When Vaneisha Robinson bought a diamond studded pendant in the shape of LeBron James’ number 23 jersey at a yard sale four years ago, she thought it was costume jewelry.
“I used to go to high school with it around my neck, not knowing the value of it,” Robinson said.
Robinson got curious about the pendant’s value a few months ago when she noticed the diamonds were set in the same way real ones are. She took it to a local jewelry store for a once-over.
“They tested the diamonds and they told me that it was real and that I should invest in getting it certified,” Robinson said.
Robinson, 20, who is an amateur boxer, saved $200 to pay for a certified appraisal by the International Gemological Institute. The pendant she paid $5 for four years ago is worth nearly $10,000. She’s put the jewelry up for sale on eBay.
Despite the backlash caused by James’ decision to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers and play for the Miami heat, Robinson believes the pendant will sell for top dollar.
“LeBron James (sic) brand will never die out,” she said.
“If he got a ring it might go up in value. You never know.”
