United States. As a youngster Arabo had an interest in his family’s jewelry and time pieces. At 16, he discontinued his formal education, and after showing some aptitude, he enrolled in a program that taught jewelry-making.<ref>{{Cite press release | title = Jacob Arabov: From Rags to Riches| publisher = Free Press Release | date = January 25, 2011 | url = http://www.free-press-release.com/news-jacob-arabov-from-rags-to-riches-1295980457.html }}</ref> Arabo quickly developed his natural talent and demonstrated superior skills, leading his instructor to encourage him to leave the course and begin his own career as a jewelry designer. By the time he was 17 years old, Arabo was designing his own pieces.<ref name="Cityfile">{{cite web |url=http://cityfile.com/profiles/jacob-the-jeweler|title=Jacob the Jeweler |work=Cityfile |accessdate=June 9, 2011}}</ref> | |||
| His father worked several jobs but had difficulty earning enough to support his family. Because of family difficulties, at the age of 16, Arabo discontinued his formal education before completing high school and enrolled in a six-month jewelry-making course.<ref name="hautemag"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Bergstein|first=Rachelle|title=The Founding Father of Bling. How Jacob Arabo became hip-hop's diamond king|website=Medium|date=2016-09-16|url=https://medium.com/cuepoint/the-founding-father-of-bling-6d31d01fe0de|access-date=2021-10-20}}</ref> He graduated four months later.<ref>{{cite web|title=Leaders in Luxury: Jacob Arabo of Jacob & Co|website=Elite Traveler|date=2020-02-14|url=https://www.elitetraveler.com/leaders-in-luxury/leaders-in-luxury-jacob-arabo|access-date=2021-10-20}}</ref> He found work at a local wholesale jewelry factory that made mass-market pieces earning $125 a week. By the time he was 17 years old he was designing his own pieces at night in his bedroom while working at the factory during the day.<ref name="about"/><ref name="Jspace"/> | |||
| == Career == | |||
| ==Career== | |||
| Originally a designer for numerous jewelry brands and clients, Jacob Arabo soon became known amongst celebrities (most notably in the music industry), for creating custom jeweled pieces.<ref>{{Cite web| url = http://www.tourneau.com/store/products/jacob |title= Brands - Jacob & Co |publisher= Tourneau.com}}</ref> | |||
| As a teenager, Jacob Arabo was working for a traditional jewelry manufacturer in the New York City ] on ] and making his own jewelry in his family's house at night. Eventually, he moved his makeshift workshop to a permanent factory in the Diamond District. At this point, Arabo specialized in gold jewelry, creating his own designs. However, he was still working for clients within the jewelry industry by producing traditional jewels for distributors and retailers.<ref name="bruner2016">{{cite web|last1=Bruner|first1=Raisa|last2=Verrill|first2=Courtney|title=A day in the life of Jacob the Jeweler, the man behind the world's wildest jewels and watches|website=Business Insider|date=2016-05-20|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/an-afternoon-with-jacob-the-jeweler-2016-5|access-date=2021-10-26}}</ref> | |||
| In 1986,<ref>{{cite web|last=DeAcetis|first=Joseph|title=Why Jacob & Co Launched A Retail Store In The Heart Of New York City|website=Forbes|date=2018-05-16|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/josephdeacetis/2018/05/16/why-jacob-co-launched-a-retail-store-in-the-heart-of-nyc/|access-date=2021-10-26}}</ref> at the age of 21, Arabo founded the retail jewelry company Diamond Quasar,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/08/15/style/guru-jacob-arabo-quarry-of-choice-for-rappers-rocks.html|title=GURU: Jacob Arabo; Quarry of Choice for Rappers' Rocks|newspaper=The New York Times|date=August 15, 1999|accessdate=February 13, 2019|last1=Century|first1=Douglas}}</ref> doing business under the ] brand making his own designs for private clients.<ref name="hautemag">{{cite web |url=https://hauteliving.com/2011/11/one-on-one-a-sparkling-success/218527/|title=One on One: A Sparkling Success, Jacob Arabo |date=November 2, 2011 |work=Haute Living Magazine |accessdate=February 13, 2019}}</ref> By the early 1990s, he had established his own kiosk in New York's Diamond District. His innovative pieces caught the attention of the late rapper ], who gave him the moniker "Jacob the Jeweler," and introduced him to his entertainment friends.<ref name="naturaldiamonds">{{cite web|title=How Jacob the Jeweler's Diamonds Helped Define Pop Culture|website=Only Natural Diamonds|date=2021-03-29|url=https://www.naturaldiamonds.com/style-and-innovation/how-jacob-the-jewelers-diamonds-helped-define-pop-culture/|access-date=2021-10-26}}</ref> The moniker has also appeared in rap songs by ], ] and other ]s.<ref name="Jspace" /> | |||
