If you chose to purchase a Cuban Link Chain from Dorian Chaynz list, you have made an excellent decision my friend. The Cuban link chain is one of the best pieces of creations constructed in the jewelry industry.

They are now known in the urban and metropolitan areas all around the world. Today, you will learn how to maintain the magnificence of this chain, best places to buy, how to care for them, composition and much more.

We attempt to cover everything in this post, an all-in-one segment about this type of chain. This product is amazing to us because of the history and what it represent.

Its a complicated kind of jewelry that made its way onstage to one of mainstream’s greatest music, cultural, and fashion genres in the world.

We here at Dorian Chayn, hope the article assist you just as much as it was an enjoyable journey to putting the masterpiece together.

As we explain this chain in detail, we welcome you to takes notes on this marvelous piece of jewelry, let’s go.

What is a Cuban Link Chain – History

Types of Cuban Link Chains

You have plenty options to pick from when it come to the Cuban chain that includes sterling silver, gold, platinum, diamond, Miami, or plated.

A nice Cuban link chain around your neck will have you inherit sparkling, shiny, and sometimes dripping affect once the sun hits it. Individual chains have these affects.

Your choice chain depend on your kind of style you desire to wear, and how much you are willing to spend for one. Let’s cover these types and discover where you fit in the most.

Sterling Silver Cuban Link Chain

Sterling silver Cubans chains are the most available and are achievable because the materials to make them aren’t rare as scrap metal make up plenty of silver.

Precious silver is composed of 7.5% in copper metal alloys while you’d receive pure silver metal alloy at 92.5% which is the reason for the name sterling silver. The composition makes the chain more durable and heavier.

Pure 100% silver is soft and weigh lesser than sterling.

You can check if a Silver Cuban link chain is real by locating the manufacture stamp engraved on top of the clasp or one of the oval links marked, “925”.

The jeweler usually place this information on the chain before selling it. To buy a sterling Cuban link chain is affordable since silver per ounce is $0.70 making, so the price between $180-$300.

Can you swim or take a shower in sterling silver? Sure, you can swim with sterling silver on, however, you must immediately dry your chain off with quick liquid absorbent rag as soon as possible.

Water can oxidize sterling silver when wet, and turn it dark depending on the type of composites that are inside the water.

What causes sterling silver to tarnish? Exposure to atmospheric conditions such as sulfur in the air that’ll cause the chain to turn black then eventually fill in second layer called tarnish.

Gold Cuban Link Chain

Whenever you think of a Cuban link chain, you are reminded of the gold types. Currently, the top two gold Cuban links that show prominence on the market are the yellowish(which are placed in dips) and rose color ovals that are lavish.

Surprisingly, white gold isn’t so popular among buyers of this design. There are a few ways to identify a real gold Cuban link by looking for the following; manufacturer’s “KP” stamp engraving as 14kt, 18kt, or 24kt.

Just because the stamp is not present on the chain doesn’t mean its not real, try the magnet test. Since gold cannot stick to magnets, if your links are attracted to magnets, its may be possible that your gold isn’t real.

The amount of precious metal alloy gold averages 75% and 25% standard metal alloy at 24kt. You can check here to see amounts in other karots. The basic cost for a gold Cuban link chain is $6,000 out the jewelry store.

The best gold Cuban is 10k to 18k, 22 or 24 is just heavier. Some manufacturer’s will short you karots so check them. To check the authenticity of your gold use the scratch test or use the metal alloy gun checker to examine amount of karots in gold.

Platinum Cuban Link Chain

The hip hop community is absolutely infatuated with platinum Cuban links because they are dazzling, dense, durable, rare, and represents the rich & powerful.

Platinum per gram cost you $30, and per ounce is at an all time high of $950. To afford one, you’d shell out at least $16,000. They’ve been known to run for as much as $500,000. That is a lot of platinum in ounces and grams.

Most jewelry makers and engineers despise working with platinum. Platinum Cuban links may be the least chain to be purchased because of its rarity, it’s also the most expensive to be made with the precious metal.

That alone makes it difficult for the ordinary public to acquire the chain.

