The buzz around New York Yankees right-fielder Aaron Judge has intensified this season, largely due to his new accessory: a striking gavel necklace that has drawn significant attention from fans. Known for his low-key demeanor, Judge has embraced this eye-catching piece of jewelry, which serves as a tribute to his philanthropic All Rise Foundation. While he has only shared that the necklace is a gift, sources have revealed that it was a luxurious custom piece valued at $20,000, gifted by fellow teammate Giancarlo Stanton.
The necklace, crafted from 14-karat white gold, boasts more than 12 carats of top-quality VVS-graded diamonds, accentuated by three bands of radiant amethysts. Renowned jeweler AJ Machado of AJ’s Jewelry in Miami confirmed his role in creating the piece, which showcases both skill and sentiment. Stanton, a long-time client of Machado, approached the jeweler eager to design something special for Judge, reflecting their close friendship.
Stanton and Machado undertook an extensive design process to ensure the necklace was both unique and practical enough for Judge to wear during games. The final design incorporates personal elements related to Judge’s life, including names and dates significant to him: his daughter Nora’s name and birthday, a reference to his wife Samantha, and the names of his dogs, Gus and Penny. Additionally, it features “2x” to symbolize Judge’s two MVP awards and a rose made of rose gold among the white diamonds.
After the necklace was completed, Machado delivered it to Stanton, who later confirmed that Judge was thrilled with the gift. The excitement surrounding this piece was palpable when Machado attended a Yankees game, where he noticed Judge proudly wearing the custom charm while at bat, leading to a sense of fulfillment regarding the successful collaboration.
Machado’s jewelry line has flourished since opening his Miami shop in 1992, establishing him as a go-to designer for professional athletes across multiple sports. Beyond baseball, he has built a reputation for creating pieces for clients from at least one team in every NFL franchise and nearly half of the NBA. His business has grown exponentially, with reports indicating over 500 clients from the NFL, NBA, and MLB rely on his expertise for significant custom pieces.
Recognized as one of the most influential custom designers in sports, Machado’s accolades include ESPN labeling him “the most well-connected” in the field. His work extends to creating the iconic turnover chain for the University of Miami and catering to renowned personalities, including boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. and rapper Drake, who recently commissioned a spectacular jewelry ensemble worth around $300,000. With such achievements, Machado stands as a prominent figure in the intersection of sports and luxury jewelry, particularly within the tight-knit community of professional athletes.
