The love affair that rappers have with sparkly diamond rings and chunky gold chains extends beyond their extravagant music videos. Jewellery is a big part of the hip-hop culture and several rappers have invested their millions in eye-catching, custom-made pieces. The jaw-dropping price tags of these accessories make them coveted luxury items. Let’s look at the most expensive jewellery ever worn by famous rappers like Jay-Z, Pharrell Williams, and more.

Hip-hop artists in expensive jewellery give the same energy as Ariana Grande‘s I Want It, I Got It, with its viral lyrics. The chunky accessories are a symbol of luxury, and rappers have used jewellery to make a statement about their success throughout musical history. Considering some of the most famous rappers today have emerged from working-class backgrounds, it’s understandable that they have used fashion as a tool to express their upgraded social status.

The earliest images to capture rap artists and their love for sporting dazzling jewellery can be traced back to American hip-hop artist LL Cool J, who flaunted a three-finger gold ring spelling James (referencing his birth name, James Todd Smith) and a gold nugget ring in from the ’80s. Another picture of the rapper from a 1986 photoshoot further showcased him flaunting a blinged-out gold rope chain. A timeline and history of how jewellery has evolved in the world of rap is also fascinatingly recorded in a pictorial book Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History by Vikki Tobak.

In recent times, several successful rappers from 50 Cent to Eminem and more have sported accessories that are far from “demure”, as per the ongoing TikTok trend. Nevertheless, if this aesthetic interests you, check out the most expensive jewellery pieces ever worn by rappers.

Most expensive jewellery worn by rappers

The forehead diamond of Lil Uzi

Price: USD 24 million

American rapper Lil Uzi Vert (whose real name is Symere Bisil Woods) made the headlines for implanting an 11-carat pink diamond on their forehead. The rapper, who goes by the pronouns they/them, locked the diamond from jeweller Elliante & Co. collection onto the centre of their forehead. Priced at USD 24 million it is one of the most expensive jewellery items ever worn by rappers. However, the unbelievably expensive self-gift turned out to be a major hassle after fans tried to rip it out during one of the rapper’s live shows. Speaking to TMZ, Lil Uzi shared how the forehead diamond eventually became a troublesome accessory, saying, “I was performing at Rolling Loud, and I jumped into the crowd, and they just kind of ripped it out.” Fortunately, the diamond, which rivals the price of fellow rapper Travis Scott’s California mansion, still remains in the rapper’s possession.

Kendrick Lamar’s crown of thorns

 

Price: USD 3 million

Nothing symbolises power more than a crown. Long before he won the rap battle against Drake, Not Like Us singer Kendrick Lamar gave himself a rather extravagant one. Designed by Tiffany & Co., the crown of thorns is a custom piece featuring 8,000 cobblestone pave diamonds totalling 137 carats. The Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper first displayed this dazzling piece at his Glastonbury Festival performance in 2022. The headpiece not only represents luxury but is also heavy on cultural context, with the religious symbolism of the crown of thorns placed on the head of Jesus Christ. Lamar later wore this crown again in the cover art for his album Mr Morale & The Big Steppers.

Drake’s engagement ring necklace

Price: USD 13 million

Nobody celebrates the “what could’ve been” nature of relationships like Drake. One of the blingiest accessories in his jewellery collection is the lariat-style diamond necklace made by New York jeweller Alex Moss. Featuring 42 diamonds, the necklace represents each time the rapper wanted to propose but eventually didn’t. Each diamond in the necklace is cut in a variety of shapes that are popular choices for engagement rings: round, emerald, pear, and the distinctive Asscher cut.

Estimated to weigh 351.38 carats, the necklace is priced at a staggering USD 13 million. A nod to the romantic journey of the “certified lover boy”, the necklace has been named ‘Previous Engagements’ by the jeweller.

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Drake’s Homer necklace from Frank Ocean’s Homer collection

Drake owns a stunning diamond necklace from Frank Ocean’s Homer collection. (Image: Drake/Instagram)
Price: USD 2.9 million

Drake’s jewellery collection is full of diamonds of all varieties, including this iced-out, diamond-heavy pendant piece from musician Frank Ocean’s Homer collection. Only Drake can sit courtside at a Lakers game and grab more attention than the players with his sparkling accessories, given how he proudly flaunted his expensive jewels at a 2022 game. The necklace, which is priced at USD 2.9 million, is crafted with 18-carat white gold in a white rhodium plating and is adorned with thousands of brilliant-cut pavé-set white diamonds. This stunning necklace also comes with a matching bracelet, which also forms part of Drake’s exquisite jewellery collection.

