From Uzbekistan to Billion-Dollar Bling: The Jacob Arabo Story

Jacob Arabo, widely known as “Jacob the Jeweler,” is a name synonymous with celebrity bling, audacious diamonds, and luxury watchmaking that pushes the limits of imagination. From humble beginnings in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to becoming one of the most sought-after luxury jeweler-entrepreneurs in the world, Arabo’s journey is as glittering and complex as the watches and jewelry he designs.

Early Life & Immigrant Roots

Jacob Arabo was born Yakov Arabov on June 3, 1965, in Tashkent, then part of the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic. Raised in a Bukharian Jewish family, he was the youngest of five children and the only boy. Life in the USSR offered limited opportunities, and his family sought a brighter future in the United States. At around 14, they emigrated to New York, landing in Queens and later settling in Forest Hills.

Adapting to a new culture and language as a teenager was far from easy. The immigrant experience shaped Arabo’s determination, resilience, and hunger to succeed. Even as a young boy, he displayed a fascination with intricate craftsmanship, which would later define his life’s work.

Finding His Craft: Jewellery School & Early Career

Shortly after arriving in the U.S., Arabo enrolled in a jewelry-making course, a six-month program that he completed with exceptional skill. Despite limited formal education, he displayed an innate talent for design and mechanics. Dropping out of high school to focus on his craft, he began working in a New York jewelry factory, often putting in long hours while honing his own designs in the evenings.

His early creations were bold, daring, and unlike anything else on the market. Selling pieces from small booths in New York’s Diamond District, Arabo began carving out a niche for himself among the city’s trendsetters and entertainers.

The Birth of a Brand: Jacob & Co

In 1986, Jacob officially founded Jacob & Co, a luxury brand that would become a global icon. Early on, he captured the attention of hip-hop artists and celebrities, offering diamond-studded chains, rings, and watches that redefined opulence. His designs were not just accessories; they were statements of wealth, culture, and individuality.

The company’s leap into high-end timepieces was a game-changer. Jacob’s watches, particularly the Billionaire Watch and the Astronomia collection, combined audacious design with mechanical complexity, earning recognition among collectors, enthusiasts, and celebrities worldwide.

Signature Style & Celebrity Clients

Jacob Arabo’s style is unmistakable bold, diamond-encrusted, and unapologetically lavish. His pieces have graced the wrists of Jay-Z, Beyoncé, LeBron James, Drake, and many others. The “bling” culture he helped popularize in the 1990s and 2000s became a global phenomenon, turning Jacob & Co into a household name among those who define pop culture.

His creations are not only visually striking but technically impressive, featuring intricate complications such as tourbillons, celestial motions, and fully customizable dials. This combination of artistry and innovation has set him apart from other jewelers and watchmakers.

Wealth, Lifestyle & Real Estate

Jacob’s career success is mirrored in his lifestyle. His net worth in 2025 is estimated between $50 million and $200 million, depending on brand valuation and private assets. Beyond luxury jewelry and watches, he invests in real estate; in June 2025, he purchased a $4.72 million apartment in NYC for his son, reflecting his continued commitment to family and legacy.

He also owns high-end properties in Manhattan, including apartments at 432 Park Avenue, a testament to the wealth he has built from nothing but talent, drive, and vision.

The Legal Fallout & How He Rebounded

In 2008, Arabo faced significant legal challenges. He pleaded guilty to falsifying documents and providing false statements in connection with a money-laundering investigation involving the Black Mafia Family (BMF). He served time, a period that could have derailed a lesser entrepreneur’s career.

However, Arabo’s resilience and reputation for innovation allowed him to rebound. He refocused his brand on ultra-luxury watches and high-profile collaborations, proving that adversity could strengthen both his resolve and his brand.

Succession & The Next Generation

Family has always been central to Jacob’s journey. His son, Benjamin Arabov, has taken an active role in Jacob & Co, helping steer the company toward new markets and innovations. The father-son dynamic ensures that the brand continues to evolve while staying true to its roots in bold, luxurious design.

Why His Story Matters in 2025

Jacob Arabo’s journey from an immigrant teenager in Queens to a globally recognized jeweler and watchmaker embodies the quintessential success story of perseverance, creativity, and vision. His story is not only about wealth but also about cultural influence, innovation, and the power of personal branding in a celebrity-driven world.

He represents the intersection of luxury lifestyle and entrepreneurship, offering inspiration to aspiring designers and business leaders alike. His work continues to define what it means to combine artistry with audacious business strategy.

Official Socials

Instagram (Personal): @jacobarabo | Instagram (Brand): @jacobandco | X / Twitter (Brand): @_jacobandco

Biography Table

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Jacob Arabo (born Yakov Arabov)
Date of Birth	June 3, 1965
Place of Birth	Tashkent, Uzbek SSR, USSR
Profession	Jeweler, Watchmaker, Entrepreneur
Spouse	Angela Arabo
Children	Benjamin Arabov
Age	60 (as of 2025)
Net Worth	$50–200 million
Notable Brand	Jacob & Co
Famous Clients	Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Drake, LeBron James

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Final Thoughts

Jacob Arabo’s life is a vivid reminder that talent, ambition, and resilience can overcome even the most daunting challenges. From his early days in Tashkent to building a globally admired luxury brand, he has left an indelible mark on jewelry, watchmaking, and pop culture. His story is a celebration of creativity, audacity, and the enduring human drive to transform dreams into dazzling reality.