| Initially selling his pieces from a kiosk in the Kaplan Jewelry Exchange (in the heart of New York City’s jewelry district), by the age of 21, Arabo had officially started his own jewelry business.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hauteliving.com/magazine/|title=Timepieces|work=Haute Living Magazine |accessdate=September 2011}}</ref> | |||
| Although he started out offering moderately priced, traditional jewelry, Arabo’s design sense soon caught the eyes of celebrities, singers, and artists in the hip-hop and rap music world. In the early 1990s, as word about his workmanship spread, his clientele and business grew, and Arabo became known amongst aficionados as “Jacob the Jeweler”.<ref name="Cityfile" /> | |||
| Arabo started collaborating with entertainers on custom designs. In the 1990s, he was one of the first jewelers to create big diamond jewels for men, a trend that is mainstream today.<ref name="naturaldiamonds"/> | |||
| Arabo founded Jacob & Co. in New York City in 1981. Operating out of a "mine-inspired" storefront on East 57th Street, the townhouse space is replete with Jacob’s signature five-time-zone watches.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nymag.com/listings/stores/jacob-and-co/|title=Jacob&Co.|publisher=]|accessdate=October 2011}}</ref> | |||
| Hip-hop artists who were Arabo's clients included ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Hip-Hop's In-Demand Jewelers' Stories of Working With Rap Stars|website=XXL Mag|date=2021-07-27|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/hip-hop-jewelers-interviews/|access-date=2021-10-26}}</ref> Other clients include various prominent entertainers and athletes, including ], ], ], ], ] and ], ], ], ], ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Jacob & Co - Jacob Arabo - People and interviews|website=WorldTempus|url=https://en.worldtempus.com/article/industry-news/people-and-interviews/jacob-et-co-jacob-arabo-14814.html|access-date=2021-10-26}}</ref> | |||
| Arabo’s Jacob & Co. timepieces were among the lots selling at the highest prices at Antiquorum Geneva Auction in April of 2010. His Crystal Tourbillon was the top selling lot at $477,120 USD, and the firm’s titanium Napoleon Quadra was the third highest selling lot at $354,432 USD. In October, 2008 at the Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite auction held in Hong Kong, a spectacular Jacob & Co. cushion-shaped diamond ring was the item that sold at the highest price; $5.78 million. At the same auction, a yellow gold and diamond necklace and earring set from Jacob & Co. was the fourth highest priced item (selling at $960,624).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20100416005956/en/Jacob-Timepieces-Highest-Selling-Lots-Antiquorum-Geneva|title=Jacob & Co. Timepieces Are Among the Highest Selling Lots at Antiquorum Geneva Auction|publisher=BusinessWire.com|accessdate=April 16, 2010}}</ref> | |||
| For over 25 years, Jacob & Co. has created revolutionary jewelry and timepieces for discerning men and women. The innovations apparent in these pieces draw from the finest traditions of design and craftsmanship, and are appreciated by connoisseurs of fine jewelry. The originality and vision achieved by Jacob & Co. has become an enduring international phenomenon.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gotham-magazine.com/magazine/april-may-2011-1|title=Watch Trend: Deep Brown|publisher=Gotham Magazine |accessdate=April/May 2011}}</ref> | |||
| == Awards == | |||
