< Culture & Style / Jewelry Trends
How Diamond Grillz Became a Symbol of Hip-Hop
Diamond grillz are at the intersection between individuality and hip-hop culture.
Published: January 30, 2026
Written by: Sarah Cassuto
Diamond grillz turn a smile into a statement. Grillz are removable, custom-made pieces of dental jewelry crafted in metals such as platinum or gold, often set with diamonds. A combination of fashion and flex, grillz are designed to be admired and remembered.
These shining pieces trace back to the 1980s New York hip-hop culture. What started as simple gold caps worn by rappers evolved into intricate, iced-out designs. Grillz serve as more than an accessory; they are a declaration.
Meet the Expert
- Jessenia Landrum is a GIA graduate, jewelry designer, and founder of the brand Javela. Landrum was a member of the Natural Diamond Council’s Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative (EDDI), where she honed her skills as a fine jewelry designer.
- Throughout her career, she has created custom pieces, including a necklace for Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles.
The Origins of Diamond Grillz in 1980s Hip-Hop
At the center of this revolution was Eddie Plein. Born in Suriname, Plein is widely recognized as the inventor of the modern, removable hip-hop grill. In the 1980s, he launched Famous Eddie’s Gold Teeth in New York, creating custom gold caps that attracted hip-hop royalty. Artists like Flava Flav and members of the Juice Crew turned to Plein for serious sparkle.
As the movement spread, New York and Atlanta rappers such as Raheem the Dream and Kilo Ali helped push grillz into new territories. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, designs grew bolder.
Jessenia Landrum, jewelry designer of the brand Javela, is bringing fun and individuality to modern natural diamond grillz. Inspired by the early 2000s, Landrum first learned about grillz while listening to Grillz by Nelly on the radio and the rest is history.
To Landrum, “diamond grillz represent opulence, freedom, and wealth. I learned that it became a status symbol for freed slaves who were able to create their own wealth. So that makes me especially proud to be a part of the legacy.”
Landrum met Plein at a book signing for Vikki Tobak’s book Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry, and he became her mentor, “gradually he has become like family to me and offered to teach me. For a month, I followed him around, learning the process from start to finish. From creating a teeth impression, to waxing up the mold, casting, and creating a finished piece.” Who better to learn from than “the originator of the removable grill.”
Celebrities Who Made Diamond Grillz Iconic
Today, diamond grillz remain a powerful form of self-expression and a symbol of success. They are worn by not only artists and athletes, but also style icons, like Kim Kardashian. More than jewelry, they are wearable expressions of culture, confidence, and creativity.
Quavo Wore Johnny Dang Diamond Grillz at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards
As the frontman of Migos, Quavo has made diamond grillz a signature part of his look. Working closely with celebrity jeweler Johnny Dang, he has built an extensive collection over the years. One of his most talked-about pieces debuted in 2018, a 17.5-carat baguette-cut diamond grill set using the “invisible set” technique and valued at $250,000. Other notable designs include a 16-piece emerald-cut set that resembles church windows and an open-face grill featuring baguette diamonds.
Nelly: One of the OG Diamond Grillz Trendsetters
Rapper Nelly rose to fame in the early 2000s with chart-topping hits like Hot in Herre and Dilemma, but his influence extends beyond his music. Few artists embody grill culture more authentically than the rapper behind the iconic 2005 song Grillz. Nelly is often seen sporting diamond-encrusted fangs and full bottom sets iced out with VS-quality diamonds.
A$AP Rocky Flaunted High Fashion Diamond Grillz at the 2025 Met Gala
A$AP Rocky has blurred the line between fashion and hip-hop, often incorporating grillz into his personal style. As co-chair of the 2025 Met Gala, he appeared on the red carpet wearing diamond-encrusted grillz alongside a Rihanna statue ring and a 90-carat diamond umbrella by Briony Raymond.
Jordan Chiles’ Olympic Diamond Grillz
Jordan Chiles brought extra shine to the 2024 Olympics Women’s Gymnastics Team Finals in Paris. Along with her gold medal, the U.S. gymnast showed off grillz featuring four pavé natural diamond-coated fronts and two solid gold fronts, custom-made by jeweler Jimmy Phan.
Travis Scott In 10-Carat Diamond Grillz by Johnny Dang
Travis Scott has consistently incorporated grillz into his performance looks. During Rihanna’s 2016 Anti-World tour, he wore a set featuring around 10 carats of multi-colored diamonds designed by Johnny Dang. Another design associated with the rapper is his “La Flame” grill, made with a baguette and round-cut natural diamonds set in 18K gold.
Shaboozey Wore Colorful Diamond Grillz to The 2025 Met Gala
At the 2025 Met Gala, themed “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” Shaboozey arrived wearing grillz that complemented his custom Robert Wun ensemble. The piece, created by jeweler Alligator Jesus, featured natural turquoise and diamonds.
Ja Morant Diamonds Grillz Shine Off the Court
Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant is known for his “Grizzlies” grillz, which have become part of his off-court style. The custom pieces are made from natural VS+ brilliant-cut diamonds, designed for maximum shine.
Katy Perry Roars in Diamond Grillz at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards
Katy Perry wore grillz in her Dark Horse music video, where she debuted a million-dollar set designed by celebrity dentist Dr. Bill Dorfman. She appeared at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards, where she performed her song Roar while wearing a custom grill that spelled out the song’s title.
Bad Bunny’s Grillz Were Displayed at the American Museum of Natural History
In 2023, jewelry designer Alligator Jesus created a set of grillz for Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny. The set, which was displayed at the American Museum of Natural History’s exhibition, Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry, features 14-karat white gold with sparkling diamonds and rhodium plating.
Lil Nas X Wore Custom Diamond Grillz by Alligator Jesus
Lil Nas X, the singer of country-rap hit Old Town Road, is known for elaborate custom grillz. One of his most notable pieces is a $28,000 diamond and opal set created by Alligator Jesus, as well as some fully iced-out designs.
