In Baton Rouge, where LSU athletes make headlines with record-breaking plays and championship wins, another kind of brilliance dominates the city: Mike the Jeweler.
Known for his custom-designed, one-of-a-kind jewelry, Mike Jamali has become the trusted artisan for athletes seeking to celebrate their success in style.
From iced-out chains and diamond watches to big, chunky medallions that shimmer under stadium lights, Jamali’s creations aren’t just jewelry — they’re symbols of personal flair, ambition and achievement.
Jamali’s journey to the world of high-end custom jewelry started with a simple idea: He wanted to create pieces that spoke to people on a personal level. He got his start working at a traditional jewelry store.
He was motivated to start his own business after one of his customers requested a custom piece that eventually ended up around the neck of his cousin, who plays in the NFL. Jamali saw his jewelry on television when he was watching a game.
“I was like, you know what? If I can do that, I can make more work, more designs,” Jamali said.
Now, his work has transformed into a full-fledged brand, with a clientele list that reads like an A-list reading of LSU Athletics. He’s been making his own jewelry since 2010, but Jamali’s relationship with LSU players kickstarted after a customer started talking about his son.
“‘You know, my son plays for LSU,” Jamali remembers him saying. “His name is Ashton Stamps.”
The next day, Jamali said he and Stamps were in talks for a custom piece. In addition to a chain, Jamali designed a flashy No. 1 statement piece for him.
“I want my work to stand out. After my first custom piece for LSU, it was just like, wow, that was my work on Ashton Stamps,” he recalled.
Jamali said what sets him apart is the way he connects with his clients.
“I have such good clients, and the LSU players show me so much love, it makes me want to do more and more,” Jamali said.
Out of all the custom pieces he’s made for LSU athletes, Jamali said his favorite has got to be the one for LSU football’s Braelin Moore. He’s also designed pieces for Carius Curne and Bernard Gooden, as well as LSU baseball national champion Luis Hernandez, among others.
For Jamali, the creative process is deeply collaborative. Before a single sketch is drawn or stone is set, he sits down with his clients to discuss their dreams for the piece, the inspiration behind it and the specific diamond settings.
This attention to detail ensures that every piece is not only flashy but meaningful, whether it be big diamond chains or unique emblem pieces. His goal is to design pieces that tell a story, highlighting the person behind the chain.
To accomplish this, he has a team for just about everything. He and about 20 other people attend to every last detail, from diamond placement to final computer digitizations.
“First, they give me the design, then I computerize it, then I have to make a CAD, which is the size and length and width,” he said. “It’s like a two-to three-week process, it’s not like you give me a piece and it’s ready the next day. That’s why it’s custom.”
From trying unconventional stone placements to crafting chains that will catch the stadium light in just the right way, Jamali is obsessed with creating the next big thing. His passion doesn’t just stop at the technical side of jewelry-making, though. He genuinely cares about his clients as people, building relationships that go beyond business transactions.
Many athletes return season after season, not just for his skill but for his dedication to making them feel celebrated. Jamali often goes the extra mile for his clients by adding special engravings or unique details that only he and the player know about.
“I always try my best to get any design [for] any customer,” Jamali said. “Whatever they want, I’ll do my best.”
For LSU athletes, wearing Jamali’s jewelry is more than just a fashion statement; it’s a way of celebrating their journey, accomplishments and individuality. That’s exactly why Jamali continues to innovate and create. Every sketch made, diamond set, chain polished is an expression of his dedication to his artistry and his passion for those he provides for.