Pharrell Williams’ N.E.R.D chain

Price: USD 1 million

Chains are commonly found in the wardrobes of rappers. The popularity of rapper chains reached its peak in 2005 when Pharrell Williams wore a piece that dazzled with diamonds and colourful gems. Designed by Jacob & Co., the N.E.R.D pendant sealed its place in hip-hop history as a stand-out necklace. Featuring caricatures of the whole N.E.R.D. crew consisting of Williams, Chad Hugo and Shay Haley rendered in 3D, it was also encrusted with beautiful coloured diamonds, making it an iconic piece of jewellery.

After launching his own auction house Joopiter last year, the rapper, who is also the creative director of Louis Vuitton menswear, auctioned some iconic pieces from his collection. This included the N.E.R.D necklace, which was eventually bought by fellow rapper Drake.

Rick Ross’ Face chain

Rick Ross famously owns a pendant and chain featuring a portrait of his face. (Image: Rick Ross/Facebook)

Price: USD 1.5 million

William Leonard Roberts II, better known as Rick Ross, has been an influential figure in American hip-hop. The rapper, who delivered several major hits including Purple Lamborghini from the Suicide Squad soundtrack, is known to boast an extensive jewellery collection. Among the most significant pieces owned by Ross, one particular chain that became widely popular is a massive necklace featuring a portrait of his face as a pendant. Priced at USD 1.5 million, the dazzling piece is festooned with glittering pure yellow diamonds. Exemplary of his top status in the hip-hop industry, the custom piece is crafted with immense detailing to capture his look, and is among the most expensive jewellery pieces ever worn by rappers.

Mike Jones’ Ice Age chain

The most expensive jewellery piece in rapper Mike Jones’ collection is a sparkling diamond-encrusted chain that features the words “Ice Age.” (Image: Mike Jones/Facebook)
Price: USD 1 million

Besides his impressive rapping skills, Mike Jones has also made a bold statement with his jewellery. The rapper owns a frosty diamond necklace, which has earned the moniker of the ‘Ice Age’ chain over the years. Signifying complete extravagance, the sparkling chain is crafted from white gold and features an enormous medallion plastered with the words “Ice Age” beneath a crown adorned with an eclectic array of diamonds. The million-dollar chain often features among the most iconic jewellery pieces to have emerged in hip-hop history.

50 Cent’s Panthère de Cartier ring

Price: USD 191,000

When it comes to high-end jewellery pieces, Cartier is one of the most sought-after brands; it’s no surprise that it is a part of 50 Cent’s luxury jewellery collection. Besides delivering massive hits, the hip-hop artist has also provided fashion inspiration with his cool choice of accessories, including this spectacular Panthère de Cartier ring.

One of the most expensive jewellery pieces ever worn by rappers, this Cartier ring belongs to 50 Cent. (Image: Cartier)

A signature design that is synonymous with the brand, the ring features a panther encrusted in 242 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 2.21 carats. In addition, the dazzling white gold ring is also adorned with two shiny emeralds and onyx gemstones. Aptly listed among the most expensive jewellery pieces owned by rappers, this ring costs a whopping USD 191,000.

Eminem’s signature gold chain

Price: USD 250,000 to 600,000.

Eminem’s gold chain is one of his most famous pieces of jewellery, and he has been shown to wear it on multiple occasions. According to reports, the pure gold chain weighs about 2.5 pounds and is also encrusted with diamonds and other valuable stones. While the exact price of this necklace is unknown, it is estimated to be in the range of USD 250,000 to USD 600,000. A fascinating fact about this chain is that it was a gift to Eminem from fellow rapper and role model, LL Cool J. Impressively, the chain is modelled after a similar set of neckpieces that LL wore in the I’m Bad music video.

The gold chain in Jay-Z’s collection

A signature jewellery piece from Jay-Z’s collection has been the 200-pound gold chain. (Image: Jay-Z/Facebook)
Price: USD 200,000

The richest rapper in the world is not only known to be an avid art collector; he is also a big spender on watches, and his jewellery collection isn’t far behind. His most prized possession in terms of jewellery is a heavyset gold chain which weighs a hefty 11 pounds. The solid gold chain accurately makes a strong statement in celebrating the opulence and success achieved by Jay-Z. The rapper’s fondness for sporting chunky gold chains is well documented across his past live performances. Presumably, he has a variety of options to choose from, ranging from heavy to lighter and brighter pieces. Truly an apt visual representation of Jay-Z’s stellar success as a rapper and businessman, the custom-made gold chain in his collection is valued at USD 200,000.

Of late, gold chains, even less chunky ones, have become a must-have accessory in men’s fashion. Most recently, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg aroused curiosity among netizens when he was photographed in one. Is this a trend you can get on board with?