Why the Jeweler Behind Simone Biles' Olympics GOAT Necklace Says She'll 'Never' Make a Replica (Exclusive)
"Simone is one of a kind, and therefore, I feel the goat [necklace] should be too," Janet Heller of Janet Heller Fine Jewelry tells PEOPLE
Simone Biles' GOAT necklace made waves at the 2024 Summer Olympics, but the jeweler behind the piece says she won't be making replicas.
Janet Heller, CEO and founder of Janet Heller Fine Jewelry, tells PEOPLE that she will "never" recreate the headline-making necklace. "It is an exclusive, one-of-a-kind creation made for Simone, who is truly extraordinary," she says. "Simone is one-of-a-kind, and therefore, I feel the goat [necklace] should be too."
However, Heller adds that she "would love to create different iterations for other customers."
"Every person has a unique story, and storytelling through jewelry is my passion," she continues. "I love to convey my clients' stories through their own vision."
Located in Calabasas, Calif., Heller started her business in 2006 and is known for popular pieces like the Tricky Devil Tennis Bracelet and Diamond Stretchy Bracelets.
Related: 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 around Biles' necklace has been "overwhelming."
"I mean, thousands of people reaching out to ask us if we would make them the goat," she said.
She also told the outlet that over the year's she's made "many gorgeous pieces for many beautiful people," but that her creation for Biles is "probably the pinnacle of my career so far."
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The jeweler tells PEOPLE that 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 gymnastics powerhouse, but she is also the sweetest and most humble person," she says.
From conception to completion, Heller says the goat necklace took almost two months to create. The production phase took about five weeks.
"We hand drill and hand set each diamond and there are 546 of them, so it was a very labor intensive and time consuming task," the jeweler explains. "I have the most incredible bench jewelers and master craftsmen and they executed it perfectly."
Biles, 27, revealed the sparkling 3D goat necklace after winning the all-around final at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Thursday, August 1. The animal is in reference to Biles being called the G.O.A.T. — or Greatest of All Time — of gymnastics. She is the most decorated gymnast in history and holds the most Olympic medals of any U.S. gymnast.
Heller took to Instagram to share the details behind the custom jewelry piece.
"In the realm of gymnastics, few names resonate as profoundly as Simone Biles," begins a Tuesday, July 30, Instagram post from the brand. "...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 adorned with 546 diamonds, embodies her unparalleled status in gymnastics. Crafted with meticulous precision, this piece reflects her dedication, perseverance, and the 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.
"My goat necklace, is just kind of an ode, because the people love it and then some people hate it, so it's like the best of both worlds. And I was like, okay, if it goes well, I'll wear the goat necklace, I know people will go crazy over it," the athlete said. "But at the end of the day, it is crazy that I'm in the conversation of greatest of all time athletes, because I still think I'm Simone Biles from Spring, Texas, that loves to flip."
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