A-list jeweller whose clients include Nicki Minaj, Usher robbed at gunpoint of estimated $1.54M chain in NYC Diamond District
A celebrity jeweller who has worked with stars like Ice Spice, Nicki Minaj and Usher was held at gunpoint and robbed of an estimated $1.54 million in jewellery in Manhattan’s Diamond District overnight Thursday, police and sources said.
Benny Nisanov, who operates under the name Benny Da Jeweler, was with a client at his pop-up shop on West 47th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Ave, reports the New York Post.
The incident occurred at approximately 1:30am when two individuals forcibly entered, brandishing firearms and issuing threats of violence, as reported by law enforcement officials and police sources.
The robbers looted a single chain — itself valued at $1.54 million — from a display case before running out and into a black sedan, cops and police sources said.
The getaway car, possibly a Mercedes, was last seen heading west, police said.
Bling from Benny Jewels by Benny have been seen on music industry bigs and rappers such as Sean Diddy Combs, Mary J. Blige, Pop Smoke and Lil Tjay, according to Nisanov’s business website.
Benny Nisanov operates under the name “Benny Da Jeweler.” Picture: @bennydajeweler
The A-list jeweller’s Instagram account also features a wide array of stars donning his wares, including Ice Spice, Usher and Nicki Minaj.
Nisanov, 33, was spotted at the World’s Largest Jewelry Exchange commiserating with pals on Thursday afternoon, but did not want to comment.
“He has a lot of celebrity clients,” one neighbouring bling salesman told The Post, adding that Nisanov is “a family man.”
Another jeweller, named Leo, told The Post he heard from other people that a prospective customer had called Nisanov in the middle of the night to buy jewellery, and he opened the store for them.
Benny Da Jeweler, who has worked with Ice Spice, Nicki Minaj, Usher, Sean Diddy Combs, Mary J. Blige, Pop Smoke and Lil Tjaywas held at gunpoint and robbed of an estimated $1.54 million in jewellery in Manhattan’s Diamond District. Picture: @bennydajeweler
There’s speculation that it was a set-up, but Leo, who said he was friends with Nisanov but had not yet spoken to him following the incident, didn’t know for sure.
“I’m assuming maybe when the customer came in that they set him up. Who really wants to shop at one o’clock in the morning unless they work at Grand Central all day and they have to go in the middle of the night,” he said.
He also believed Nisanov’s consistent posting on Instagram might have made him an easy target for robbers.
The store offers custom necklaces, pendants and bracelets that the jeweller vows are designed to be “unique, durable and attractive,” according to the business website.
The jeweller also has high-end watches in stock from companies like Rolex, Richard Mille, Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe.
“We treat our customers with the honesty and respect they deserve. We want clients to feel the same pride when wearing the pieces from our store that we do in making them,” the site states.
Nisanov also did not return messages sent to him and his business.
Police did not provide information on any suspects Thursday.
SOURCE: NEWS.COM