Simone Biles’ GOAT necklace drew a lot of attention at the 2024 Summer Olympics, but the jeweler behind the piece says it won’t be making replicas.
Janet Heller, CEO and founder of Janet Heller Fine Jewelry, tells PEOPLE that she will “never” recreate the necklace that made headlines. “It’s an exclusive, one-of-a-kind creation made for Simone, which is truly extraordinary,” she says. “Simone is unique and that’s why I feel the goat [necklace] it should be too.”
However, Heller adds that she “would love to create different iterations for other customers.”
“Every person has a unique story, and telling stories through jewelry is my passion,” she continues. “I love to convey my clients’ stories through their own vision.”
Located in Calabasas, California, Heller started her business in 2006 and is known for popular pieces such as the Tricky Devil Tennis Bracelet and Diamond Stretchy Bracelets.
Simone Biles’ Sparkling Goat Necklace Is Made With 546 Diamonds — See The Stunning Piece Up Close!
Earlier this week, she told ABC7 that the frenzy surrounding Biles’ necklace was “huge.”
“I mean, thousands of people are reaching out to us asking if we would make them a goat,” she said.
She also told the outlet that she’s made “a lot of beautiful pieces for a lot of beautiful people” over the year, but that her creation for Biles is “probably the highlight of my career so far.”
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Jeweler tells PEOPLE she’s seen a “significant” increase in website sales thanks to Biles, who she says is “a gem of a human being.”
“Not only is she a gymnastic powerhouse, but she’s also the sweetest and most humble person,” he says.
From concept to completion, Heller says it took almost two months to make the goat necklace. The production phase lasted about five weeks.
Simone Biles leather necklace.
Jamie Squire/Getty
“We hand-drill and hand-set each diamond and there are 546 of them, so it was a very laborious and time-consuming task,” explains the jeweler. “I have the most amazing jewelers and craftsmen who have pulled it off perfectly.”
Biles, 27, revealed the glittering 3D goatee necklace after winning the all-around final at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Thursday, August 1. The animal refers to Biles being called the GOAT — or Greatest of All Time — of gymnastics. She is the most decorated gymnast in history and has the most Olympic medals of any American gymnast. Heller took to Instagram to share the details behind the custom jewelry.
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Simone Biles.
LOIC VENANCE/AFP via Getty
“In the realm of gymnastics, few names resonate as deeply as Simone Biles,” the brand’s Instagram post on Tuesday, July 30 begins. “…to commemorate her remarkable achievements and undeniable legacy, Simone Biles commissioned these exquisite pieces from Janet Heller Fine Jewelry.”
The caption continues: “The GOAT Necklace, a three-dimensional masterpiece encrusted with 546 diamonds, embodies her unparalleled status in gymnastics. Crafted with meticulous precision, this piece reflects her dedication, perseverance and spirit that has inspired generations.”
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After the all-around final, Biles spoke to reporters, including PEOPLE, about the meaning behind the custom piece. alone, okay, I’ll wear a goat necklace, I know people will go crazy for it,” said the athlete. “But at the end of the day, it’s crazy that I’m in the conversation with the greatest athletes of all time, because I still think I’m Simone Biles from Spring, Texas, who likes to flip.”
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Source: HIS Education