He is a man of many transformations. From an athlete to a Hollywood producer, from a DJ to a jeweler for world-class stars, his life path is filled with unexpected turns, perseverance, and the ability to turn failures into victories. Ben has worked with Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, and Missy Elliott, creating unique pieces for Tyler, the Creator, Lil Uzi Vert, Drake, and even the legendary Michael Jackson. His famous works have graced the Met Gala red carpets, and one of his masterpieces—a Kaws-style diamond astronaut on a diamond chain—was valued at over a million dollars. His journey is a story of ambition, persistence, and the ability to change the rules of the game. Baller has become a symbol of a new era of the American dream. Read more on i-los-angeles.
From Producer to Jeweler
Ben was born into a family with strict rules. His father, a UCLA professor, had high standards, and Ben’s brother scored 1580 on his SATs at age 14. When he missed a single point, his father beat him. This controlling home environment forged an unwavering determination in Ben, a drive to prove his own worth and find his own path in life. Despite conflicts with his father and early brushes with the law, Ben found his footing in sports, playing football and basketball. This earned him a scholarship to college.
After finishing school, Ben pursued a career in Hollywood. He worked as an assistant on film sets, and his first break came at the Roxbury nightclub when he filled in for a DJ who didn’t show up. This gave him the opportunity to work with prominent people in show business, including the Wayans Brothers, Sylvester Stallone, and Denzel Washington. Ben eventually became Dr. Dre’s assistant, worked at Priority Records, and was influential in the signing of Jay-Z’s debut album, “Reasonable Doubt.” He was also involved in projects with Missy Elliott and Tupac, but the business side of the music industry disillusioned him, as many talented artists lost the rights to their work due to unfair contracts.
After his music career, Ben got into collecting sneakers and built a business selling rare models. In 2004, he sold his collection on eBay for $2.9 million. This financial success allowed him to travel the world, find himself, and look for new business opportunities. He eventually realized he wanted a business where the property and inventory would be part of his assets. That’s why he returned to the family trade: the jewelry business, which his family had been developing for over 35 years. His uncle was in the jewelry business long before Ben became famous, and it was he who passed down not only the techniques but also the philosophy of the craft to the younger generation. His family went through the hardships of immigration, conflicts, and successes, but this only hardened his character. Ben himself believes that a legacy isn’t just about continuing the business, but about transforming it into something greater than the founder ever dreamed of.
The Jewelry Business
He began creating exclusive diamond jewelry for clients in the entertainment world. His first significant sale came through an acquaintance with Mariah Carey’s boyfriend, who allowed Ben to make a piece for the singer. Ben’s jewelry became true works of art with unique designs and diamond settings. Ben Baller doesn’t just create jewelry; he builds a mythology around each piece. His clients include global icons, from Drake to Frank Ocean. For Michael Jackson, he crafted the legendary diamond-studded buckle. Baller himself has repeatedly said that he doesn’t aspire to be “just another hip-hop jeweler”—he wants to create timeless pieces, art that will outlast trends.
His signature style is a blend of aggressive street aesthetics and jewelry perfection. The sparkle of diamonds in his work is not just decoration but a symbol of status, victory, and identity.
In addition to jewelry, Baller creates luxury household items that have become collector’s items. His “gold mini-fridge” with the BB logo sold out in 60 seconds on the NTWRK platform, generating $100,000 in revenue. He previously released a money counter that became a sensation in the street culture world. In collaboration with Rémy Martin, Baller created a set of gold keys to the cities of Atlanta and Los Angeles—a symbolic gesture for those who are proud of their origins.
Baller presented one of his collections not just on the ground, but in the clouds. Guests flew to Las Vegas on a private jet adorned with “Captain Morgan x Ben Baller: Captain On Ice” branding. Inside the cabin, they were greeted with custom rum bottles and culinary delicacies. A key moment of intrigue was the presentation of four custom, diamond-adorned chains inspired by Captain Morgan’s signature rum. The most striking piece was a pendant featuring a pirate silhouette “standing” on a soccer ball. A unique detail of the pendant was the movable ball, which could be spun with a light touch. Upon arrival in Vegas, guests attended a party where the new piece was officially unveiled amidst ice sculptures and frozen images of the jeweler and his family. Guests enjoyed the luxurious atmosphere.
Artistic Collaborations
Some of Ben’s most famous projects include collaborations with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami and musician Kid Cudi. Their joint jewelry pieces, created before it was trendy, combined pop art and jewelry making into a unique symbiosis.
His work has inspired a new wave of designers, and his style has become the standard to emulate in the Instagram era. But Ben himself isn’t looking for competition—he sees himself as a mentor, paving the way for others.
Ben isn’t just a jeweler. His “Behind The Baller” podcast is one of the top business podcasts in the world, and his own line of collectible baseball cards with Topps has generated over $25 million in sales. He creates capsule collections for the Lakers and Dodgers, collaborates with New Era, and is preparing large-scale NFT projects. His credo is simple: every day, you have to be better than you were yesterday. Baller doesn’t chase trends—he sets them.
Ben Baller is a phenomenon who has transcended the boundaries of his craft. His story is not just about diamonds, but about strength of spirit, family, self-respect, and the ability to reinvent oneself. He has made jewelry a part of pop culture, his own life a brand, and his personal credo an inspiration for millions.
Personal Life
Ben is not only a master of business but also a family man who strives to be present in his children’s lives. After the hardships he endured in childhood and the conflicts with his father, he decided not to repeat those mistakes and is actively involved in raising his three children. He believes that time with family is more valuable than any material achievement. His life philosophy is based on a balance between work, personal interests, and caring for loved ones.
Ben Baller is an example of someone who can reinvent himself, overcome failure, and build his own brand from scratch. He not only creates unique jewelry but also sets new standards in the world of jewelry design. His life experience spans sports, music, Hollywood, business, and family values. He shows that true greatness lies not just in wealth or fame, but in the ability to stay true to oneself, seek new horizons, and make the world brighter through one’s art.