jacob & co acm-5

Jacob Arabov, better known as "Jacob The Jeweler" and the "King of Bling," was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison and fined $2 million in federal court in Detroit Wednesday. News reports indicated that Arabov was convicted of lying to federal agents about owning jewelry seized from a major cocaine trafficker.Arabov, 43, pleaded guilty in October to falsifying records andgiving false statements as part of a deal with federal prosecutors. "I feel ashamed that I broke the law of thiscountry that's been so good to me and my family," said Jacob to U.S.District Judge Avern Cohn.Arabov immigrated from Soviet Uzbekistan at 14 and built a successful New York jewelry and watch business.Eventually, he opened Jacob and Co., a Manhattan jewelry and watch store whoseclients include countless entertainers and celebrities, especially hip-hop and R&B artists.

The recent history of Jacob & Co. is arguably more interesting than their recent watches. With the brand's founder Jacob Arabov in jail, the brand's relevancy in the luxury market has more or less plummeted to irrelevancy. Especially in times like these when style, grace, and value are more important than showiness, excess, and being ostentatious. Just about dead, I assumed no life would be breathed back into the brand which defined bling until Jacob himself was free again. Suddenly I get news that Jacob & Co. will have a new COO, and that it will be Yvan Arpa - whom I've discussed many times. With his hands already full with Black Belt, Artya, and Volna, does the Swiss watch designer, and all around free thinker have the time and insight to lead the once powerful urban wealth brand? Perhaps he will usher in a new era for Jacob & Co., giving its staid image a new direction. Seen here are two new designs that I believe are products of Arpa's leadership. I admit that they are much more tasteful and held back than previous Jacob & Co. pieces, and display Arpa's signature penchant for large, interesting watch cases. Both models feature tourbillon complications and totally jewel covered cases. Interestingly enough, the name of the brand is left off the dials, in favor of subtle logos built into the tourbillon carriages. At least one thing is for sure, Jacob & Co. isn't going downmarket at all. I look forward to meeting with Mr. Arpa to learn the details of his new position at Jacob & Co, and what he has in store for the brand. Jacob & Co. could see it self in headlines once again.Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.