CrimeAug 06, 2021
Customs Seizes $5.6M in Counterfeit Jewelry, WatchesWatchesSep 21, 2021
Big Lessons From the Lil Baby Watch Debacle
Gabriel Jacobs of Rafaello & Co. shares what he took away from a high-profile mistake.
Rafaello & Co. is known for selling diamond-heavy jewelry and flashy watches to celebrities. But one recent sale of a luxury watch that turned out to be a fake has damaged the jeweler's reputation. (Image courtesy of Rafaello & Co.’s Facebook page)
New York—If you can think of a rap or hip-hop star, it’s likely they’ve worn jewelry from Rafaello & Co.
From Jay-Z and Rick Ross to DJ Khaled and Swizz Beatz, the New York-based company, located in the heart of the Diamond District, is a jeweler to the stars.
However, the company garnered some negative headlines recently when one of its celebrity clientele, Atlanta-based rapper Lil Baby, took to Instagram to call the company out for selling him a fake Patek Philippe watch for $400,000.
After Lil Baby (given name Dominique Armani Jones) shared his new purchase on Instagram, an eagle-eyed watch connoisseur noticed some inconsistencies with the timepiece, posting a side-by-side comparison to show the rapper what a genuine Patek Philippe 40th Anniversary Nautilus should look like.
From Jay-Z and Rick Ross to DJ Khaled and Swizz Beatz, the New York-based company, located in the heart of the Diamond District, is a jeweler to the stars.
However, the company garnered some negative headlines recently when one of its celebrity clientele, Atlanta-based rapper Lil Baby, took to Instagram to call the company out for selling him a fake Patek Philippe watch for $400,000.
After Lil Baby (given name Dominique Armani Jones) shared his new purchase on Instagram, an eagle-eyed watch connoisseur noticed some inconsistencies with the timepiece, posting a side-by-side comparison to show the rapper what a genuine Patek Philippe 40th Anniversary Nautilus should look like.
The watch turned out to indeed be a fake, which led to a public apology from Rafaello and a full refund from the jeweler.
On Monday, National Jeweler spoke to Gabriel Jacobs, the owner of Rafaello & Co, to learn more about what happened.
The fallout from the sale was any jeweler’s worst nightmare, as direct messages poured in on Instagram accusing the company of being a fraud and selling fakes.
Jacobs said he does the processing of watches and jewelry, meaning he inspects them for authenticity himself.
After the sale, he also showed the watch to a few other dealers in the Diamond District and it turned out to be a very good fake, escaping the notice of those with lifetimes of experience.
“The movement was good,” said Jacobs, while noting that certain pieces were off upon closer inspection.
He takes full responsibility for the mistake and said he intends to have a stricter screening process in place going forward.
“I should’ve had a watch expert on site to do these things,” Jacobs said.
He advised other jewelers selling secondhand goods do the same. They should consult experts to be absolutely sure of a piece’s authenticity so they can avoid the situation he finds himself in now.
The cost to his business’ reputation has been considerable and he said he would’ve never knowingly sold a counterfeit watch.
On Monday, National Jeweler spoke to Gabriel Jacobs, the owner of Rafaello & Co, to learn more about what happened.
The fallout from the sale was any jeweler’s worst nightmare, as direct messages poured in on Instagram accusing the company of being a fraud and selling fakes.
Jacobs said he does the processing of watches and jewelry, meaning he inspects them for authenticity himself.
After the sale, he also showed the watch to a few other dealers in the Diamond District and it turned out to be a very good fake, escaping the notice of those with lifetimes of experience.
“The movement was good,” said Jacobs, while noting that certain pieces were off upon closer inspection.
He takes full responsibility for the mistake and said he intends to have a stricter screening process in place going forward.
“I should’ve had a watch expert on site to do these things,” Jacobs said.
He advised other jewelers selling secondhand goods do the same. They should consult experts to be absolutely sure of a piece’s authenticity so they can avoid the situation he finds himself in now.
The cost to his business’ reputation has been considerable and he said he would’ve never knowingly sold a counterfeit watch.
Lil Baby was a newer customer, said Jacobs, first stopping by in November 2019 to buy a Rolex.
The relationship between the two was off to a strong start, as seen in the above Instagram post from November 2019.
Jacobs loaned the rapper $3 million in jewels for the recent Met Gala, he said, including chains, a cross, a pinky ring, and a bracelet.
The watch in question was purchased via trade-ins, including jewelry and two watches from another jeweler.
The rapper was refunded in full for the fake Patek and was gifted rings valued at $50,000 to $55,000 that were being designed for him already as a token of the jeweler’s apology.
The jeweler posted a public apology on Instagram, but then took it down after friends advised Jacobs, to avoid going back and forth with the rapper, who made comments indicating he was still upset about the incident, publicly.
“He’s a good kid and he has a good head on his shoulders,” said Jacobs of the 26-year-old musician.
“I want him to accept my apology,” he said, adding that he did his best to do right by his customer once the mistake was realized.
Related stories will be right here …
The relationship between the two was off to a strong start, as seen in the above Instagram post from November 2019.
Jacobs loaned the rapper $3 million in jewels for the recent Met Gala, he said, including chains, a cross, a pinky ring, and a bracelet.
The watch in question was purchased via trade-ins, including jewelry and two watches from another jeweler.
The rapper was refunded in full for the fake Patek and was gifted rings valued at $50,000 to $55,000 that were being designed for him already as a token of the jeweler’s apology.
The jeweler posted a public apology on Instagram, but then took it down after friends advised Jacobs, to avoid going back and forth with the rapper, who made comments indicating he was still upset about the incident, publicly.
“He’s a good kid and he has a good head on his shoulders,” said Jacobs of the 26-year-old musician.
“I want him to accept my apology,” he said, adding that he did his best to do right by his customer once the mistake was realized.
More on Watches
The Latest
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Lewis Heyman on Sourcing Gemstones, Post-Retirement PlansHe retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.
TrendsJul 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: CCWW Designs’ Shell Charm NecklaceThe charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Plumb Club Elects New Board MembersThe organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up! Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGovGlobally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.
SourcingJul 17, 2025
Rio Tinto Names New CEO, Production Rises at DiavikProduction at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2025
JA to Hold Learning Workshops This FallA new slate of Learning Workshops will take place in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Georgia.
SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListThe middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.
AuctionsJul 16, 2025
Christie’s To Honor Dinh Van With ExhibitionThe auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.
IndependentsJul 16, 2025
Clyde Duneier Ushers In Fourth GenerationJake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Calls Attention to Nature’s ImpermanenceThe “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
James Avery Expands to 2 More StatesThe Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2025
Neiman Marcus Vet Joins Couture as Brand Director Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
Ben Bridge Jeweler Acquires Olympic ManufacturingIn addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Guzema Debuts First Colored Gemstone JewelryThe “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.
MajorsJul 14, 2025
Nanis Opens First StoreThe seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.
IndependentsJul 14, 2025
It’s the Summer of Love at Long’s JewelersThe New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.
SourcingJul 14, 2025
Ethical Gem Fair Heads to SeattleThe trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.
Events & AwardsJul 11, 2025
The Edge’s Annual Conference Returns in SeptemberIts sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.
CollectionsJul 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: Miseno’s ‘Arco’ EarringsFor its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.
Policies & IssuesJul 11, 2025
James Avery to Donate $1M to Texas Hill Country Relief EffortsThe jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.
TrendsJul 11, 2025
Kelly Osbourne’s Engagement Ring Is Sweet as HoneyInspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.