Diamond Cuban Link Chain

Diamonds are those gemstones that gives off that dazzling drip affect once exposed to the sun. Once placed on a Cuban link chain necklace or bracelet the combination becomes a richer profile.

It’s definitely a sight to see diamonds bling in motion on the chain, close to magic. These chains are a bit different and special because the process to make them are unique. It requires oval link molds and several encrusted miniature diamonds.

You have 2 different types of diamonds; earthly-mined and lab grown diamonds. Earthly-mined diamonds takes major labor & a fluent capital base, therefore inefficient compared to lab grown diamonds that carries almost zero risk or casualties.

Mining diamonds is a dangerous venture, plus, some mines may be obsolete(useless)which could result to a huge financial loss due to invaluable mined spots.

One carat diamond is about $2,000 which means an encrusted diamond-cut Cuban link chain average cost is $12,300 if the chain is manufactured exclusively with sterling silver. The price increases exponentially with other precious metals.

Miami Cuban Link Chain

The Miami was the first design of its creation for the Cuban link type. The Miami is a favorite amongst the female population rather than male.

The oval links are molded and confined in its ordinary form, but assembled according to the classical design.

What is the difference between the Cuban link and Miami Cuban Link? The standard Cuban link oval is flattened, and wider while the Miami Cuban link is made more circular, thicker with a much broader appearance.

The cost for a Miami Cuban link chain is $4,000 at the least. Like most precious metals, this uniquely made chain appreciates and depreciates due to unpredictable market value.

Miami Cuban chains are expensive because it requires more precious metal alloys which explains why they appear bulkier.

Silver or Gold Plated

Those who purchase a plated Cuban link chain seeks fashion rather than value. Like so many of us, the general population save money than spend.

However, if a decent chain won’t break us, we don’t mind buying style. Gold and silver plated isn’t real metal alloys but a thin layer placed over less valuable metal alloys such as nickel and copper called, electroplating.

This method of production style makes it easier to make the Cuban link design available and affordable to the majority of the public at a reasonable price.

It’s cost-effective and increases efficiency for laborers. Jewelers charge gold and silver plated Cuban link chains cost between $40-$299 a piece.

Last but not least, majority forms of Cuban links are attractive and will be for a very long time because men project them as expressing a manliness when worn, a show of strength and power.

What Are Some Sizes of Cuban Link Chains

On occasion, men love big chains while women are more confined with a smaller type chain. Usually, men choose the 1 kilo Cuban link chain in order to make an impact in a setting; sporting events, concert, or parties.

The traditional color of choice is mainly gold for serious matters and silver is for “chill and talk” type of events or venues. Women’s fashion is diverse, and size definitely differs comparison to men sizes.

The size for women’s Cuban link chain is between 14′-16′ inches at a width of 1mm-6mm while men’s are average 20′-24′ at a width of 8mm-12mm.

Are Cuban Links Attractive?

Yes, it makes a man appear fairly virile and manly due to its connection to rappers in the hip hop industry, hence the big chain. Majority forms of Cuban links are attractive and will be for a very long time because men project them as expressing a manliness when worn, a show of strength and power.

Cuban links worn by women creates a sexiness and feminine charm. It also expresses a deepness of supporting her male counterpart which explains the choice for a more microscale sized chain.

You can shorten your Cuban links easily by using wire clippers or simply have it professionally shorten by your local jeweler who is familiar with this style of chain.

Are Cuban Links Tacky?

The stereotypical notion that Cuban links being tacky or tasteless is due to the urban community’s influence on the chain rendering it ghetto, cheap, or crass.

Strange enough, the same group of people purchasing the Cuban link would also wear Luis Viton or Gucci, both are high fashion brands. Are they labeled tacky? Nah.

The truth is, Cuban links aren’t tacky whatsoever, the style has been highly regarded by the biggest celebrities and entertainers on the earth such as Kanye West and Jay Z.

Without saying, Cuban links are not out of style because they gain so much publicity in the hip hop industry from rappers who wear them in videos and influencers who share their fashion sense with the chain through social media which draws a viral affect.

