Walk into a popular jewelry store to find a Cuban link chain and the prices will make your eyes pop out, if you are new to the design, but leave you in pure shock in viewing the prices. The interlinked oval locks and overall architectural makeup better details why it differs from other hip hop jewelry pieces and they aren’t exclusively machine-made. Believe it or not, celebrities pay over $500,000 for one of these gems and if you stick around, we will discuss why they are priced on the market for so much.
Cuban links are highly-priced because most are comprised of either the following precious metals; gold, silver, or platinum. These links are truly expensive to retrieve from natural metal mining companies. Secondly, some chains are also fitted with small encrusted diamonds that range between .25-1 carat of 6 per link. Lastly, Cuban links are handmade and put through a delicate, rigorous process that contains heating, twisting, clipping, flattening, and finishing for a clean pristine introduction before placed on the shelf.
Symbolism & Popularity
The lore and journey of the chain goes way back into the early 80s stemming from hip hop stars and well known contemporary rap artist. These celebrities such as Jay-Z, the late DMX, and Lil Boosie are only a few to mention that are admired that has widespread appeal that fans follow today. The demand has became a major appeal to the younger generation. It no longer has attention in urban areas of the country but growing interest in metropolitan communities as well.
When you place this chain around your neck, you are putting on a part of history, the story plays a part on why a huge value has been placed on the jewelry. It symbolizes the wealth, abundance, and extreme opulence of a generation. A store selling one chain could cover 2 Ford Mustangs, so its not uncommon to say you have a Lamborghini hanging off your neck.
Gold
A jewelry craftsman would need at least 100 grams of pure gold to craft a 10k Cuban link chain with the remaining 59% being non precious metal alloys. The gold Cuban link is the most sought after chain because its popular amongst the urban crowd especially high profile rap musicians. The links appear with a yellowish polished finish and because these are hand-crafted they will cost a mint when made with solid gold.
The value can hold strong in your chain, enough that you could borrow money through a financial institutions. Of course, trading your Cuban chain for capital is not the goal. However, understanding how valuable jewelry of this magnitude, its potential and why it can be very expensive, pertaining to gold. Overtime, gold does fluctuate on the market and for a professional gold bullion collector, possessing such precious metal in a unique design makes for a perfect asset.
Platinum
Platinum is a rare metallic commodity that is the most heavy, difficult to break and looks very great when molded in Cuban link design. A special order has to be placed if you want a platinum type chain because jewelry makers hate dealing with this particular precious metal. These specifics answers why they are so expensive, nevertheless, this partially explains why they are pricey.
Although a platinum chain’s metal alloys are paired with rhodium, copper, iridium, and titanium to name a few that barely dilutes the price. Remember, platinum cost $30 per gram on the current market. A platinum Cuban link chain cost $3,600 if you manage to charter a craftsman to make one for you for a greater price.
Silver
A silver Cuban link chain is expensive because silver is valuable and considered a rare precious metal alloy among the other few on the market. Also, a gram of silver will run you about $19 with the exception of lesser non-purities materials meshed in combination. The cost of a standard sterling silver Cuban link chain is $200.00 of the shelf. The ideal amount of silver that is used to manufacture a Cuban link is at least 100 grams.
Diamond
A diamond Cuban link chain is ridiculously expensive because natural encrusted diamonds are placed on every separate link on the chain. Diamonds are in inducted in the precious gemstone family which increases its value beyond others of its type. A diamond .25 carat cost upwards $400, while 1 carat is more than $1,500. Interesting enough, 6 of .25 miniature sized carats can fit per link at 14mm at a length of 20′ which means 180 diamonds are able to be placed on a diamond Cuban link chain. The diamond Cuban link chain has a standard price tag of $40,000.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds for Your Cuban Links Affordable Alternative?
Did you know that not all diamonds are grown earthly? There are actually companies that grow diamonds inside labs. How is this possible? The surprising fact is lab grown diamonds are priced nearly as much as natural diamond mining companies and you don’t pay top for them since there composition are the same. This somewhat destabilize the industry, but allows an individual to have there favorite gemstones placed on their Cuban links.
Lab grown diamonds are also normally affordable and cost-effective compared to those grown naturally. On occasion, you pay 35% lesser for the diamonds. Ask your Cuban link jeweler, “where do they purchase their diamonds from” and “are they lab grown or earth mined”. The important factor is you know what you are paying for and why. You could potentially save a couple thousand dollars knowing those few details.
Tip – Most jewelers who craft the Cuban chain have a handful of companies in their back pocket so it may be a little difficult to convince them to use your chosen diamond dealer. I suggest setting up a meeting between dealers if both agree, maybe your jeweler have no idea this kind of market exist.
There you go, here’s a laid out set of reasons these chains cost a lot of money. As they continue to grow evermore popular on the market and within the hip hop industry, so will their value. What are your thoughts about this post? Leave a comment below.