| Arabo created a ] collection called the Five Time Zone in 2002, which combined bold primary colors with multiple time zone technology and was worn by both men and women.<ref>{{cite web|last=DeStefano|first=Mike|title=Best Luxury Watch Brands in Hip-Hop: Rolex to Jacob & Co|website=Complex|date=2021-04-21|url=https://www.complex.com/style/best-watch-brands-hip-hop|access-date=2021-10-26}}</ref> ], ], ], ], and other celebrities have worn watches from the collection.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fashion - Five Time Zone Watch, Jacob & Co.|website=Luxury Watches Online|date=2015-08-06|url=https://www.luxurywatchesonlinesuk.com/fashion-five-time-zone-watch-jacob-co/|access-date=2021-10-26|archive-date=26 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026202632/https://www.luxurywatchesonlinesuk.com/fashion-five-time-zone-watch-jacob-co/|url-status=dead}}</ref> One of the features of the Five Time Zone Watch was its interchangeable ], in which a stainless steel bezel can be replaced with a bezel paved with diamonds. The watch was highly customizable, and Arabo made several versions of the watch for his clients, including ] for his charity and designer ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Customizing Time: The Art of the Personalized Watch|website=WatchTime - USA's No.1 Watch Magazine|date=2021-09-27|url=https://www.watchtime.com/featured/customizing-time-the-art-of-the-personalized-watch/|access-date=2021-10-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Li|first=Nicolaus|title=8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week|website=HYPEBEAST|date=2020-10-22|url=https://hypebeast.com/2020/10/supreme-fall-winter-2020-week-9-release-list|access-date=2021-10-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Jacob & Co. - Luxury on 57th Street - Retail|website=WorldTempus|url=https://en.worldtempus.com/article/industry-news/retail/jacob-et-co-luxury-on-57th-street-17401.html|access-date=2021-10-26}}</ref> | |||
| Arabo’s Five Time Zone “The World is Yours” Timepiece was a 2006 Travel and Leisure Design Award Winner.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dexigner.com/news/6933|title= | |||
| Travel + Leisure Magazine Names Winners of Second Annual Design Awards|author= Levent Ozler|publisher=Dexinger.com|accessdate=February 16,2006}}</ref> | |||
| Arabo moved from the Diamond District to a mine-inspired flagship boutique at ] and ] in 2004.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jacob & Co.|website=NYMag.com|date=2018-11-19|url=http://nymag.com/listings/stores/jacob-and-co/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119012107/http://nymag.com/listings/stores/jacob-and-co/|archive-date=2018-11-19|url-status=live|access-date=2021-10-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Ahern|first1=Kaitlin|date=|title=Jacob Arabo - The Style Interview|url=http://nyluxury.com/article/jacob-arabo-jeweler-interview#.VBV5OhY8MTu|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903113448/http://nyluxury.com/article/jacob-arabo-jeweler-interview#.VAb8_Pj7RhE|archive-date=3 Sep 2014|accessdate=14 September 2014|website=nyluxury.com|publisher=Davler Media Group LLC}}</ref> | |||
| == Who wears Jacob & Co. == | |||
| In 2007, Arabo founded Jacob & Co. SA in ], Switzerland, and introduced his first high-watchmaking timepiece, the Quenttin. It was the first watch to have a vertical ] and a 31-day power reserve, at the time the world's longest power reserve.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hautetime.com/the-game-changer-jacob-co-quenttin-watch/1974/|title=The Game Changer: Jacob & Co. Quenttin Watch|first=Ariel|last=Adams|date=November 22, 2010|work=Haute Time}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://monochrome-watches.com/jacob-co/|title = Jacob & Co| date=10 October 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Forster|first=Jack|title=Jacob Arabo And Luca Soprana On The Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon, A Tiny, Glittering Cosmos For Your Wrist (video)|website=Hodinkee|date=2016-08-30|url=https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/jacob-and-co-astronomia-tourbillon-jacob-arabo-luca-soprana|access-date=2021-10-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Jacob The Jeweler Released From Prison, Sent To Halfway House|website=Ballerstatus.com|date=2010-04-06|url=https://www.ballerstatus.com/2010/04/06/jacob-the-jeweler-released-from-prison-sent-to-halfway-house/|access-date=2021-10-26}}{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> | |||
| ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], David & Victoria Beckham, Sir Elton John, ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], Sharon & Ozzy Osbourne, ], ], Bono, ], ], ], ], ], Rudolf Giuliani, ], ], ], T.K. Hong Kong.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fashionmodeldirectory.com/designers/jacob-arabo/|title=Designers - Jacob Arabo|publisher=Fashion Model Directory}}</ref> | |||
| In 2013, Arabo created the Epic SF24, a two-time zone watch that uses a patented fully mechanical split-flap system to display the time in 24 cities around the world. Inspired by the old split-flap board at airport and train terminals, it was the first time a system like this was used in a mechanical watch.<ref>{{cite web|last=Markl|first=Xavier|title=Jacob & Co. Epic SF24 - A Different (and Spectacular) Take on the Traveller's Watch|website=Monochrome Watches|date=2018-09-06|url=https://monochrome-watches.com/jacob-co-epic-sf24-a-different-and-spectacular-take-on-the-travellers-watch/|access-date=2021-10-26}}</ref> | |||
| == Video games == | |||
| Arabo's company Jacob & Co. released the celestial-themed Astronomia Tourbillon in 2013, initially introduced at Baselworld 2013.<ref name="worldtempus"/> By 2016, there were 99 iterations of the Astronomia Tourbillon.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jacob & Co. - 30 years of ground-breaking watches - Innovation and technology|website=WorldTempus|url=https://en.worldtempus.com/article/watches/innovation-and-technology/jacob-et-co-30-years-of-ground-breaking-watches-22607.html|access-date=2021-10-26}}</ref> | |||
| Arabo was featured in the game '']'', in which the players' hip-hop characters compete to earn cash with which they can buy jewelry from Jacob the Jeweler.<ref name="Cityfile" /> | |||
| In 2019, Arabo was invited to create the crown and serve as a judge for the Miss World America 2019 pageant. The crown was crafted of 18k ] and adorned with 164 carats of Colombian emeralds and 95 carats of diamonds.<ref>{{cite web|title=Miss World America 2019 Crown is Designed by Jacob & Co – Miss World America|website=Miss World America – Beauty with a purpose|date=2019-06-18|url=https://missworldamerica.com/miss-world-america-2019-crown-designed-by-jacob-and-co/|access-date=2021-10-26|archive-date=3 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503212050/https://missworldamerica.com/miss-world-america-2019-crown-designed-by-jacob-and-co/|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
| == Philanthropy == | |||
| ==In popular culture== | |||
| Jacob & Co. generously donated the Champion’s prize a diamond encrusted watch worth $10,400 for the Wall Street Warfighters’ Foundation Charity Poker Tournament. The event took place on the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York City. The foundation helps disabled veterans find long-term employment in the financial services industry.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://charity-foundation-info.com/jacob-the-jeweler-a-real-celebrity/ | |||
| Arabo was featured in the 2004 video game '']'', in which the players' hip-hop characters compete to earn cash with which they can buy jewelry from Jacob the Jeweler.<ref name="Jspace" /> | |||
| |title= Jacob the Jeweler A Real Celebrity |publisher=Charity Information|accessdate=August 24,2011}}</ref> | |||
| He is also well known in the entertainment industry for his unique jewelry designs and is mentioned in several ] songs as "Jacob the Jeweler" or just "Jacob".<ref name="CityFileArticle" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://genius.com/search?q=%22jacob%20the%20jeweler%22|publisher=]|title=Genius Lyrics: Jacob the Jeweler|accessdate=2019-12-24}}</ref> | |||
| == Controversy == | |||
| Arabo was featured in a 2016 cover story in the watch magazine ''Revolution'', titled "The Man Who Would be King."<ref></ref> He was also featured in the watch magazine ''GMT'' in a 2018 story titled "Jacob & Co.: Spectacular Horology."<ref>{{cite web|title=Jacob & Co: spectacular horlogy – Great Magazine of Timepieces|website=Great Magazine of Timepieces – Magazine of the 12th art|date=2021-10-26|url=https://www.gmtmag.com/en/nouveaute-en-n-en/xxl-2/jacob-co-spectacular-horlogy.html|access-date=2021-10-26}}</ref> | |||
