Even though this type of chain is becoming increasingly popular, few people are familiar with it or how it works. The most distinctive feature of Cuban link jewelry, though it isn’t always present, is typically a circular piece that may be opened and closed like a jump ring. The precious metal Cuban link chain is one of the most expensive and well-known jewelry chains on the planet.
At Ice Storm Gems we have an impressive collection for you to browse through and select a stunning Cuban chain for yourself!
Why Are Cuban Link Chains So Expensive?
Cuban link chains have been popular among men of all ages, including famous actors from Hollywood and athletes, for a very long time. However, considering their unique qualities, their exorbitant price is reasonable. According to Business Insider, Cuban link chains cost a lot because they are considered status symbols. In actuality, they are typically crafted from solid gold, are substantial, and are intended to last a lifetime. Laie Jewelry, on the other hand, today provides more reasonably priced options made of premium materials.
What do Cuban chain link mean?
If you plan to get one, it is only logical to be aware of what you will be paying for.
The good news is that we have especially compiled a list of justifications for why the Cuban chain link is more expensive for you.
1. There are various types of Cuban chain links.
The price of an object can occasionally vary depending on its category. For instance, necklaces are often more expensive because they require more chains and more Cuban links than bracelets.
However, these aren’t the kinds we’ll be talking about.
There are two distinct Cuban link styles: the Miami Cuban Link and the Prong Link.
The traditional Miami Links have distinctive interlocking oval and circular patterns. These link fashions gained popularity in Miami and among Cubans in the 1970s and 1980s.
The second kind is the Cuban link with a prong. Its distinctive woven-squared pattern’s sharper and deeper incisions are the only thing separating its chains from Miami Cuban Links.
The prong Cuban link is the most recent fashion to gain favor.
Regarding the price difference, the chain-link design is not often the leading indicator. But which kind has the most expensive price tag? It’s Jay-11-pound Z’s Miami Cuban Chain, with a $200,000 suggested retail price!
2. You must consider the size and length.
Now, the dimensions and link of these Cuban chain link frequently influence their cost.
Cuban Chain links are generally considered versatile jewelry items due to their distinctive sizes and weights.
Since hip-hop celebrities and musicians wear their Cuban link chains to signify that they are a part of the hip-hop culture, the wearer often chooses heavier and larger Cuban link chains to display their style.
The size of the chain link changes how you look.
You can achieve the delicate, classic, and elegant look you desire by wearing thinner chain links. Cuban chain links with a thickness of less than 3 mm are typically preferred by women or men who just want a minimalistic appearance.
For instance, one of the most popular sizes of Miami Cuban link chains in the jewelry business is 2 mm.
If you like a look that is more conventional, the Cuban link 5mm chain is a suitable choice. The 5mm Miami Cuban link chain is one of the most popular sizes since it sticks out somewhat without being as obvious as any larger ones.
But you must choose larger sizes if you want to look as brilliant and certain as your favorite hip-hop star. The Cuban chain links are the ideal millimeter for you and range in width from 10 to 19 mm.
Finally, because Cuban chain links are frequently worn in enormous sizes, they are typically expensive.
This style, especially in the late 1970s and early 1980s, contributed to the development of the appearance culture, according to which the wealthier and bolder the position, the more obvious the chain.
Did you know that Gucci produced the biggest Cuban link chain ever? It held 540 carats of diamonds and weighed an amazing 10 kg.
3. The Composition of the Cuban Chain Links
The main reason why Cuban chain links are so expensive is that gold is usually coupled with them. Although various materials are regularly used to create Cuban links, yellow gold in higher karat weights is the most common.
The term “karats” refers to the thickness of gold, which ranges from 10 to 22 karats. As more gold is used, the price will rise accordingly.
The modern jewelry style for Cuban chain links is looking into other gold colors, such as white and rose-colored ones. Therefore, individuality plays a role in the product’s market expansion.
In some artistic crafts, even tri-colors and rainbow color variations are used.
4. The emotional need
The final reason for its high price is its widespread use. Although they are very expensive, individuals had continued to buy Cuban chain links since the 1970s, when they originally gained popularity in the hip-hop culture.
Compared to 45 to 50 years ago, hip-hop has become more popular. It doesn’t take much observation to notice that popular hip-hop singers primarily wear Cuban chain links as jewelry.
We can infer from the high demand for Cuban links that they are not only influenced by fashion but also by their cultural allure as a sign of wealth, success, and elegance.
5. Production methods
Machines in China, Italy, and the US create Cuban link chains sold in stores today. The most expensive, and hence the most genuine, are created by a select few Miami stores.
A single link chain could seem shockingly expensive, yet connoisseurs regard Cuban link chains as the Ferrari of gold chains. They are extremely dangerous and labor-intensive to make. Crew members melt the gold and shape it into a bar using flames that are heated to 1000 degrees. If you make a mistake, you could lose one or two fingers, and this has happened in the past.
When a gold bar is made, it must go through a rolling machine at least 12 times to get it as thin as possible. Nine jewelers work on one Cuban link chain, each undertaking their own specific task. To form the link forms, the wire is then twisted around a copper rod.
Since a jeweler can use a drill, smaller chains are generally simpler to form. However, two individuals are needed to handle the thicker portions. The most challenging and detailed part is next, and that is soldering.
The jeweler needs to achieve the ideal flame and technique balance in order to solder well and permanently close the link. Jewelers must be extremely cautious, precise, and skilled because gold is a soft metal that needs to be blended with other metals.