7 Stylish Athletes That Love to Wear Diamonds

As the US Open unfolds and with the ICC Cricket World Cup on the horizon, it’s time to take a closer look at the world’s most stylish athletes and their glorious appreciation for the finer luxuries—namely natural diamonds.

Athletes work hard and play hard. For the top athletes, their status affords them access to the crème de la crème of luxury goods, including diamond jewellery. Whether it’s classic diamond stud earrings, oversized pavé pendants or iced-out timepieces, they know how to indulge in a bit of bling.

Perhaps the secret to their impressive achievements are the precious diamonds they sport when they’re competing? We may never know but when you belong to the elite club of being the G.O.A.T. of your sport, a rare stone is a seemingly appropriate collectible to flaunt.

1. Serena-Williams: Tennis Superstar’s Diamond Adoration

Serena Williams’ serve isn’t the only impressive thing about the tennis superstar’s game. Not one to shy away from making a statement on the court (as evident in her eye-catching Nike ensembles), she definitely knows how to jazz up her match day outfit with her preferred diamonds. Of course, there’s her spectacular three-stone oval engagement ring and the accompanying v-shaped band, but there are plenty of other pieces in rotation. At the Australian Open this past February, she wore a pavé chain link necklace and hoops with her color block catsuit.

As a longtime ambassador for Audemars Piguet, Williams frequently dons the Swiss brand’s watches, including variations of the Royal Oak Offshore. And enthusiasts can’t forget the heavily spiked Diamond Outrage bracelet watch she wore to the 2017 Met Gala.

Eagle-eyed fans may also notice that she is rarely without a heart jewellery piece when she plays, whether it be at Wimbledon or on home turf at the U.S. Open. From open heart motifs to charms and even a heart-shaped gem, it appears to be a lucky talisman of sorts. In fact, Williams loves baubles so much she has her own line of fine jewellery. You might not possess her skills, but you can adapt her style with the pavé “Queen” Message Necklace or Signature Heart Necklace. And, in case you were wondering, there is indeed a tennis bracelet in the collection.

2. Hardik Pandya: Cricket’s Dazzling Icon with an Affinity for Diamonds

Known not just for his cricketing prowess on the field but also for his flamboyant lifestyle, Hardik Pandya has attained some serious fashion cred to his name. The Gujarat Titan’s skipper hasn’t shied away from his love for bling and owns two exquisite pendants that beautifully bring together his two loves: sports and diamonds. One pendant takes the form of a cricket bat, while the other gleams as a cricket ball-shaped diamond pendant. Pandya often makes headlines for his bold sartorial choices, and is often seen blending sophistication with street-style chic. His wardrobe effortlessly transitions from Hawaiian-printed cord sets to sequinned jackets and logomania slides, showcasing his fashion-forward sensibility. But what truly sets his style apart is his exceptional dedication to accessorizing. His jewellery staples include a plethora of natural diamonds featuring iconic diamond studs, bold necklaces, and timepieces adorned with dazzling diamonds.

3. Neymar Jr.: Brazil’s Stylish Forward and His Signature Ear Stacks

He may not have taken home the Copa America title for his home country this summer, but Neymar Jr. isn’t lacking any hardware. The Brazilian forward has a knack for stylish ear stacks—effortlessly mixing diamond studs, diamond huggies of varying widths (sometimes with charms), pavé ear cuffs and cartilage earrings—and often wears them with his uniform during the pre-kickoff warmup.

While that has no doubt become his signature, he also likes to rock shiny tennis necklaces and thick pavé bands with his street style looks.

4. LeBron James: The NBA Dominator’s ‘More is More’ jewellery Mantra

There’s no shortage of dapper men in the NBA but one reigns supreme: LeBron James. The L.A. Lakers forward dominates on the court and the same can be said for his off-duty style. While he seamlessly navigates between streetwear and suits, his jewellery mantra can only be described as “more is more.” Besides his championship rings, James is often spotted in flashy layered stacks and an eye-catching Audemars Piguet watch. Cartier’s diamond Love and Juste en Clou bracelets also get major play time on his wrist.

The King appreciates a statement neck look, whether it be a chunky hero piece like his diamond-encrusted crown necklace, blingy lion pendants, or layered tennis necklaces and chains (in fact, rapper 2 Chainz gifted James one of his personal diamond necklaces after the baller broke a scoring record in 2019). It certainly helps when you’re one of the top-earning players in the league. And the jewels don’t stop there! LeBron isn’t afraid to rock a diamond grill, either. When it comes to jewellery inspiration for men, look no further than LeBron.

5. Ishan Kishan: Indian Cricket’s Rising Star with a Diamond Obsession

This emerging sensation of Indian cricket has been captivating audiences not only with his stellar performances but also his penchant for exquisite diamond jewellery. As the most expensive acquisition in last year’s IPL draft, he unapologetically embraces the world of opulence, and natural diamonds clearly hold a special place in his heart. Whether on the cricket-field or off-duty, signature diamond-studded hoops are a sartorial mainstay for this left-handed batsman. If his love for bling doesn’t end there as he also has an affinity for chunky eye-catching rings and layered necklaces. . As the most expensive acquisition in last year’s IPL draft, he unapologetically embraces the world of opulence, and natural diamonds clearly hold a special place in his heart. Whether on the cricket-field or off-duty, signature diamond-studded hoops are a sartorial mainstay for this left-handed batsman. If his love for bling doesn’t end there as he also has an affinity for chunky eye-catching rings and layered necklaces.

6. Simone Biles: Gymnastics Champion Turning Heads with Diamonds

Much has been said about Simone Biles’ jaw-dropping vaults, but let’s take a beat to talk about her style evolution. The most decorated American gymnast, who is gunning for more wins at the Tokyo Olympics, has her gold, silver, and bronze but she’s quickly racking up diamonds and recognition as a stylish athlete as well.

To complement her bedazzled leotards, Biles accents her multiple piercings with diamond studs, bringing additional wattage to her floor routine. Not one to settle for the bare minimum, in February 2020 she shared an Instagram post with what appeared to be an edgy diamond sternum piercing on her chest. Just when we thought the champ couldn’t get any sparklier…

7. Paul Pogba: Football’s Fashion Icon and His Dazzling Bling

When talking about football (or soccer for Americans) and fashion, Paul Pogba’s name inevitably comes up. The French midfielder, who currently plays for Manchester United, is known for being a stylish athlete on and off the pitch. A penchant for splashy prints and colorful streetwear is further amplified with his go-to bling. Double initial studs often decorate his ears (and complement his cool hairstyles), while pavé Cartier Juste en Clou and Love bracelets and rings also feature prominently. And the diamond necklaces can’t be ignored—the drip includes some pretty dazzling strands and a playful Pikachu pendant to keep things interesting. With his upcoming Amazon documentary series “The Pogmentary” set for release next year, we expect there will be more than a few sparkling cameos.