How Much Do a Cuban Link Chain Cost

A Cuban style chain can be costly and sometimes very affordable. Currently, you can own one at the standard price of $6,000 when custom-made by hand and the usage of precious metals to craft the chain.

The chain’s popularity has grew so much that generic brands of the chains are being manufactured by Asian & Uk countries. These international factories mass produce the chains using machinery rather preparing them by hand.

Dishonest jewelers are mischievous and will ultimately cheat you out of your money by fronting fake metal alloys Cuban links.

Check your local jewelry store agent’s reputation, in other words, be weary about where you purchase a Cuban link chain. Watch out for peddlers who shop chains that aren’t real.

How Much You Should Pay for a Cuban Link Chain?

Everyone, including the wealthy has a certain amount of cash in their account which holds a particular quota for recreational items. The average individual citizen should spend no more than $1,000 on a Cuban link chain necklace.

Some buyers plan gatherings, parties, concerts, or different types of events, or attempt to enter the entertainment business such as rapping.

These factors can determine how much a person pay for a chain. Important venues with professional settings would welcome a higher quality Cuban link chain that is more expensive.

Where to Buy Your First Cuban Link Chain

Stores in Miami are the original manufacturers and sellers of Cuban links from the 70s up to now. The chain’s popularity has expanded far from where it originated and jewelry stores nationally including abroad make them.

The careful craftmanship of the chain is timeless, its natural to want that general feel and energy that went into making this chain.

This means, a certain kind of jeweler has to assemble the correct team with the right kind of temperance to craft the traditional Cuban link style chain you are seeking.

Here’s how to know if you are buying from a good establishment by following these methods:

1. Learn There Reputation – You need to buy your Cuban link chain from a jewelry store who has a good reputation for producing the traditional oval link poise which created that unique appeal. Several available websites such as Yelp, or Google reviews reveal customer recommendations and 1-5 star rate reviews per company, with “5” being the best rating. Customers leave feedback and experiences about different companies they’ve visited. Consider the advice left on these websites.
2.  Do The Company Have A Team – A lot of energy is put forward to crafting a Cuban link chain of any kind. Do your due diligence, research how many employees would be working on your chain. The usual number is around 8 people. The idea is to ease your comfort level and theirs as well to become more acquainted. If this company consist of one guy running a company to make your chain, I’d be weary of the establishment’s legitimacy.  Remember, you are spending thousands of dollars for a chain as a customer.
3. Ask About Composition & Legitimate Pure Precious Alloys – Companies purchase different type of metal alloys from those who manufacture and process them. Silver has the stamp, “925 sterling” and gold has the “KT” or “KP” stamp branded somewhere on the oval link. If you fail to locate the stamp, look near the clamp area. Inquire paperwork on the chain from the maker, this may reveal composition details on where the pure metal materials were manufactured. Jewelers probably won’t display every secret or detail, but some wouldn’t mind filling in a few questions you have.

With so many places to get a chain, the options are almost endless. Here’s a list of places where you can purchase a Cuban link chain that has good notoriety for crafting genuine Cuban links:

• Frost NYC
• Jaxxon
• The Gold Gods
• Las Villas Jewelry
• Shyne Jewelers 
• Johnny Dang & Co
• Avianne and Co
• CRM Jewelers

How to Take Care of Your Cuban Link Chain

You enjoy the flash and massive attention your chain attracts, and you wish to continue that positive reaction. The last thing you want your chain to do is dull and look bland overtime.

Want to prolong that sparkle effect from your chain for years to come? Of course you do.

There are a couple of ways to keep your Cuban links in familiar shape and sustain that freshness to how it was purchased. Like everyone else, you desire to retain a brand spanking new appearance and this can be preserved if done correctly.

Depending on how often you plan to wear the chain will determine how much more attention is required for you to clean your chain.

If you put on your chain frequently, it must be cleaned bi-weekly as oil and dirt build from the skin around your neck area will stain the chain.

When you attend to your Cuban chain, each oval link must be maintained individually.  In order to take care of your Cuban link chain, it must be cleaned and stored, here’s how you should do it:

8 Steps to Cleaning Your Cuban Links

Your Cuban links collect dust over the course of time and if you wear them repeatedly, its natural for dirt to form continuously.

