Jacob Arabo’s childhood passion has grown into a globally known jewellery brand. His extravagant designs are worn by the people who have unique style and taste. Jacob, design maverick himself, shares his journey with Kavita Parab.

His name spells lavishness, iconic. Despite his jewellery price being skyhigh, he has ardent list of dedicated patrons. That’s none other than, Jacob Arabo, brain behind some of the breathtaking pieces of jewellery and timepieces. The list of his A-list clients is unending and so is the celebrity adoration that the brand has earned over the years. Talking about the secret behind the immense fame that the brand has garnered in over 25 years, Jacob points out “From the very beginning of my career in jewellery, I have leaned away from what many consider the norm in favour of powerful pieces that stand out. This is what has differentiated Jacob & Co. from other brands, and is what has made the company successful. Following your own creative vision is very important, and is a lesson that I am grateful to have learned early on.”

Early Days
Jacob started designing jewellery when he was 16 years old after his family immigrated to New York from Russia. About finding his true calling in jewellery, the designer says “I had found my passion for jewellery design by age 16, when I began attending a jeweller’s trade school in Brooklyn. After finishing the course, I took a job in a local wholesale jewellery factory. The job was very repetitive, and I wanted to start creating my own pieces, which is where the business stemmed from.” By 17, he had started his own business and was selling his designs.

But his biggest achievement according to him is opening of his first brick and mortar store in the Diamond District at the age of 21. “Now, thirty years later, I view each and every piece as an achievement, but one that can be built upon,” adds the ace designer.

Design Inspirations & Creations
His designs are loved and adored by many. There is novelty in each and every piece that he designs. So, what inspires him to design?

Jacob is not from the league of designers whose designs are only for runway or for display windows in luxury/art galleries. His are the functional pieces. “My largest source of inspiration comes from my clients, but my surroundings constantly inspire me as well. The most difficult aspect of the creation process is functionality, and ensuring that each piece is as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing,” he declares.

Talking about his latest collection, Jacob says “Most of the time, I will have an idea for a design and then work with my creative team and craftsmen to find a way to make the final piece a reality. The Cerastes collection, which launched at Baselworld this year, was a very unique collection to work on in terms of materials, but the final creation was in many ways even more interesting than my initial idea.”

A creature of Greek legend, the Cersastes is the most flexible of all serpents, a slithering symbol from the ages embodying seductive charms and alluring danger

Jacob & Co. offers two jeweled interpretations of one of the most exotic and dangerous of nature’s vipers. The Gold and Snakeskin necklace and bracelet twists sensually around the body like the serpent that guards the mythical tree of life and immortality, featured in many cultures’ mythology.

Talking about his most unique jewellery piece, Jacob says “Every piece poses different challenges in terms of finding the right setting, the right stones to match, functionality, etc. One of the most unique pieces, I have worked on is the Bolero jacket from the Rare Touch Collection. There are so many elements that went into this piece and a lot to take into consideration, but the end-result is stunning.”

Who is his favourite designer, I asked? “Baselworld is always an incredible experience, and I love getting the opportunity to see the astonishing pieces that other brands are working on. I think many of the designers and brands in jewellery push each other to continue striving further and breaking the boundaries,” says Jacob.

Adorning the Jacob & Co. Jewels
As I mentioned earlier, Jacob’s designs are worn by them who have unique personal style and taste. However, I wanted to know what kind of woman would wear his creation. To give me a clear picture of the woman who would wear his jewellery, Jacob says “I have a very eclectic clientele who wants unique creations, that cannot be found elsewhere. They love to push the boundaries of design, just as I do.” This is the passion that has earned the designer global fame and devoted A-list clients.

I further asked him about his suggestions for Indian urban woman. He says “I think the most important thing about dressing and wearing jewellery is how each makes you feel. I want my clients to feel unique and special above all. At Jacob & Co., we applaud individualistic style and strive to create pieces that are equally creative and bold.”

His designs get vast adulation from good-looking women. There must have been some who have been his muses for design inspiration. When asked, he answers “My muse is my wife, Angela. The first watch I created was titled the “Angel” after her.” However, he wishes that it would be incredible to have the U.S. president wear one of his pieces.

