Lil Baby has become the latest rapper to purchase fake jewelry from after-market jewelers. Earlier this week, rapper Lil Durk took to Twitter to warn others of jewelers ripping off clients. Just as Durk announced his run-in with jewelry scammers, Lil Baby was next on the list. Lil Baby purchased what he was told was a Patek Phillippe 40th Anniversary Nautilus. Valued at $625,000, the purchase price of $400,000 raised concerns of jewelry appraisers.
On its 40th anniversary, Patek made specific upgrades to commemorate the original piece by launching the 5711/1P in a 44.05 millimeter-wide, all-platinum case. The 1976 version featured a metal case. In return, this advancement skyrocketed the value of the watch. Can you blame Baby for his attraction to this limited edition timepiece?
Unfortunately, this is not the first time Lil Baby has been a catalyst for exposing the fakes. After the release of his sophomore album “My Turn,” Lil Baby purchased chains for friends. Following the reveal of the chain, Wal-Mart simultaneously released an identical chain that third-party market sellers had produced. Lil Baby made comments directed at the wholesale chain. In addition, Wal-Mart became a target for celebrities announcing their sale of knock-off items. However, knock-off products still find their way onto the shelves.
Lil Baby took to Instagram saying, “…see this why I need to be on the list!! After-market jewelers going to me do some I shouldn’t be doing.” Let’s hope he can recuperate the money spent and gain traction on spotting fake jewelry. Let us know what you think on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook: @FMHipHop.
Written by Antoinette Ford
