Chris Aire, an internationally renowned jeweler whose creations have adorned celebrities from Naomi Campbell to LeBron James, has reported a major burglary at his rented accommodation in Villefranche-sur-Mer. The Nigerian-American designer claims jewelry worth more than €1 million was stolen from a furnished tourist rental on Tuesday 6th January.
Police were called to the property on Boulevard Lazare-Settimelli around 8:30pm after Aire reported discovering the alleged theft. According to the complaint, €6,000 in cash was also taken. Investigators found no signs of forced entry at the scene.
Nice prosecutor Damien Martinelli confirmed to AFP that an investigation has been opened. “These are facts of burglary without violence,” Martinelli told AFP, adding that “the alleged damage exceeds €1 million.” The case has been assigned to Nice’s police judiciaire as a criminal investigation for aggravated theft.
“King of Bling” to the stars
Chris Aire, dubbed “The King of Bling” by the Los Angeles Times and “The Emperor of Ice” by Rolling Stone, has built a global reputation over nearly three decades in the luxury jewelry industry. Born in Nigeria in 1964, Aire moved to the United States as a teenager, initially working night shifts at fast-food restaurants while attending college in California and sleeping in his car.
After six years of apprenticeship at a Los Angeles jewelry workshop, Aire launched his eponymous brand in 1996 with just $5,000 in savings. His breakthrough came when he approached NBA star Gary Payton at a hotel, securing a $50,000 order that transformed his fledgling business.
Aire made fashion history in 2004 as the first jeweler to stage a runway show at New York Fashion Week, where supermodel Naomi Campbell closed the show wearing a $10 million diamond halter. The event cemented his reputation as a luxury designer who merges high fashion with urban culture.
A-list clientele
Aire’s client list reads like a Hollywood roll call. His creations have been worn by Angelina Jolie, Halle Berry, Will Smith, Clint Eastwood, 50 Cent, and Shaquille O’Neal, among numerous other celebrities from film, music and sports. He has partnerships with basketball stars including LeBron James and has designed pieces for major events including the Grammys.
His signature style blends precious metals—particularly his trademarked Red Gold—with diamonds and other gemstones in bold, oversized designs that helped popularize “bling” as mainstream luxury. Pieces include diamond-coated guitars, elaborate pendants, and custom commissions that can reach seven figures in value.
Aire operates boutiques in Beverly Hills and Abuja, Nigeria, and has been featured in Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Vogue, and Elle, among other publications. Despite his global success, he remains committed to ethical sourcing practices, working directly with African suppliers and insisting on conflict-free diamonds.
Investigation underway
Detectives must now verify the theft claim and determine whether the alleged burglary was opportunistic or whether perpetrators possessed specific information about Aire’s presence and the valuable jewelry he claims was stored in the apartment. The absence of forced entry raises questions about how access was gained, if the theft occurred as reported.
The alleged theft took place while the designer was staying on the Côte d’Azur during the holiday period. Villefranche-sur-Mer, located between Nice and Monaco, is a popular destination for affluent visitors drawn to its picturesque bay and proximity to the French Riviera’s luxury destinations.
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Main photo source: Wikipedia