In a country with a high level of consumerism, its no surprise that jewellery has become a big part of basketball over the years. Although it is often reduced to its flashy aspects, jewellery is an art form and a way of expressing yourself. From championship rings, to NBA rules determining style, lets dive into the relationship between jewellery and basketball.
Jewellery On The Court
Although it wasn’t a common practice, throughout the 60’s and 70’s players would often be seen wearing jewellery on the court. One example is Nate Thurmond who can be seen wearing two gold chains during a game below (maybe that’s where 2Chainz got his inspiration from). However, in the 1980/81 season wearing jewellery in games was officially banned by the NBA. It remained a big part of basketball culture and even Michael Jordan was seen wearing chains at the 1985 Dunk Contest (but more on him later).
Championship Ring
Since its inception in 1947, the championship ring has held a significant place in the NBA, regarded by many players as the ultimate symbol of victory. Each year, the winning team is presented with their rings during the opening game of the new season. Jason of Beverly Hills stands out as one of the notable jewellers who has crafted these pieces over the years. In the past, championship rings were typically $20k but every year they have got bigger and better, with the most recent rings costing $100k+ just to make.
In the past few years NBA Championship rings have fetched high prices at auction. Starting with Bill Russells, 1957 Celtics ring which sold for $705,000 in 2021. More recently, Kobe Bryant’s 2000 championship ring was sold for $927,200 in 2024. Kobe’s parents received a lot of backlash online for selling his NBA memrobilia after his death. This was exacerbated by the fact that Kobe sued his parents for attempting to sell his memorabilia but they have decided to do so after his passing. Nevertheless, these high prices not only show the importance of the rings to players but also to fans.
NBA Players and their personal jewellery collections
Since jewellery was banned from being worn on the court, it became a big part of players personas off the court. Lets get into the jewellery collection of current and retired players.
Allen Iverson
Although jewellery has always been a big part of the NBA, there was one man who changed the whole landscape of the jewellery in the sport, Allen Iverson. If you know AI then you know he was fly.
While Iverson faced criticism from the media for various personal issues, it was his swagger and charisma that truly set him apart. He embraced a hip-hop-inspired fashion sense, often wearing with bold chains, cross pendants and diamond watches such as the Jacob and Co Five Time Zone watch. His appearance was both admired and criticized, with some describing him as “thuggish” or “ungentlemanly” while others saw him as their hero. In an interview he stated “Puff was my guy when it came to the jewelry and the flash … I wanted to be young, rich, and fly like Puff.”
Allen Iverson relationship with jewellery did not end with wearing it alone. In the 2000’s off season he started rapping under the name Jewels intending to release a mixtape. However, snippets of his tracks stirred controversy due to their homophobic, sexist, and violent content, leading to the project’s cancellation.
Iverson’s expression through flamboyant style and extravagant jewellery came to an end with the NBA’s implementation of the dress code rule in 2004. According to the NBA commissioner David Stern, the rule was actually implemented because of Steve Nash because he didn’t like the way he dressed. However, in the court of public opinion, everyone thought it was targeted A.I and the rule became known as the “Allen Iverson Rule”.
Despite his cultural impact, Iverson’s relationship with jewellery wasn’t without its difficulties. Legal troubles arose in 2010 when he faced a lawsuit from a jeweller over an unpaid debt. After ignoring the $386,000 bill he was ordered to pay back $860,000.
Iverson’s legacy in shaping NBA fashion and providing a platform for self-expression through jewellery remains undeniable. His embrace of personal style paved the way for future generations to be free.
Magic Johnson
However, Iverson was not the NBA player who had legal troubles because of jewellery but this time Magic Johnson was on the other side. In 2016, Johnson borrowed $850k worth of jewellery for his wife to wear on their 25th year anniversary. He paid $250k as a deposit and returned the pieces back in perfect condition. After fulfilling his end of the deal, the jeweller did not return his deposit so he pursued legal action.
Interestingly, in an interview with Oprah Winfrey Johnson’s revealed that he has never worn any of his five championship rings. When he was young, his family bought him a watch in junior high which he lost. Since that day he decided he would never wear jewellery again.
Michael Jordan
In contrast to Magic Johnson’s, his friend and USA teammate Michael Jordan epitomizes luxury in his lifestyle. While Jordan was mainly known for his fleet of cars and extravagant wardrobe, his jewellery collection is also iconic.
Where Iverson was known for his giant diamond stud earrings, Jordan was often seen wearing two hoop earrings which became synonymous with him. However in his playing days, flamboyant jewellery pieces had not yet caught on. Instead, Jordan had and still has an impressive watch collection. In a photograph alongside Magic Johnson, Jordan is seen wearing an 18k gold Rolex Day Date, a timepiece synonymous with the TV show character Tony Soprano.
But the most interesting watch in his collection is this Ulysse Nardin Royal Blue Mystery Tourbillon. The watch features a Tourbuillon complication and is set with over 500 diamonds. But thats not the best part of it. The watch was limited to only 30 pieces costing a whopping $1.1 million. However, this timepiece does not seem to be appreciated by watch fans and has been listed on the grey market for $200,000.
Lebron James
In the ongoing debate over basketball’s G.O.A.T, the conversation centres around Michael Jordan and LeBron James. However, when it comes to jewelry, LeBron unquestionably wins that debate. His collection includes too many pieces to mention but here are a few iconic pieces he own:
Shaquille Oneal’s Audemars Piguet
Shaquille O’Neal, known not only for his towering stature but also for his diverse ventures, holds a unique distinction among celebrities. In 2007, O’Neal collaborated with luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet to produce a limited edition AP Royal Oak Offshore. Today they watch can be found on the grey market between $20,000 to $30,000 dollars.
But that’s enough of the old guys, lets get onto some of the young talent in the NBA.
Ja Morant
Starting off with the notorious Ja Morant. Many say he’s a part time gangster rapper and part time basketballer so its no surprise that he’s got some insane jewellery pieces with most of his iconic pieces crafted by popular US jewellers Icebox.
His collection includes a set of black and white diamond jewellery. He boasts a “12” pendant with a matching fully flooded Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and diamond bracelet.
But Ja’s affinity for black diamonds does not end there. Following the launch of his signature basketball shoes, the Ja 1s, Nike commissioned Icebox to create another set. This piece features Morant’s logo, set with black and white diamonds accompanied by his shoes with diamond swoosh. In recent years black diamonds have lost popularity, however it seems that Morant is bringing it back.
Victor Wembenyama
Even amidst superstardom, Victor Wembanyama exemplifies how jewellery doesn’t always have to break the bank. At the 2023 NBA Draft he wore a green Louis Vuitton Suit head to toe. In contrast to the extravagant jewellery of his peers, Wembanyama opted for something modest. His pendant featured a bismuth stone, which typically costs between $3 to $14 per pound. Even at its low price, the pendant added the perfect touch to his “alien” like outfit.
Amen and Ausar Thompson
And lastly, staying on the theme of affordable luxury, Amen and Ausar Thompson. For the 2023 Draft, the brothers partnered the official Timekeeper of the NBA, Tissot. The brand are well known for their PRX watch and creating quality but affordable timepieces. The Thompson brothers are one of five twins in the NBA standing out in the draft being 4th and 5th pick. Both twins have a bright future ahead of them, it will be interesting to see what the future holds not only for their NBA Career but with jewellery.