Jacob Arabo

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Jacob Arabo (a.k.a. "Jacob the Jeweler", born Jakov Arabov) is a famed Uzbek American jeweler who is owner and founder of Jacob & Company. He also claims fame to providing watches and other jewelry to hip hop artists, National Basketball Association Players, and other celebrities like Sir Elton John, Bono, and Rudy Giuliani in the United States. Arabo has been referenced in numerous hip hop songs since around 2000. In keeping with hip hop style, his works are notable for conspicuous use of gold and diamonds, among other precious materials.

Arabo's work is so well known that his name is synonymous with expensive jewelry. Arabo also makes an appearance in the fighting game, Def Jam: Fight for NY.

[edit] Legal Issues

In November 24, 2004 Cartier filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Arabo, claiming he took Cartier watches and added diamonds, then resold them without permission.

In June 2006, Arabo was arrested by the FBI on money laundering charges. He is said to have used his jewelry business to launder up to 5 million dollars in drug money for the so-called Black Mafia Family drug ring. Arabo denied all charges and was released after posting bail.