| In June 2006, Arabo was arrested for being part of a money-laundering scheme instigated by the Detroit-based ], as well as for not declaring large cash purchases to the ]. In October 2007, after admitting to lying to investigators, Arabo and his attorney, ], entered a plea in which the more serious charges of money-laundering were dropped.<ref name="Cityfile" /> In June 2008, Arabo was sentenced to two and a half years in prison, fined $50,000, and ordered to forfeit $2 million to the U.S. government. Arabo was released from jail in April 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1589883/jacob-jeweler-gets-twoandahalf-years.jhtml|title=Jacob 'The Jeweler' Arabov, Diamond Merchant To Countless Rappers, Sentenced To Two And A Half Years In Prison |author=Gil Kaufman |date=June 24, 2008 |work=MTV.com |accessdate=June 9, 2011}}</ref> | |||
| Arabo has also appeared in ''] - Diamonds'', a 2019 ] and ] documentary TV show.<ref>{{cite web|title="Explained" Diamonds (TV Episode 2019) - Full Cast & Crew|website=IMDb|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt11356968/fullcredits|access-date=2021-10-26}}</ref> | |||
| In 2020, Arabo made a cameo appearance in Drake's "When To Say When & Chicago Freestyle" music video.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jz0GAFNNIo |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/0jz0GAFNNIo |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Drake - When To Say When & Chicago Freestyle |website=] |date=29 February 2020 |accessdate=2020-04-07}}{{cbignore}}</ref> | |||
| In 2023, Arabo made an appearance during episode 6 of the ] of the reality show '']'', where Arabo was seen consulting cast member ] on her jewelry.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smyth |first=Tom |date=2023-08-21 |title=The Real Housewives of New York City Recap: Cease Fire |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/real-housewives-of-new-york-city-recap-season-14-episode-6-anniversorry-not-sorry.html |access-date=2023-10-30 |website=Vulture |language=en}}</ref> | |||
| ==Personal life== | |||
| Arabo married his wife, Angela – who is also ] – when he was 24.<ref name=HipHop /> They have three sons.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-21 |title=Jacob Arabo Net Worth, Age, Height, Family, Wiki, Biography & More |url=https://jipmer.org/jacob-arabo-net-worth/ |access-date=2023-09-22 |language=en-US |archive-date=30 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030100303/https://jipmer.org/jacob-arabo-net-worth/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The couple lives in ].<ref name="CityFileArticle">{{Cite web | title = Jacob The Jeweler And Where He Came From| url = http://www.loveandpieces.com/blogs/online-jewelry-boutique-blog/15515679-jacob-the-jeweler-and-where-he-came-from | publisher=Love & Pieces | accessdate= August 20, 2014 }}</ref> | |||
| ==Legal issues== | |||
| Arabo was arrested in 2006 on accusations that he and others conspired to launder about $270 million in drug profits for the ]. These charges were eventually dropped and in June 2008 Arabo pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of falsifying records and giving false statements as part of a deal he struck with federal prosecutors. The judge sentenced Arabo to a 2.5-year sentence in federal prison and ordered him to pay a $50,000 fine and an additional $2,000,000 as forfeiture to the US government. In a statement to the presiding judge, Jacob expressed that he felt shame for what he did, stating "I feel ashamed that I broke the laws of this country, a country that has been so good for me."<ref>{{Cite web | title= "Jacob The Jeweler" Jailed | date = 24 June 2008 | url = https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jacob-the-jeweler-jailed/ | publisher= CBS News | accessdate= September 13, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last = Goodman | first=David | title= 'Jacob the Jeweler' gets 30 months in US prison | url = https://eu.recordonline.com/story/entertainment/local/2008/06/24/jacob-jeweler-gets-30/52366410007/ | publisher= Times Herald-Record | accessdate= September 13, 2024}}</ref> | |||
