The company will create memorabilia containing a polished diamond laser inscribed with an athlete’s signature, personal message and an exclusive edition number, formed into a wearable collectible. AthleteGEM™ collaborates with, Athletes, NIL Collectives, and Universities to craft natural diamond collectibles, empowering student-athletes to monetize their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL).

The purchaser will also receive a story card detailing the athlete’s journey and the significance of the diamond, as well as a digital time capsule featuring a personal message from the chosen athlete. In the first cohort, the venture has signed 100 athletes across diverse sports, including its most well-known of the set, Hugues Fabrice Zango from Burkina Faso, who holds the world indoor record in the triple jump. AthleteGEM will issue 21 diamond collectibles for each athlete. Within that group, diamonds will be available in various carat sizes to fit different budgets, White explained. 

Next month, AthleteGEM intends to release a second round of diamond mementos, featuring a new set of athletes. In phase two of the project, each purchaser will receive both a rough, uncut diamond, which symbolizes the athlete’s raw journey, as well as a polished diamond, representing refined brilliance and success, White noted. Buyers will be able to work together with their chosen athlete and designers to customize their diamonds into bespoke pendants, rings or bracelets.