To neglect cleaning your chain, you will notice discoloration and oxidation that could lead up to tarnishing ultimately which can be prevented by following the below processes effectively.

Here are the 8 steps for cleaning your Cuban links to maintain that shine, luster and cleanliness you love:

• Fill a plastic container with warm water
• Add a teaspoon of Palmolive dish detergent
• Place you chain in the water to soak for 10 minutes
• Brush each Cuban link with a soft bristle toothbrush
• Soak your chain in soapy water for 5 minutes again
• Brush every Cuban link one more time
• Soft rinse your Cuban links in warm water for 2 minutes
• Dry every individual Cuban link with a fresh cleaning rag

How to Store Your Chain Necklace

When not in use for a long period of time, your chain should be put away and stored properly in a place where there are less atmospheric depression areas and stay clear of tangles. Here’s a couple of ways to store your Cuban link chain to keep it safe.

1. A good trick for storing your Cuban link chain in a proper manner for an extensive amount of time is use vacuum storage bags. Air is suctioned from the areas not occupied by the item being covered. Therefore, its protected from atmosphere conditions.
2. At the end of the day, after you’ve finished using your chain, it should be spread out evenly on a canvas or top of dresser on top of cloth to prevent damages. Hanging your chain on a hook in a even vertical angle can also avert away from knots and kinks.

The wrong way to store a Cuban link chain is to place it inside a dresser drawer or jewelry box stacked-up jumble blob position because this may cause tangles. In order to untangle Cuban links, you need oil to slip them back in order.

How to Avoid Tarnish Build-Up On Your Chain 

Tarnish build-up will certainly become a problem for your Cuban links. Tarnish is a basic thin layer of stain substance usually caused by atmospheric conditions; condensation(moist) & oxygen after it encounters a damp environment over a long period of time.

The dampness stems from a mixture of chemicals and small amount of liquid on the body, oils, or accidental laundry bleaching of your Gold or silver Cuban links.

Removing Tarnish from Silver & Gold Cuban Links 

Your sterling silver tarnishes because its not 100% as its only 92.5% pure silver while the remaining metals are mixtures of copper and carbon which can tarnish.

Gold Cuban links aren’t 100% neither, they also contain other metal alloys which is why they can tarnish overtime as well.

To avoid or get rid of tarnish on silver/gold Cuban links, you must boil water, add vinegar, salt & baking soda, then place all additives inside an aluminum pan. Secondly, put your chain in the pan and observe the chemical response to the tarnish as it removes the stains from your chain.

How to Wear a Cuban Link Chain

You suppose to wear a Cuban link chain around the neck, halfway above the chest area, under or over the shirt. Traditionally. The chain should lay flat around the neck and collar bone with a nice flow with no kinks.

Cuban links must be forged a certain way to arrange and appropriately lay as described above, otherwise the chain is constructed incorrectly. With the right wardrobe, a Cuban link style chain fits perfect.

What Makes A Good Cuban Link Chain?

The manufacturing process shouldn’t be rushed. The chains are done by hand which means they aren’t absolutely perfect due to its rigorous manufacturing process.

After adding last finishing touches such as length, and an evenly filed down surface should display that outstanding craftmanship. Here are a list of things that relates to a good Cuban link chain:

1. You want links that are flattened and hang straight with no inconsistencies such as bulging links.
2. Real metal alloys carrying weight of at least 1lb (pound) for a 14kt gold chain should be used.
3. The texture and smoothness from polishing and filing should feel comfortable on your skin.
4. The links should have a nice sparkle when the sun hits it.
5. The Cuban links should be durable, dense and hard to detach.

These 5 mentioned observations should manifest how great the chain was made by the producer. All chain types have their flaws, but these top qualities must always be a consistent standard.

Who Can Wear a Cuban Link Chain

Before Cuban links were acceptable jewelry among popular mainstream America, the Figaro was the type of cable necklace to wear until early 80s. After the rap scene kicked off and rappers began to garner a following, fans started supporting their style as well.

