Table of Contents
1. What is a Rope Chain?
2. History of the Rope Chain
3. How is Gold Rope Chain Made?
4. Sizes of Gold Rope Chain
5. Cost to Fix Rope Chain Necklace
6. Do Rope Chains Break Easily?
7. How to Stack a Rope Chain?
8. Different Types of Rope Chain
9. How to Clean Gold Rope Chain?
10. How to Tell if Gold Rope is Real?
11. Can You Sleep in a Rope Chain?
12. What’s Better Cuban or Rope Chain?
13. Is Franco or Rope Chain Better?
14. Do People Still Wear Rope Chains?
15. Do Rope Chains Pull Hair?
16. How Thick Should a Rope Chain Be?
17. What Should I Look for When Buying a Rope Chain?
18. Who Wears a Rope Chain?
The rope chain has become one of the greatest #topchaynz gems to have in your possession since the Adidas made there major debut in the mid 80s. As a huge hip hop fan, You cannot go inside the jewelry store and not ask the jeweler about their massive collection line of rope chains. The climate wasn’t nearly popping the way it is today about the now famous chain.
We dig deep into this post, as we explain some of the most pivotal moments in history revolving around the rope chain. The chain had bred a new kind of person, one who was influenced by a fresh style and brand due to a music art form that would soon take over the entire world. Which qualities of the rope chain do you value the most: The design & craftmanship or its worth?
What Is A Rope Chain?
A rope chain consist of a group of coils per 6-7 links that forms a flow that features a consistent rope-like pattern. The highly known classic type of rope chain is gold, and the second most sold is sterling silver. The chain came to prominence in the beginning of the mid 1980s by notable hip hop artist during that time.
Here at Dorian Chayn, we breakdown the history of the rope chain, how to clean it, different sizes, comparisons, and much more. We attempt to cover the majority aspects on this subject and why its important to own this classic wonder and place it in your collection once and for all. To get things kicked off, the average cost of a rope chain, the market value ranges around $520-$6,000 easy.
History of the Rope Chain
The rope chain is apart of the luxury species of men’s chains that are highly regarded and represented within the hip hop & rap industry. In the beginning, huge jewelry necklace items such as the Cuban link chain, made popular in the 70s, were not looked upon as mainstream commodity.
Today, the Cuban, rope, Curb, and several other designer chains have become a staple in music, fashion, and overall culture in modern society. You wouldn’t find a high quality, well-televised integrated hip hop rap musician without the drip. It would be insanely sinful to not have one around your neck as a rap artist.
The popularity of the rope chain would not have come to past if it wasn’t for the legendary rap groups; Run DMC, Eric B. & Rakim, and Big Daddy Kane. The chain is no doubt made glorious by rappers, but the commercial debut of Run DMC in 84 was a phenomenal breakout for the chain.
Wearing the iconic Adidas with the rope chain during their first major commercial showing, had set in stone a new era of bold men jewelry. Their appearance onstage with the chain that exposed the craftmanship of the rope had inspired an entire new young generation.
In the beginning, after the rapper had introduced the world to the rope chain, it wasn’t totally acceptable on well-groomed established markets. Like the Cuban, it was deemed too urban, trashy, or ghetto fabulous. That was until the demand for the chain began come into fruition because of continuous success of rap & hip hop.
The main jewelry consumer was no longer the old lady looking for the next fashionable jewelry set to wear with her fur coat, it was young men who became the #1 consumer of the latest wave of jewelry consumption. This alone fueled the men’s chain industry to innovate beyond the Cuban and rope, and craft some of the most complex chain designs for men we see today such as the classic gold, platinum and sterling silver.
The revolutionary movement in music, known as hip hop from the rap community spawned the extravagant alternative jewelry industry that people continue to make desirable. The rope chain was labeled tasteless at one point in history, now its the most beloved piece of respected craftmanship that has withstood the test of time.
How is Gold Rope Chain Made?
Rather you want a big, medium or small, various sized rope chains are developed by talented jewelry manufacturers every single day. You’d find that you can master the art of creating one of these masterpieces yourself at home, but it does require heavy industrial equipment, tools and machinery to pull it off. In fact, this all can be done in the comfort of your home from the basement or garage.
