The enhancements, which took place completely in-house, included adding a backdrop plate of diamonds to the already created $40,000 cross, which Slick Rick previously purchased through Avianne & Co. The diamond backdrop addition to the 4-inch cross features round-cut diamonds. In total, the piece has more than 50 carats and uses the micro pave technique. The completed piece weighs more than 250 grams.
"We often get celebrities coming in with very specific ideas; projects that require a precise understanding of exactly what is wanted," said Joe Aranbayev of Avianne & Co. "Fortunately, our designers have proven themselves time and again to be able to turn those thoughts into custom jewelry reality."
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For Slick Rick's latest order, the professional jewelers used their in-house team to design the custom project, which took roughly three weeks to complete. The rapper's pendant, originally a cross, decorated with square princess-cut diamonds, now features a brilliant backdrop of colorless D stones.
The reverse of the diamond backdrop features Slick Rick's name on the right side and on the left, Psalm 23:4, which says, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
Always one with an eye for great extravagance, Slick Rick's project comes as a result of the rapper's desire to enhance his current set of jewelry crosses. Slick Rick personally picked up the combined piece from Avianne & Co.'s New York store.