| ==References== | ==References== | ||
| {{Reflist}} | {{Reflist|2}} | ||
| ==External links== | ==External links== | ||
| {{Wikiquote|Jacob Arabo}} | |||
| * | |||
| * | |||
| *{{fashiondesigner|id=jacob-arabo}} | |||
| *{{IMDb name|1113289}} | |||
| * | |||
| {{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see ]. --> | |||
| | NAME = Arabo, Jacob | |||
| | ALTERNATIVE NAMES = | |||
| | SHORT DESCRIPTION = | |||
| | DATE OF BIRTH = | |||
| | PLACE OF BIRTH = | |||
| | DATE OF DEATH = | |||
| | PLACE OF DEATH = | |||
| }} | |||
| {{DEFAULTSORT:Arabo, Jacob}} | {{DEFAULTSORT:Arabo, Jacob}} | ||
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Revision as of 17:54, 1 January 2025
American designer
| Jacob Arabo | |
|---|---|
 Arabo in 2022 | |
| Born | Yakov Arabov (1965-06-03) June 3, 1965 (age 59) Tashkent, Uzbek SSR, Soviet Union |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Jacob the Jeweler |
| Occupation(s) | Jewelry and watch designer |
| Known for | Jacob & Co |
Jacob Arabo (born Yakov Arabov; June 3, 1965) is an American jewelry, watchmaker, who founded Jacob & Company in 1986 and grew it to become an international luxury brand. He began strictly as a jeweler with bold designs that appealed to celebrities who became regular customers.
Early life
Arabov was born in Tashkent, Uzbek SSR, Soviet Union as the youngest of five children and the only male, to a Bukharian Jewish family. As a child, he helped his sisters repair their jewelry. He credits taking a photography course at the time, which gave him an understanding of design principles.
His interest in watches began at the age of 13 when his father gave him a world time watch. A year later he had a part-time job assisting a watchmaker. According to Arabo, he "loved all the tiny parts and gears" and was "enthralled by his ability to breathe life into a movement, to assemble it and then have it actually tell time."
In 1979, at the age of 14, he and his family emigrated to New York City. They lived in Forest Hills, Queens, and he attended Forest Hills High School.
His father worked several jobs but had difficulty earning enough to support his family. Because of family difficulties, at the age of 16, Arabo discontinued his formal education before completing high school and enrolled in a six-month jewelry-making course. He graduated four months later. He found work at a local wholesale jewelry factory that made mass-market pieces earning $125 a week. By the time he was 17 years old he was designing his own pieces at night in his bedroom while working at the factory during the day.
Career
As a teenager, Jacob Arabo was working for a traditional jewelry manufacturer in the New York City Diamond District on 47th Street and making his own jewelry in his family's house at night. Eventually, he moved his makeshift workshop to a permanent factory in the Diamond District. At this point, Arabo specialized in gold jewelry, creating his own designs. However, he was still working for clients within the jewelry industry by producing traditional jewels for distributors and retailers.
In 1986, at the age of 21, Arabo founded the retail jewelry company Diamond Quasar, doing business under the Jacob & Co brand making his own designs for private clients. By the early 1990s, he had established his own kiosk in New York's Diamond District. His innovative pieces caught the attention of the late rapper Notorious B.I.G., who gave him the moniker "Jacob the Jeweler," and introduced him to his entertainment friends. The moniker has also appeared in rap songs by Jay-Z, Nas and other rappers.
Arabo started collaborating with entertainers on custom designs. In the 1990s, he was one of the first jewelers to create big diamond jewels for men, a trend that is mainstream today.
Hip-hop artists who were Arabo's clients included Sean "Puffy" Combs, Biz Markie, Jay-Z, Drake, 50 Cent, and Big Sean. Other clients include various prominent entertainers and athletes, including Madonna, Rihanna, Pharrell, Elton John, David and Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Lopez, Salma Hayek, Sofia Vergara, Michael Jordan, Mariah Carey and Canelo Álvarez.