If you want to “buy” rather than “make” a rope chain, but still want it to be handmade, you’d have to go through a local jewelry supplier store. Their are shoppers who prefer handmade, original, genuine gold rope chain jewelry. In order to achieve this, you must go through a prominent jewelry provider. Check out recommendations through social media or review websites to choose a local store with a great reputation that’ll make your chain.
Most gold rope chains are not handmade these days. Instead, gold rope chains are manufactured through industrial production lines, then sold through major retail companies such as Zales, Macy’s, Bloomingdales, and plenty of others who also mass-produce the rope chain. If you choose to assemble a rope chain by hand at home, here’s a great video that shows you step by step on how to do it:
What Are Different Sizes of Rope Chains?
I’ve had possession of several brand name chains that I carefully chose that would personally fit my agenda on what apparel I’d wear that day. Some individuals pick a certain size chain due to visual placement on the body you want focused on the most, signify boldness, or express a particular fashion sense.
The rope chain can get heavy the bigger you buy and the longer the length of your chain. The rope uses a combination links that places more weight on the scale than others which will help you choose a conservative or large size chain. Depending on your style of taste, and other factors, you have multiple different size rope chains to purchase that are available.
How to Measure Rope Chain in MM?
When we talk about measuring MM or millimeters for the rope chain, we are referring to the width measurements, not the length. The tools available for use to measure your rope chain in MM(millimeters) are either a metric ruler, measuring tape, or or a electronic digital caliper.
Both of these tools are for home use and are very affordable for purchasing online. A ruler with inches and mm can be bought for pennies. An electric digital caliper can be purchased online for at most $10. You find these tools at your local market in the school supply section as well.
Also, to get an official size evaluation of you chain, visit your local jewelry store. They can give you a professional estimate size check if you wish to go that route. Here’s a list of MM sizes that are normally cut for a rope chain by a seasoned jeweler:
- 2.5mm
- 3mm
- 3.5mm
- 4mm
- 5mm
- 6mm
- 7mm
- 8mm
- 9mm
- 10mm
- 15-25mm
Do Rope Chains Break Easily?
To create a rope chain, it takes intense and focus labor with steady hands to piece together links for crafting a nearly perfect rope chain. Remember, each link requires mending by torch to melt and mend in place. The way the rope chain is constructed, makes the pattern feel durable and strong, therefore it would not be easy to break.
The only way a rope chain can be broken is by pulling the chain apart intentionally using your hands. The chain would also be a smaller size, between as 2mm – 6mm. A big chain made in gold, such as, a 18-25mm rope chain is almost impossible to destroy because its really thick and dense in alloy metals.
Another factor consider when purchasing your rope chain is the type of metal being used. For instance, hollow rope chain or weaker metal alloy won’t last too long because they aren’t nearly durable as gold. These type rope chains should be used temporarily and not for everyday use.
How to Fix Gold Rope Chain at Home?
To fix your gold rope chain would require industrial machine equipment and tools, such as, metal to coil, a metal coiling machine, torch for melting, wire clippers, and a mending tool. I recommend you consult with your local jewelry provider to have your chain correctly fixed if you don’t have the meager resources to perform this task at home.
What is the Cost to Fix a Rope Chain Necklace?
There are unique situations that occur with damaged jewelry such as the Rope Chain. The chain would have to be brought in to a store and evaluated closely before a decision is made on how much the charge would be. A damage such as multiple link breakage, or if the chain has been crushed would be typically expensive.
Some chains are so damaged that it would be better to replace it with another all together. A chain can be refined back to good condition, but you will spend some cash doing so. The maximum cost to have your rope chain fixed, shorten, or brought back to pristine condition would run you about $45-$420 after reevaluation.
How Do You Stack a Rope Chain?
Stacking chains like the rope looks amazing. It releases a rich appearance that most chains cannot compete with. The secret to styling a rope with several others are sizes and lengths. If you notice, stars from the 80s were famous for stacking their chains.
For instance, check out Al Pacino’s Scarface character, or Mr. T and you’d notice something, it came off as hip and macho, they wore them differently. You can stack your rope chain with multiple of the same type or mix-stack the rope with other kind of chains.
The stack can be a solid 18-25mm, 3-8mm or a mixture of MM sizes. The amount of chains I suggest you stack is between 2-3 at most. It looks clean and not absolutely cluttered and you can actually view the detail of the chain design. Another great way to distinguish you chain stack so that is standout is add a pendant on one or two of your chains.
