Why You Need a Cuban Link Necklace in Your Jewelry Collection
Cuban link necklaces are a great addition to any jewelry collection. If you're not familiar with them, they rose to popularity in the 1970s and are still popular today! In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about Cuban link necklaces: where they came from, how you can wear them and what styles exist. By the end of this post, you'll be able to answer all your questions about this unique piece of jewelry!
What is a Cuban link necklace?
A Cuban link necklace is a type of chain that is usually made from gold or silver. What gives the Cuban link its distinctive look is the twist in the chain that makes all of the links face the same way. Cuban links are formed by interlocking round or oval chain links and then twisting them, so the chain lays flat; once all of the links are flat, the jeweller will file down the top and bottom of the chain, further enhancing the flat shape. The Cuban link necklace's twisted look has inspired many other chain styles, like the Figaro link chain, which is not included in any of the lists below as it is not classed as a Cuban link; however, the technique is certainly inspired by the famous Cuban link chain.
History: where did the Cuban link necklace originate?
If you're a fan of Cuban culture, you probably already have opinions about the Cuban link necklace. For those unfamiliar with it, however, we wanted to take some time and explain where this particular piece of jewelry originated and why it has become so popular in recent years.
Although the exact origin of this chain design is unclear, many attribute its rise to having begun in Miami in the 1970s with MCs in the hip-hop culture. Today, many refer to it as the Miami Cuban Chain, and jewellery will distinguish between a Miami-style Cuban link and other versions. Since its rise to popularity, the Cuban chain has remained a timeless classic in jewellery styles throughout the decades; celebrities and fashion brands continue to wear this iconic chain. In the past ten years, it has been trending as celebrity jewelers have been innovating and continuing to develop the aesthetic. In addition, it is seen as a symbol of status for rappers and musicians, who many will make their first major jewellery purchases after securing their signing bonus from a record deal.
How to wear: how do you wear a Cuban link necklace?
A Cuban link necklace is a great addition to your jewelry collection. If you are looking for something minimal but makes a bold statement, you should consider adding one to your collection. They come in many different styles and colours, so you can find one that matches perfectly with the rest of your wardrobe. Cuban link chains are practically an essential accessory for a jewellery collector. They are versatile, classic and eye-catching. When styling a Cuban chain, there are no hard and fast rules! It comes down to personal preference, which makes it a great option because it is a necklace chain that is easy to achieve a stylish look.
Here are some ways to wear them:
The long length has worn on its own. Wearing a long-length Cuban chain that sits around your sternum is traditional; worn over a t-shirt with a jacket over the top, this is the classic hip hop styling of a Cuban chain. Whether you are styling a sports jacket, biker jacket or an overshirt with a tank top, this is the perfect framework for wearing a Cuban link necklace.
Short choker length. In recent years it has become popular to wear a Cuban chain tight as a choker, so it sits at the base of the neck, touching the collar bone. This is certainly a more modern look, and it can offer a great base to layer longer necklaces. However, something to consider with a short length is not to go too tight as this kind of look can be difficult to style right and may only suit certain occasions; the guideline for the length would be 1-2 inches bigger than the neck measurement.
Celebrities: which celebrities have been seen wearing a Cuban link necklace?
- Cardi B has a serious jewellery collection; she is often spotted wearing several bust-down Cuban chains covered in diamonds.
- Travis Scott: Travis has been for his modern styling of Cuban necklaces, often mixing up the choker style and longer Cuban chains with pendants.
- Kim Kardashian West: The reality TV star has been seen in many different styles of the Cuban link, including ones that have gems embedded in them.
- Tyga: This California rapper has an extensive collection of Cuban chains, most of them set with diamonds and made from gold. He can be spotted regularly wearing Cuban jewellery.
- Nicki Minaj: Nicki has a bold jewellery collection with many expensive pieces. Her Cuban chains are worth checking out!
Styles: what are the different styles of Cuban link necklaces?
