New Book Details Hip-Hop Fascination with Diamonds

Bling, bling, ka-ching. The quick inflow of great amounts of money created for many musicians an opportunity to flash their new found fortunes. But not since Liberace has the world of music seen such an extravagant display of flashy jewelry. A new book details this new found love for the big, the many and the glittery diamond jewelry among hip-hop musicians.

“When it comes to the world of hip-hop,” the introduction to the book says “nothing shines brighter than glorious bling.”

A symbol of success, of making it, this world of hip-hop royalty, where mega-stars from Jay-Z to J. Lo, flash brilliant rocks to signify status and express personal style. In Bling Bling, Oh takes readers inside this world, exploring the wild appetite for flashy adornment that typifies the contemporary rap scene. The book’s photos document the history and culture of rappers and their jewelry over the last 25 years.

Run DMC, Slick Rick, Ludacris andPuff Daddy are just some of the stars who share their stories about this appetite. Some feel pressured to buy the extravagant items by their peers and fans, even though they can’t afford it.

Others criticize their peers for wearing fakes and some simply brag. “If anything, the book shows the good, the bad, the ugly, and then the sad," Oh says. “They're chasing these gold dreams, but what happens when you put too much value in your chain? If you spend all your money on your ring and then you go broke? It's not an advertisement for jewelry.”