Cuban links are necklaces or bracelets primarily composed of gold but occasionally feature other priceless gems. Despite going by the term “Cuban link chains,” there is no proof that they originate in Cuba. As hip-hop music became more famous and more musicians wore it in their music videos, they became more well-known. Since then, other hip-hop artists seeking a fashionable yet opulent method to accessorize have donned the chains. Many have asked, ‘why are cuban links so expensive?’
Note that these links can be mass-produced worldwide, genuine Cuban links are only created by hand at a few locations in Miami, where they are also the most expensive. Check out the prices for chains made with vvs moissanite diamonds. Let’s discuss why they are so pricey in this article and if they are worth it.
Why Is It Referred To As A “Cuban Link Chain”?
Contrary to popular belief, Cuban chain links are not actually from that country. Its origin is unknown, but hip-hop performers began to use it more and more in the 1970s. Due to their distinctive appearance, which includes an identical streamlined design of interlocked links, these chains are highly known worldwide, much like regular chains. One of the many reasons why these chains are so expensive is the craftsmanship used in their creation. The chains are designed to lay flat, making them comfortable to wear and giving them a more upscale appearance.
Based on its increasing popularity, it is now sought after by established and up-and-coming musicians. This is the ideal accessorizing technique for many because it makes the musician look opulent. Cuban link chains’ craftsmanship and material quality have improved throughout time due to advancements in both. Numerous chains have been popular for years and have yet to see a decline in quality.
The Cuban chain links can only be partially made of gold, which will raise the cost of the item and make it more likely that it may break while being manufactured. Gold is also often a very soft metal.
Because of this, mixing it with other metals is required to boost its strength and make it more durable. Only the customer’s creativity can determine how intricate a Cuban link chain’s design can be. The more conventional standard design is where many players, however, prefer to start.
Facts: Why Are Cuban Links So Expensive?
Due to their expensive and magnificent appearance, Cuban link chains have grown in popularity among many male hip-hop performers. Nevertheless, these chains are pricey; they can sometimes cost up to $3,000. Here is a list of some of the causes for their high price.
- Craftsmanship
Craftsmanship refers to the process of creating Cuban link chains. Only a few stores in Miami sell genuine Cuban link chains. Many jewelers produce the chains at these shops rather than using any automation. Jewelers must spend many years honing their craft to create stunning creations adored by many.
From the initial casting to the final polishing, each jeweler’s specialties are utilized at various phases in creating the Cuban link chains. Jewelers confront various risks when creating these necklaces, from the equipment that might easily crush a person’s fingers to the over one-thousand-degree flames required to melt the gold.
Because of all these dangers and the skill required to produce chains, jewelers are in high demand and demand large fees for their services.
The chains also take a long time to create because there needs to be additional machinery used in the process. This raises the price of the Cuban link chains even further, along with the exorbitant jewelers’ compensations.
- Composition
Cuban link chains have been manufactured of gold since they were developed in the 1970s. Since gold is one of the rarest metals on earth, as many of us know, it is inherently pricey due to its rarity, making the chains expensive.
A recent ounce of gold cost $1700. As the years went by, inflation drove the price of gold globally. An ordinary Cuban link chain weighs about 100 grams of gold, or roughly three ounces of gold, in its production. Thus, the price of the chain has increased. Additionally, the purity of gold varies. Therefore the more expensive the chain, the purer the gold.
Cuban link chain buyers occasionally want their chains to stand out. They can ask for the necklace to be adorned with expensive stones and gems like diamonds, increasing the cost.
- Types
Cuban link chains come in just two different varieties. The first is the Prong link and the Miami link. The difference between these two lies in the shape of each link, not in their substance, which is very similar. The Miami has a conventional design with round or square links, popular in the 1970s, but the Prong has square links, which have only recently been popular. The Prong is typically more expensive, but the difference between these two varieties could be bigger.
- Demand
As we all know, a product’s price rises in response to increased demand. More singers have emerged in recent years, and there has been a rise in demand for Cuban link chains as a status symbol. The cost of these chains has significantly grown as a result.
- Chain’s size and length
The cost of each chain will vary greatly because most genuine Cuban link chains are built to the customer’s specifications. Hip-hop musicians frequently prefer large compositions that stand out from the crowd. The materials necessary to produce larger Cuban link chains will cost significantly more than smaller ones since larger chains require more skill. The price of the chain is significantly influenced by the length of the chain as well.
The longest chain, which contains more links and therefore requires more material and time to manufacture, may have links that are the same size but differ in length from the other chain. Despite having the same link size, all these considerations inevitably make the longer chain more expensive. Some musicians have previously placed orders for Cuban link chains weighing up to ten kg. Because it takes more effort, resources, and skill to create, the chain’s overall cost will be quite expensive.
Conclusion
The question, ‘why are cuban links so expensive?’ is now well explained. Cuban link chains have long been associated with hip-hop, and as long as the trend continues, they will continue. Their striking and excellent design will make you stand out from the crowd, and they are the ideal way to accessorize. The Cuban link chains are pricey, but if you can afford them, they are worth the investment since they make you stand out from the crowd and go with every outfit. This is because of their bold yet understated design.