Arabo created a quartz watch collection called the Five Time Zone in 2002, which combined bold primary colors with multiple time zone technology and was worn by both men and women. Naomi Campbell, Bono, Angela Bassett, Derek Jeter, and other celebrities have worn watches from the collection. One of the features of the Five Time Zone Watch was its interchangeable bezel, in which a stainless steel bezel can be replaced with a bezel paved with diamonds. The watch was highly customizable, and Arabo made several versions of the watch for his clients, including Leonardo DiCaprio for his charity and designer Virgil Abloh.
Arabo moved from the Diamond District to a mine-inspired flagship boutique at 57th Street and Park Ave in 2004.
In 2007, Arabo founded Jacob & Co. SA in Geneva, Switzerland, and introduced his first high-watchmaking timepiece, the Quenttin. It was the first watch to have a vertical tourbillon and a 31-day power reserve, at the time the world's longest power reserve.
In 2013, Arabo created the Epic SF24, a two-time zone watch that uses a patented fully mechanical split-flap system to display the time in 24 cities around the world. Inspired by the old split-flap board at airport and train terminals, it was the first time a system like this was used in a mechanical watch.
Arabo's company Jacob & Co. released the celestial-themed Astronomia Tourbillon in 2013, initially introduced at Baselworld 2013. By 2016, there were 99 iterations of the Astronomia Tourbillon.
In 2019, Arabo was invited to create the crown and serve as a judge for the Miss World America 2019 pageant. The crown was crafted of 18k white gold and adorned with 164 carats of Colombian emeralds and 95 carats of diamonds.
In popular culture
Arabo was featured in the 2004 video game Def Jam: Fight For NY, in which the players' hip-hop characters compete to earn cash with which they can buy jewelry from Jacob the Jeweler.
He is also well known in the entertainment industry for his unique jewelry designs and is mentioned in several hip-hop songs as "Jacob the Jeweler" or just "Jacob".
Arabo was featured in a 2016 cover story in the watch magazine Revolution, titled "The Man Who Would be King." He was also featured in the watch magazine GMT in a 2018 story titled "Jacob & Co.: Spectacular Horology."
Arabo has also appeared in Explained - Diamonds, a 2019 Vox and Netflix documentary TV show.
In 2020, Arabo made a cameo appearance in Drake's "When To Say When & Chicago Freestyle" music video.
In 2023, Arabo made an appearance during episode 6 of the 14th season of the reality show The Real Housewives of New York City, where Arabo was seen consulting cast member Erin Lichy on her jewelry.
Personal life
Arabo married his wife, Angela – who is also Bukharian Jewish – when he was 24. They have three sons. The couple lives in Forest Hills, Queens.
Legal issues
Arabo was arrested in 2006 on accusations that he and others conspired to launder about $270 million in drug profits for the Black Mafia Family. These charges were eventually dropped and in June 2008 Arabo pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of falsifying records and giving false statements as part of a deal he struck with federal prosecutors. The judge sentenced Arabo to a 2.5-year sentence in federal prison and ordered him to pay a $50,000 fine and an additional $2,000,000 as forfeiture to the US government. In a statement to the presiding judge, Jacob expressed that he felt shame for what he did, stating "I feel ashamed that I broke the laws of this country, a country that has been so good for me."
References
- ^ "Jacob The Jeweler And Where He Came From". Love & Pieces. Retrieved 20 August 2014.
- ^ "How Jacob the Jeweler's Diamonds Helped Define Pop Culture". Only Natural Diamonds. 29 March 2021. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
- says, Gil (10 October 2018). "Jacob & Co – The Method Behind the Madness". Monochrome Watches. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
- Brookins, Laurie (27 April 2018). "Jacob & Co. Shows Off Its Newest Treasure". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
- ^ Nancy Jo Sales (November 2006). "Is Hip-Hop's Jeweler on the Rocks?". Vanity Fair. Retrieved 24 December 2019.