Those who stack an overwhelming amount of chains at once intends to showoff for an event, party, or attendance at the club. This method for stacking chains is highly used by the rapper, they’d have as much as 6 chains stacked at one time. However, the chain’s patterns are in disorder and the patterns are not as viewable as they would be with 3 stacked.
The biggest chain in width should be worn as the longest length or at least second longest. The formation to use when you stack a rope chain should flow in inches as follows; 16′, 20′, 24′. Initially, a rope chain looks better worn by itself because its so intricate, it would outshine the rest of the stack.
What Are the Different Types of Rope Chains?
The rope chain is a classic that has maintain its traditional values that are set in stone. Since its debut, styles have changed a bit from the clothing we wear to the shoes, but we continue to pair and integrate the rope with contemporary threads.
Why? Well, the chain’s features just look astonishing, it fairs well with trends and brands of today. As consumers of this chain type, we have our particular favorite that we wear. For this reason, there is a demand for two types of rope chain we tend to blend with our outfits explained below; gold & sterling silver.
Gold Rope Chain
As mentioned several times, the gold rope is a classic treasure for hip hop heads and will be for the next 100 years. The complex design of the chain places it on the pedestal with several other high fashion chain necklaces. The gold metal piece is #1 for hip hop enthusiast like myself, a must have.
You can pair any type of urban fashion wear with your gold rope chain. So, how much does a 14k gold rope chain cost? The average cost of a 14k gold rope chain is $1,500 on the market. Here’s 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm gold rope chain necklaces:
4mm Gold Rope Chain
Lifetime Jewelry
($53.00)
Nuragold
($358.99)
Nuragold
($423.99)
KRKC & CO
($33.99)
Nuragold
($1,830.99)
Verona Jewelers
($304.99)
5mm Gold Rope Chain
Nuagold
($466.99)
Lifetime Jewelry
($59.00)
Monily
($10.38)
FIBO Steel
($11.98)
PORI Jewelers
($150.93)
Kisper
($37.08)
6mm Gold Rope Chain
Lifetime Jewelry
($79.99)
Nuragold
($581.99)
ChainsPro
($14.49)
Nuragold
($2,036.99)
Nuragold
($3,436.99)
Love Bling
($778.80)
7mm Gold Rope Chain
Lifetime Jewelry
($96.00)
Nuragold
($1,305.99)
Sonia Jewels
($6,461.00)
Bling Culture
($10.99)
Joule Shop
($1,019.98)
The World Jewelry Center
($6,214.00)
8mm Gold Rope Chain
Lifetime Jewelry
($104.95)
Nuragold
($1,017.99)
Fashion 21
($20.99)
Jawa Jewelers
($1,360.00)
Nuragold
($1,674.99)
U7
($10.95)
Sterling Silver Rope Chain
The name, “rope chain” has already gained virtue around the world in gold, but silver has made its way on stage for those who support the rope. You can actually purchase one of these enchanting pieces for a lot lesser than gold rope. You can match a silver rope with top urban trending brands of today.
Due to the silver metal alloy being such an available resource, the chain can be made and bought at an affordable price. How much is a sterling silver rope chain? The average cost you’ll pay for a sterling silver rope chain is $150-$350 per necklace. Here’s a list of sterling silver rope chains in 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, plus more:
4mm Silver(Sterling) Rope Chain
Savlano
($79.99)
FIBO Steel
($11.88)
Verona Jewelers
($79.99)
Next Level Jewelry
($46.20)
Silvadore
($18.95)
EDFORCE
($10.99)
5mm Silver(Sterling) Rope Chain
Feel Style
($8.59)
Verona Jewelers
($129.99)
NYC Sterling
($101.99)
Holy Fast
($11.58)
Sabrina Silver
($75.20)
Honolulu Jewelry
($81.31)
6mm Silver(Sterling) Rope Chain
Savlano
($159.99)
Verona Jewelers
($47.99)
Sac Silver
($102.79)
Giftall
($12.58)
Bestelly
($12.98)
Lifetime Jewelry
($83.00)
How to Clean Gold Rope Chain?
As good-looking as your rope chain can appear, believe it or not, it can get really dirty which makes it look grimy rather than shiny, but really dull. Wearing a rope chain for a long period of time for months can result in a lot of dirty build-up from body oils such as sweat, grease from hair, and dust that mixes with these forms a mucky substance.