As the chain became well known overtime, a massive revolution took place that acquired a huge new audience of customers and devotees thanks to the help of hip hop. Today, the ordinary individual has or have heard of Cuban links.

Since the chain is the most available necklace on the market that’s in demand, anyone who has at least a couple of hundred dollars can buy the chain, there’s no shortage. The most common type of people who can wear a Cuban link chain are rappers, fans of hip hop, jewelry collectors, or anyone that can spare at least $200.

What to Wear With Your Cuban Link Chain

Cuban links are unique compared to their counterparts in the jewelry industry because they are associated to the hip hop genre, making them very special.

How special you ask? Their value has skyrocketed because of the popularization of hip hop fashion trends throughout the years and Cuban link chains are embedded with that fashion up to this day for men and women.

It would be utter madness to wear a Fubu, Yeezy, or RocaWear without including the iconic Cuban link chain.  You can fit your chain with other jewelry accessories, and footwear, and headwear.

We no longer have to experiment with different fashions with the chain, it has become a diverse occurrence among the urban and cosmopolitan areas of the world. Here’s what you can wear with your Cuban link chain:

Clothing

Usually, you’d identify the Cuban link style with the hip hop culture type of dressing, but it has evolved now that the culture has expanded further beyond the United States from casual to professional outfits. Here are clothes to wear with the Cuban link chain:

• Turtleneck (Slim fit is optional)
• Athletic Fitted Pants
• Tailored Fitted Tux from
• Maxi Tube Dress for Women (Cuban link choker)
• Dress Button Up Shirt Long or Short Sleeve (fitted)
• Fitted Custom t-shirt (Any Color)
• Cargo Shorts or Pants
• Skinny Jeans for Women
• Dickies Shorts or Pants
• Casual Sweatpants
• Hoodies (Men or Women)
• Leggings Skin Tights for Women
• Tank Tops (Any Color)

Footwear

Choosing the right footwear has always been a debatable discussion in hip hop fashion, but the uprising in brands have changed a bit. You now have numerous shoe brands to pair with your chain. Nonetheless, here’s footwear to put on to pair with your Cuban link chain:

• Reebok Low Top Classics
• Air Jordan Brand
• Adidas
• Lugz Boots
• Timberland Boots
• Stiletto Heels for Women
• Flats for Women

Accessories

Cuban links by themselves look great, but you can enhance the visual aspect of the chain adding accessories on your hands, wrist, ankles if you plan on wearing shorts. Today, we will show types of accessories to wear with your Cuban link chain:

• Cuban Link Bracelet
• Gold or Silver Rings
• 3mm Gold or Silver Necklaces
• Chain Anklets for Women
• Hoop Earrings for Women
• Gold, Silver, or Black Diamond Studs
• Leather Hand Gloves
• Designer Shades
• Charms for You Chain

Headwear 

Another part of hip hop fashion culture is the head peace. The kango was iconic for several rap artist such as LL Cool J, and they’d adorn Cuban links. With that said, check out the list of headwear to put on with your Cuban link chain necklace:

• Head Bandanas
• Fitted Baseball Caps
• Designer Ladies Scarfs
• Skull Caps (fitted or space)
• Headwraps for Women

How to Style Your Cuban Link Chain

The Cuban link chain is a standalone marvel. The shapes of the links, flattened ovals, durability, and flash from the sun during summertime makes it worth the price.

Expert wearers of the chain have come up with various scenarios on how to tailor a chain of this magnitude. The customization techniques done skillfully on the chain requires a seasoned jeweler. Serious precision on Cuban links are needed if you don’t have an attachable clasp that can open and close.

However, if you have an adjustable clasp, there are numerous opportunities to enhance the chain with a little improvements and you can implement them yourself. The method we’ll be discussing can be handled with any local jewelry store for more good-looking parts to style your chain.

further do, there are really neat pieces you can add to your brand new chain, we hope these choices entice you. Here’s how to style your Cuban link chain with small additions you can apply immediately;

Pendants

Supplementary fittings for a chain is a common practice, such as pendants or charms. In saying that, they are rarely seen on 1 kilo Cuban link chains because they’re so huge. Plus, it looks a bit awkward on such a significant size chain.