1. Miami Cuban Link Necklace
A Miami Cuban link necklace is the perfect way to add a Miami flair to any outfit. So whether you're dressing up for a night out or want to add a little something extra to your everyday look, a Cuban link necklace is a great choice.
If you're looking for a Miami Cuban link necklace, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, decide what metal you want. Gold is always popular, but silver and other metals can be just as beautiful. Second, choose the length of the necklace.
2. Square Cuban Link Necklace
A square Cuban link necklace is a piece of stylish and unique jewellery. While most necklaces are round in shape, the square Cuban link necklace stands out from the crowd. The necklace is made up of small, square links that are connected to form a chain. The links can be made from different materials, such as gold, silver, or platinum.
The square Cuban link necklace is a popular choice for both men and women. The necklace can be worn with various outfits, making it a versatile piece of jewelry. Whether you're dressing up for a special occasion or want to add a touch of style to your everyday look, the square Cuban link necklace is an excellent choice.
3. Diamond Set Cuban Necklace
A diamond set Cuban necklace is a piece of jewelry that combines the elegance of diamonds with the uniqueness of Cuban link chains. The necklace comprises two parts: a Cuban link chain and a diamond pendant. The chain is usually made of gold or silver, and the pendant can be made of any metal. However, the pendant's most popular type of metal is white gold.
4. Prong Set Cuban Necklace
He prongs set a different method of setting stones on top of a Cuban chain; instead of setting directly into the chain, the jeweller will use a rectangular piece of metal and solder it on top of the Cuban links and set the stones into this piece, this allows more diamonds to be set onto the chain. In addition, the rectangular pieces give the prong set Cuban its unique shape.
5. Cuban Link Necklace With Pendant
What's even more luxurious than a Cuban chain? Adding a detailed necklace pendant can level up your Cuban necklace styling.
6. Cuban Link Necklace With Charms
Charms are a great way to create a unique styling of a Cuban necklace. Rather than sliding on a pendant with a bail attachment, charms will attach directly to the links and can be spread out all across the chain for a fuller look.
How much does a Cuban chain cost?
The price for a Cuban chain can vary by a lot! The main factors are the metal used, the stones and the manufacturing process. A Cuban chain hand-made by a high-end jeweller with 24 karat gold will much more expensive than a machine-made Cuban chain in stainless steel, the good thing is that there is a Cuban chain for any budget.
What are the best types of metal for a Cuban chain?
The best quality metals will be Gold, Platinum, White Gold and Silver in the higher price range. For the low to medium range, 316L stainless steel or sterling silver are both great. It's recommended to steer clear of lower-quality metals like zinc, copper or brass.
Are Cuban chains hard to maintain?
Other maintenance will be needed depending on the metal and if there are stones set in the chain. For example, gold and silver require cleaning with a polishing cloth and not a cleaning cloth; the difference is that there is a polishing solution in the cloth that can only be used on fine metals. For Cuban chains with stones, care should be taken to avoid dislodging any stones set into the metal. A simple cleaning cloth can be used on this metal for stainless steel.
What is the best length to get a Cuban chain in?
While it comes down to personal preference, there is certainly a "safe" versatile length that can be recommended. The exact length for this look will vary on height and weight, but the desired look would be 1-2 inches below the collar bone; this is not too tight like a choker and not so long that it becomes difficult to style in varied outfits. This length looks great on a t-shirt, will layer well with a pendant necklace and is long enough to clear the collar on a button-down shirt which allows it to be worn with suits.
What is the best thickness to get a Cuban link chain in?
Cuban chains can be created in many sized links from as small as 2-3mm up to 40-50mm; for an everyday look, something like 5-7mm is a great choice, and for a statement piece, 10-12mm is a good range.
Cuban link necklaces are a great addition to any jewelry collection. Whether you wear it by itself or pair it with other necklaces, this piece will be a conversation starter. So if you're looking for something unique, stylish and different from everything else, look no further than Cuban link necklaces!