- ^ "Jspace Sits Down with Jacob Arabo from Jacob & Co". jspace.com. Jspace News. 9 August 2014. Archived from the original on 9 August 2014. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
- ^ "Ten Minutes With Jacob Arabo: Discover The Man Behind Jacob & Co". WorldTempus. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
- ^ Jacob & Co
- ^ Bruner, Raisa; Verrill, Courtney (20 May 2016). "A day in the life of Jacob the Jeweler, the man behind the world's wildest jewels and watches". Business Insider. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
- ^ "One on One: A Sparkling Success, Jacob Arabo". Haute Living Magazine. 2 November 2011. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
- Bergstein, Rachelle (16 September 2016). "The Founding Father of Bling. How Jacob Arabo became hip-hop's diamond king". Medium. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
- "Leaders in Luxury: Jacob Arabo of Jacob & Co". Elite Traveler. 14 February 2020. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
- DeAcetis, Joseph (16 May 2018). "Why Jacob & Co Launched A Retail Store In The Heart Of New York City". Forbes. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
- Century, Douglas (15 August 1999). "GURU: Jacob Arabo; Quarry of Choice for Rappers' Rocks". The New York Times. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
- "Hip-Hop's In-Demand Jewelers' Stories of Working With Rap Stars". XXL Mag. 27 July 2021. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
- "Jacob & Co - Jacob Arabo - People and interviews". WorldTempus. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
- DeStefano, Mike (21 April 2021). "Best Luxury Watch Brands in Hip-Hop: Rolex to Jacob & Co". Complex. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
- "Fashion - Five Time Zone Watch, Jacob & Co". Luxury Watches Online. 6 August 2015. Archived from the original on 26 October 2021. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
- "Customizing Time: The Art of the Personalized Watch". WatchTime - USA's No.1 Watch Magazine. 27 September 2021. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
- Li, Nicolaus (22 October 2020). "8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week". HYPEBEAST. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
- "Jacob & Co. - Luxury on 57th Street - Retail". WorldTempus. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
- "Jacob & Co". NYMag.com. 19 November 2018. Archived from the original on 19 November 2018. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
- Ahern, Kaitlin. "Jacob Arabo - The Style Interview". nyluxury.com. Davler Media Group LLC. Archived from the original on 3 September 2014. Retrieved 14 September 2014.
- Adams, Ariel (22 November 2010). "The Game Changer: Jacob & Co. Quenttin Watch". Haute Time.
- "Jacob & Co". 10 October 2018.
- Forster, Jack (30 August 2016). "Jacob Arabo And Luca Soprana On The Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon, A Tiny, Glittering Cosmos For Your Wrist (video)". Hodinkee. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
- "Jacob The Jeweler Released From Prison, Sent To Halfway House". Ballerstatus.com. 6 April 2010. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
- Markl, Xavier (6 September 2018). "Jacob & Co. Epic SF24 - A Different (and Spectacular) Take on the Traveller's Watch". Monochrome Watches. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
- "Jacob & Co. - 30 years of ground-breaking watches - Innovation and technology". WorldTempus. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
- "Miss World America 2019 Crown is Designed by Jacob & Co – Miss World America". Miss World America – Beauty with a purpose. 18 June 2019. Archived from the original on 3 May 2022. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
- "Genius Lyrics: Jacob the Jeweler". Genius. Retrieved 24 December 2019.
- Revolution
- "Jacob & Co: spectacular horlogy – Great Magazine of Timepieces". Great Magazine of Timepieces – Magazine of the 12th art. 26 October 2021. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
- ""Explained" Diamonds (TV Episode 2019) - Full Cast & Crew". IMDb. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
- "Drake - When To Say When & Chicago Freestyle". YouTube. 29 February 2020. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 7 April 2020.
- Smyth, Tom (21 August 2023). "The Real Housewives of New York City Recap: Cease Fire". Vulture. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
- "Jacob Arabo Net Worth, Age, Height, Family, Wiki, Biography & More". 21 September 2023. Archived from the original on 30 October 2023. Retrieved 22 September 2023.
- ""Jacob The Jeweler" Jailed". CBS News. 24 June 2008. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
- Goodman, David. "'Jacob the Jeweler' gets 30 months in US prison". Times Herald-Record. Retrieved 13 September 2024.