A nice 5mm – 9.5mm size chain appears better to place pendants onto, and the the loop attached to the pendant will slide on easily. Here’s a list of frequent pendants on the market bought to fit on a Cuban link chain:

• Gold or Silver Medallions
• Crucifix Cross
• Lizard for Women
• Lion’s Head
• Praying Hands
• Personalized Charms
• Name Initials Clustered
• Diamond Jesus Head
• Victory Hand Signal
• Diamond Encrusted Basketball
• Gold, Silver or Diamond Scorpion
• King or Queen Crown
• Diamond Encrusted Castle
• Harley Davidson Motorcycle
• Chainsaw
• Microphone
• National Flags
• Cannabis Plant
• The Last Supper
•  Sports Shoe
• Dragon
• Rose Flower
• High Heel Stiletto
• Eye of Osiris
• Giza Pyramid
• King Tut Head Tomb
• + More

Necklaces

Another great method for styling your Cuban link chain is pair them with other alternative different sized necklaces. The Cuban link should always be slightly bigger than the additional necklaces you chose to be fitted with your main.

The usual amount of necklaces to mix with your main chain is at least two. Also, you can pair 2 extra Cuban link chains with your original in separate sizes. Here’s a small list of necklaces that are customary to style your Cuban link chain:

• The Figaro
• Mariner
• The Curb Chain
• 3mm Rope Chain
• Franco Chain

Do Cuban Links Hold Value

Usually, we shop for products that contain some sort of value or benefit rather than obtaining something that is not. Yes, Cuban links do hold plenty of value because the majority jewelry shops uses precious metal alloys such as gold, silver, or platinum when crafting a chain.

Why are Cuban Links So Expensive?

The social appeal driven through the narrative of rappers, hip hop supporters, jewelers who profit, and fashion trendsetters have catapulted the value of Cuban links which why they are expensive.

The more people talk about a thing, the more interesting and captivating it becomes to the public. It’s difficult to ignore the magnificent structure and extravagant appearance of the chain.

The story behind the chain, what it represents, and composition instigated a huge social cataclysm that caused an uptick in value, including cost.

What Makes the Cuban Link Chain So expensive?

The major factor that makes this chain doesn’t stop at the widespread social dilemma, but its composition. Like many other pieces of valuable jewelry, most contain genuine material additives such as standard metal alloys copper, carbon, nickel, palladium, rhodium, or zinc.

Each oval link on the chain contains a portion of pure precious metal alloy that carry a finite amount of ounces. The production also dilutes precious metals with a balance use of standard metal alloys mentioned above.

In either particular chain that is gold, sterling silver, or platinum, collectively each oval link are combined with purities and impurities.

In a nutshell, what makes the Cuban link chain so expensive is the amounts of precious metal alloy mixture for each type explained below:

• Gold Compositions; 41% – 75% pure
• Silver Compositions; 92.5% pure
• Platinum Compositions; 75% – 95% pure

Should You Get a Diamond Clasp or Lobster Lock for Your Chain 

You don’t want a cheap lobster lock for your chain. One that boxed locks in place from both ends and two side clips that secures your chain in place is better for reduced theft, it won’t break if snatched. A full chain with no lock is good too, its comfortable with no lobster lock.

Also, you have a diamond clasp that snaps in place. It can be created without diamonds. Instead, it locks in from the tongue, therefore, the chain is secured around your neck. These box clasp locks can cost you upwards 100k due to its fair utility.

In Conclusion,

A chain as distinctive as the Cuban link chain has made a major staple in several different markets within the hip hop industry, that is music, clothes, shoes, fashion and all around hip hop culture.

While there is a great deal of coverage to be told about the chain, we here at Dorian hope we’ve managed to enclose holes and tips about this chain.

Furthermore, I’d love and enjoy to hear your experiences with the chain. How do you style your own chain, and maintain that polished appearance that reflects off the sunlight?

Leave a message below in the response box below and lets have a conversation on this topic, this is what the Cuban link chain is about.