For him the compliment means client appreciation. He says “The best compliment I can receive is when a client appreciates the complications of a piece, and is excited about the beauty as well as technical aspects. I am very passionate about creating intricate, innovative pieces and it is overwhelming to receive such enthusiasm and energy from the client’s side.”

Preferred metals and stones
In regards to his preference for metals/stones, Jacob says “It always depends on what I am creating and my needs for the particular piece. Many times, I begin with the stone, and then design the rest of the piece around that stone, in a way that amplifies the beauty best.” However, for him the coloured diamonds are the most brilliant among stones. He adds further “I think coloured diamonds are spectacular. It is very special to work with them as they are incredibly rare but, with that said, I don’t have a clear preference. Each stone is different and spectacular in its own way.”

Unwinding
This designer is always on the move so I got curious about what must be his idea of unwinding. “Right now I am highly involved in the design process of my apartment, but I am also passionate about cars, good food, wine,” he informs. For him, there is no typical day or a schedule as it keeps changing. “I really don’t have a “typical day.” My schedule is always changing, always very action-packed. I travel quite a bit as I visit my office in Geneva at least once a month, and work very closely with my staff on all aspects of the company, so each and every day is different for me,” he adds.

Path Ahead
Jacob hopes to continue creating complicated, innovative designs that build off of the past thirty years. This year, the brand is celebrating thirty years, and they have recently launched a second flagship boutique in Dubai. For him, it’s always about designs for the future. He says “We are always thinking about and working on the next pieces and collections to come!”

So if one intends to take the same path that he has then he has few words of advice for the aspiring designers “My biggest piece of advice to aspiring designers is to follow your passion and trust your instinct. Each person must find their own way and it is not always a paved path, but to be persistent and pursue your vision.”

Words of wisdom
As I wrapped up the conversation, the designer had interesting words to say. He says “If you don’t take risks, you will never know what you can achieve.”

Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Lawrence, Rihanna, Miranda Kerr, Jennifer Lopez and the list of his A-list female clients goes on. And mind you, it is not just females but among the male stars Pharrell Williams and Jay Z, too, have opted for his designs. “It is always surreal, but over the years these clients have become close friends to me. I take pride in designing the types of rare, unique pieces that they are looking for,” says the master designer.

For him the compliment means client appreciation. He says “The best compliment I can receive is when a client appreciates the complications of a piece, and is excited about the beauty as well as technical aspects. I am very passionate about creating intricate, innovative pieces and it is overwhelming to receive such enthusiasm and energy from the client’s side.”

Preferred metals and stones
In regards to his preference for metals/stones, Jacob says “It always depends on what I am creating and my needs for the particular piece. Many times, I begin with the stone, and then design the rest of the piece around that stone, in a way that amplifies the beauty best.” However, for him the coloured diamonds are the most brilliant among stones. He adds further “I think coloured diamonds are spectacular. It is very special to work with them as they are incredibly rare but, with that said, I don’t have a clear preference. Each stone is different and spectacular in its own way.”

Unwinding
This designer is always on the move so I got curious about what must be his idea of unwinding. “Right now I am highly involved in the design process of my apartment, but I am also passionate about cars, good food, wine,” he informs. For him, there is no typical day or a schedule as it keeps changing. “I really don’t have a “typical day.” My schedule is always changing, always very action-packed. I travel quite a bit as I visit my office in Geneva at least once a month, and work very closely with my staff on all aspects of the company, so each and every day is different for me,” he adds.

Path Ahead
Jacob hopes to continue creating complicated, innovative designs that build off of the past thirty years. This year, the brand is celebrating thirty years, and they have recently launched a second flagship boutique in Dubai. For him, it’s always about designs for the future. He says “We are always thinking about and working on the next pieces and collections to come!”

So if one intends to take the same path that he has then he has few words of advice for the aspiring designers “My biggest piece of advice to aspiring designers is to follow your passion and trust your instinct. Each person must find their own way and it is not always a paved path, but to be persistent and pursue your vision.”

Words of wisdom
As I wrapped up the conversation, the designer had interesting words to say. He says “If you don’t take risks, you will never know what you can achieve.”