Net Worth Ranker
What Is Jacob Arabo Net Worth’ Net Worth
Jacob Arabo, more famously known as Jacob the Jeweler, has amassed a considerable fortune through his successful jewelry business, Jacob & Co. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be $50 million. This wealth primarily stems from his ownership and operation of the high-end watch and jewelry brand that caters to a clientele of hip-hop artists, athletes, and other high-profile celebrities. His success, however, has also been shadowed by legal issues, impacting his overall financial standing.
Early Life and Career Beginnings of Jacob Arabo
Yakov Arabov, who would later become Jacob the Jeweler, was born on December 26, 1965, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Growing up as the youngest of five children and the only son, he showed an early interest in artistry. His fascination with watches began at the age of 13 when his father gifted him a world time watch. The family emigrated to the United States when Jacob was 14, settling in Forest Hills, Queens, New York. The family experienced financial strain, with his father struggling to find stable employment. To support his family and pursue his passion, Jacob enrolled in a six-month jewelry-making course but completed it in four months. Dropping out of Forest Hills High School, he took a job at a local jewelry wholesale factory, where he earned invaluable experience in crafting market jewelry pieces.
By the age of 17, Jacob was already designing his own jewelry at night, working from his bedroom after his day job at the factory. His talent was evident, drawing interest in his creations and leading him to specialize in gold jewelry. This marked the beginning of his journey toward establishing his own business.
In 1986, at the age of 21, Jacob Arabo founded Jacob & Co. This venture quickly gained recognition for its unconventional and extravagant designs. His creations attracted the attention of celebrities, particularly within the hip-hop community in New York. Notorious B.I.G. was among the first to recognize his talent and gave him the moniker “Jacob the Jeweler.” Biggie introduced Jacob to other influential artists like Jay-Z, who became customers.
Jacob & Co.’s Rise to Prominence
In the 1990s, Jacob began collaborating with entertainers on custom jewelry designs. He was one of the first jewelers to create large diamond pieces for men, setting a trend that remains popular today. His clientele expanded to 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, Jacob introduced the Five Time Zone quartz watch collection. These watches, known for their bold primary colors and multiple time zone technology, were designed for both men and women. Celebrities such as Naomi Campbell, Bono, Angela Bassett, and Derek Jeter were seen wearing these watches. The watches were highly customizable, with clients like Leonardo DiCaprio ordering unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.
In 2004, Jacob moved his operations from the Diamond District in New York to a flagship boutique located at 57th and Park Avenue, marking a significant step in the company’s growth. In 2007, he founded Jacob & Co. SA in Geneva, Switzerland, and introduced his first high-watchmaking timepiece, the Quenttin. The Quenttin was notable for being the first watch to have a vertical tourbillon and a 31-day power reserve, which was the world’s longest power reserve at the time.
In 2013, Jacob created the Epic SF24, a two-time zone watch displaying the time in 24 cities worldwide, inspired by the split-flap boards used in airports and train terminals. It was the first time this system had been used in a mechanical watch. The same year, the company released the celestial-themed Astronomia Tourbillon at Baselworld 2013. By 2016, there were 99 iterations of the Astronomia Tourbillon.
In 2019, Jacob designed the crown for the Miss World American 2019 pageant. The crown was made of 18k white gold, adorned with 164 carats of Colombian emeralds and 95 carats of diamonds. He was also invited to act as a judge at the competition.
Jacob’s creations often command high prices. He notably sold a watch called “Billionaire” to boxer Floyd Mayweather for $18 million. A less extravagant version, the “Millionaire,” sells for $6 million.
Legal Troubles and Financial Impact
Jacob Arabo’s career has been marked by legal troubles. In 2006, he was arrested and accused of conspiring to launder approximately $270 million in drug profits for the Black Mafia Family. Although the charges were eventually dropped, Jacob pleaded guilty in June 2008 to a lesser charge of falsifying records and giving false statements as part of a deal with federal prosecutors.
The judge sentenced Jacob to a 2.5-year sentence in federal prison. He was also ordered to pay a $50,000 fine and forfeit $2 million to the U.S. government. He began his sentence in 2008 and was released in April 2010. These legal issues and financial penalties impacted his overall net worth.
Personal Life and Real Estate Holdings
Jacob Arabo married his wife, Angela, who is also of Bukharian Jewish descent, at the age of 24. They have three sons: David, Benjamin, and Joey. Benjamin now works with his father in the jewelry business. Jacob and Angela live in Forest Hills, Queens, in a brick Colonial house. In March 2016, Jacob and Angela purchased a 3,500-square-foot NYC condo on Park Avenue for $16.68 million. This real estate investment is a significant component of their overall assets and contributes to Jacob Arabo Net Worth’s total.
Jacob Arabo Net Worth: Summary
Jacob Arabo Net Worth, primarily derived from Jacob & Co., is estimated at $50 million. His journey from a young immigrant with a passion for jewelry to a renowned jeweler with a celebrity clientele is a testament to his talent and business acumen. While legal issues have impacted his finances, his brand continues to thrive. His real estate holdings, including the Park Avenue condo, also contribute to his total assets. His remarkable designs and celebrity endorsements solidify Jacob Arabo Net Worth’s position as a key player in the high-end jewelry market.