The rope chain is a little bit different from other link chains. First off, the complexity of the design traps and causes difficulty to get rid of the filth, stains, and hard tarnish when its time to do a thorough clean. In order to achieve that rich golden glow back to your chain requires a deep wash. Here’s how to clean gold rope chain step by step:
- Purchase a heat resistant or glass bowl.
- Boil a half a gallon of water(9 Cups), temperature of 75 degrees.
- Pour the half a gallon of heated water inside the bowl.
- Add 2 teaspoon of dish detergent and a cup of baking soda.
- Place your rope chain inside the warm water.
- Allow the chain to sit in for at least 8-10 minutes.
- Take a soft bristle tooth brush and begin brushing each link row.
- Afterwards, place your chain back in the water to soak for 5 minutes.
- Next, re-brush your links in every crevice thoroughly and gently.
- Rinse your entire chain in warm water in tap water.
- Dry your rope chain with a dry towel in depth.
- Every month, repeat the process to maintain that luster.
How to Tell if a Gold Rope Chain is Real?
When you go inside a jewelry store establishment, your intent is to purchase high quality hip hop jewelry, such as the rope chain. The problem is, some of these stores aren’t selling fully authentic chains.
Some companies have unique methods on how they manufacture their chains rather than using real gold, such as plated, using copper, or alternating the metal alloy material to look gold. Here’s a few ways on how to tell if a gold rope is real:
- Check for the Kt Karat stamp emblem.
- Ask the store which gold manufacturer do they deal with.
- Use the scratch test. If it turns black the gold isn’t real.
- Try lighting the gold on fire using a cigarette lighter, gold don’t turn black.
- Utilize the weight test with glass and water, real gold will sink.
Can You Sleep in a Rope Chain?
A rope chain is built to wear on many outings like parties, or major events. This piece of jewelry is a showstopper that can draw a huge crowd without any effort on your part. When its time to remove the chain from your neck at the end of the day, well, that is another question.
People often keep their chain around their neck throughout the day, even at night. Some individuals would go as far as swim or take baths with the rope chain on, some might even sleep while wearing the chain.
Can you sleep in a rope chain? Yes, you can sleep in a rope chain, but you probably shouldn’t because it can be hazardous. Since chains can tangle the last thing you want is it to catch on to something that would bizarrely lead to death, be careful while wearing any type of necklace during sleep.
How Thick Should a Rope Chain Be?
This entirely depends on the type of personality you carry within yourself. You have those who love to gain a lot of attention from wearing loud jewelry and others who wear conservative because they enjoy the fashion.
The rope chain can be thick as 25mm on request. Your rope chain should be thick as 5mm for a low-key, but stylish appearance or at most 18mm if you are a bold and flashy kind of individual. A reputable jewelry shop can make you a custom jewelry piece for as big or small you want. Normally, the smallest being 2mm and biggest at 25mm.
What Should I Look for When Buying a Rope Chain?
Rope chains have a few traits to look for that you wouldn’t recognize unless you have an idea or expert advice. A novice chain buyer don’t ask too many questions when they walk into a shop. Usually, people are in awe of what they see in front of them, especially when they’re new to shopping for extravagant items. Here’s what you should look for when buying a rope chain:
- Recommendations – Look online chat forums or social media groups to learn which shops are top legitimate sources to purchase a chain.
- Survey the Chain – Search the chain surface very closely for any inconsistencies such as black markings that indicate a fictitiousness or a fake chain.
- Pattern – A rope chain design looks like a rope. It’s fairly unique from others like Franco, Cuban, or curb. The design is undeniable.
- The Price is Right – Make sure the 10kt, 14t, or 24kt, stamp emblem has been properly marked to show its value. You don’t want to pay thousands for a chain that isn’t worth the cost you paid.
- Paperwork – When you purchase a chain, the shop owner should began giving real historical paperwork on the chain; the metallic alloy’s ounces, and manufacturer of the metal.
Who Wears A Rope Chain?
Men of black or Hispanic race are the main wearer of the Rope chain necklace because of what it represents and its deep roots in male driven rap artist. However, it has extended its reach to other gender groups as it has gotten extremely popular over several years with many cultures.
In conclusion
the rope chain has come very far these past decades and it shows no sign of slowing down as production of the chain continues to grow. The history, maintenance, and subtle areas of the chain are rock solid on this post.
If you have any input that you feel that was left out on this topic on rope chains, feel free to leave a comment below. Join the conversation and leave your opinions.
