Lynn Ban, celebrity jewelry designer and ‘Bling Empire’ star, dies at 51
Lynn Ban, the successful jewelry designer and “Bling Empire: New York” star, has died. She was 51.
Ban’s death was announced by her son in an emotional Instagram post on Wednesday.
“My mum passed away on Monday. I know she wanted to share her journey after her accident and brain surgery, so I thought she would appreciate one last post sharing the news to people who supported her,” her son Sebastian captioned a set of photos featuring himself and his mom through the years.
Ban starred alongside her husband and business partner Jett Kain on the spinoff of “Bling Empire” in 2023. The series followed wealthy Asian Americans in New York City.
The Singaporean reality star had an eponymous jewelry line that was worn by big names, including Cardi B, Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna, according to her website.
On Christmas Eve, Ban suffered a traumatic brain injury, a brain bleed following a ski accident, she shared in a Dec. 30 Instagram post. What she originally thought was simply a headache would later require an emergency craniotomy.
“There’s a long road of recovery ahead but I’m a survivor,” she said at the time, sharing a photo of the massive scar across her head. The post was her last before her son’s announcement.
Sebastian said his mom “was and always will be my best friend, the best mother to me, and someone who cared for all. She always had a smile on her face even when times were tough during her recovery process. She was a fighter until the end and is the strongest woman I know.”
Her son later added: “As a final message to my mum, I would just like to say that I will miss you forever and to end in something she always told me ‘I love you more than life itself’ mum.”
Rihanna was a frequent collaborator — Ban worked with the Bajan singer on tours, public appearances, music videos and her Fenty Puma collections.
She shared her condolences in the comments: “2025 is rocking me at this point!This is too much!!! Lynn you will always be our fairy godmother! Love you forever and always!”
Singer Kali Uchis also shared kind words.
“My deepest condolences to you & your family, your mom looks at you with so much love, pride & joy. may her soul rest in peace knowing how loved she is by you too,” she said. “Though we are all strangers to you we all admired your mom greatly & will keep you in our well intentioned wishes always.”
