Where Do Athletes Buy Jewelry?
The lifestyles of the rich and famous are, naturally, different from the ones you and I live. From the homes they live in, to the cars they drive, to the clothes they wear. Yet, perhaps, one of the most striking differences between the lifestyles of the rich and famous and that of the everyday man is just where they shop for luxury items and jewelry.
And while many people associate the lives of the rich and famous with celebrities, so too do athletes fall within that category. Often securing multi-million-dollar annual salaries, athletes tend to live lives of luxury and comfort. And when athletes look to purchase jewelry and other luxurious items, they tend to do so at more luxurious and boutique locations.
Below, we are going to look at just where do athlete buy their jewelry and other luxurious, high-end items. We will also look at just why these athletes spend so much on jewelry and other fine, high-end items and how doing so helps to establish these athletes within the upper echelons of their respective sport.
Do Professional Athletes Wear Jewelry?
Professional athletes, particularly those within the top four sports leagues, which are the NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL, are famous for their taste and sheer amount of jewelry. These athletes, famous for their skill levels and ability to play their sport, are equally as famous for their jewelry and luxury items.
Without a doubt, professional athletes within these four major sports leagues are some of the biggest spenders and purchasers of jewelry and other high-end items. As a means to cement and showcase their profiles, professional athletes will purchase expensive jewelry and can often be found wearing those items before and after a game.
Why do Athletes Buy Expensive Jewelry?
While it is difficult to definitively state just why professional athletes buy such expensive jewelry, there are a few theories which help to explain the reasoning behind such purchases.
First and foremost, many professional athletes purchase such high-end and expensive pieces of jewelry as a means to cement their having “made it” to the upper echelons of their respective sport.
In addition, for many high-profile athletes, purchasing expensive jewelry is a means and way to showcase their newfound wealth. With many NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL players being paid tens of millions of dollars in annual salary, purchasing expensive jewelry is a way for them to essentially showoff.
Similarly, for many of these athletes, purchasing expensive jewelry can be seen as a worthwhile investment. While some pieces of jewelry can depreciate after purchase, many high-end and luxurious items tend to appreciate in value over time, making them a worthy investment and one that can make financial sense.
Are Athletes Allowed to Wear Jewelry During a Game?
The rules across the four different major sporting leagues each have a different stance on jewelry and whether or not professional athletes are allowed to wear jewelry during a game. These rules mainly differ due to the differences in styles of play across the four different leagues and the impact that any piece of jewelry may have on a player.
In the NBA, no player is allowed to wear any piece of jewelry while playing in a game. As such, NBA players must remove any and all pieces of jewelry before the start of a game and the tip-off. Similarly, players in the NHL are not allowed to wear any pieces of jewelry during a game, including their wedding rings, which must be removed before the start of a game.
For NFL and MLB players, players are allowed to wear necklaces and chains during a game. However, these items must be placed beneath the players jersey and should not be hanging outside of the jersey during the game. For MLB players, chains and necklaces must not cause a reflection which can cause a disadvantage to the opposing team.
Stores Where Athletes Purchase Their Jewelry
- Louis Vuitton – Louis Vuitton is one of the premiere destinations for athletes looking to purchase high-end and expensive jewelry. A French luxury fashion house, Louis Vuitton was established in 1854 and can be frequently distinguished by its famous LV monogram. From 2006 through 2012, Louis Vuitton was named the world’s most valuable luxury brand and services many different athletes across the globe.
- Cartier – another French luxury fashion house, Cartier designs, manufactures, distributes, and sells high-end jewelry and watches. Founded in 1847, Cartier maintains its headquarters in Paris and operate over 200 stores in 125 countries. Regarded as one of the most prestigious jewelry manufacturers in the world, Cartier has been known to service athletes, celebrities, and royalty, with King Edward VII of Great Britain chiming that Cartier is, “the jeweler of kings and the king of jewelers.”
- Tiffany & Co. – Tiffany & Co., or simply Tiffany’s, is an American luxury jeweler which was founded in 1837. Known for its luxury goods and diamonds, Tiffany’s has established itself as the premiere destination for America’s rich and famous and is also the maker of the Vince Lombardi Trophy, given to the winner of the NFL’s Super Bowl. In addition, Tiffany’s has been the manufacturer of the Larry O’Brien Trophy, given to the winner of the NBA Finals.
- Harry Winston – Harry Winston is an American luxury jeweler which was founded in 1932. Founded and named after Harry Winston, often called the “king of diamonds”, Harry Winston produces some of the most prestigious and sought-after jewelry in the world.
- Piaget – a Swiss luxury watchmaker and jeweler, Piaget was founded in 1874 by Georges Piaget. Known for their luxury timepieces, Piaget is often a destination for athletes and celebrities looking to purchase luxury watches.
- Faberge – a Russian founded jewelry firm, Faberge was founded in 1842 in Saint Petersburg and was famous for designing elaborate jewel-encrusted Faberge eggs for Russian Tsars. Through multiple acquisitions, Faberge began selling more wholesale forms of jewelry and is often a destination for athletes to purchase luxury items for their wives or girlfriends.