Jewelry store window in Miami, Florida showing Cuban link chains
Cuban link chain is a type of jewellery chain characterized by interlocking, uniform, and oval links that create a thick, rope-like appearance.[1][2][3] It is derived from the classic curb chain.[2] It is commonly made from precious metals such as gold, silver, or platinum and is often associated with luxury, hip-hop culture, and urban fashion.[1][4] It is a highly versatile design.[4][5] When it has a heavy, thicker appearance, it is primarily regarded as men's jewelry.[2] However, it can be used in more delicate versions in women's jewelry and can be considered unisex.[5][6] The design can also be used as bracelets and anklets.[6]
The Cuban link chain origins are not entirely clear but rose in popularity in the 1970s and 1980s.[1][2][6][7] The style is believed to have originated in the Cuban area of Miami, Florida, where it became recognized among the city's Latin and hip-hop communities.[1][2] It had a steep rise in interest in 2012 and since then continued to grow in popularity.[1][3] Over time, it gained widespread recognition as rappers, athletes, and other celebrities adopted it as a status symbol.[1][3]
Design and characteristics
Cuban link chains are distinguished by their thick, interconnected links oval links.[2] The Cuban link chain is often worn without a pendant, although one can be strung on in usually less heavy variants.[2] Oftentimes, it is fastened with a lobster clasp.[2] They are available in various thicknesses, ranging from subtle, lightweight designs to oversized, heavy chains.[1] They also have various colors such as yellow gold and rose gold.[1] The most common variations include:
Standard Cuban link chain – Features uniform, oval-shaped links with a smooth, polished finish.[8]
Miami Cuban link chain – A tighter, denser version with slightly more rounded links, considered the most iconic variation.[1]
Diamond Cuban link chain – Embedded with diamonds or other gemstones for a more extravagant appearance.[9]
LA Cuban link chain – Has thicker links and sharper filing to give a more punk style originating from Los Angeles.[10]
Production
Cuban link chains are primarily crafted from gold (yellow, white, or rose), though they can also be made from silver, platinum, or stainless steel.[2] The most common gold karats in the United States for the chains are 10K, 14K, 18K, and 22K; 10K to 14K often strikes an optimal balance of affordability, purity, and durability.[11] The chains are typically handmade or machine-crafted, with hand-crafted versions often being more expensive due to the precision and labor involved.[3][7]
The production process begins with melting gold or other materials, often mixed with other metals for durability, into a solid bar.[3] This bar is then repeatedly passed through a rolling machine to achieve the desired thickness before being drawn into a wire.[3] The wire is coiled around a rod to create individual links,[3] which are then cut, aligned, and soldered together using high heat and precise timing.[3] Afterward, the chain undergoes filing, tightening, and polishing.[3]
The cost of a Cuban link chain varies significantly based on factors such as material, weight, and craftsmanship.[7] For example, the market price of gold plays a large role in the cost of a gold Cuban link chain.[3] Simple silver or gold-plated versions can be relatively affordable ($30 USD), while solid gold and diamond-encrusted chains can range from thousands to millions of dollars.[7] Former pastor and convicted felon Lamor Whitehead was robbed at gunpoint with a $390,000 USD Cuban link chain stolen from him.[15]Gucci Mane has a Cuban link chain worth $2.5 million USD that weighs 10 kg and is composed of $300,000 USD worth of diamonds and may be the largest one ever made.[16][17]
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