Have you ever noticed on the street that many people wearing a fashion item on their necks – Cuban chains? With the prevalence of fashion trends and modern street culture, from famous rap stars to ordinary people, from street culture to Couture Week runways, Cuban chains can be seen everywhere.
However, what is a Cuban chain? How much do you know about the Cuban link chain? Now, this guide will introduce more details about this accessory – the Cuban chain. Let’s explore more together!
What is a Cuban Link?
A Cuban link chain is a kind of jewelry featuring interlocking and oval links, giving it a thick and chunky appearance. This jewelry is generally made of such precious metals as gold, silver, and platinum, and comes in a variety of shapes and materials, such as stainless steel, gold, white gold, etc. More than a piece of jewelry, a Cuban necklace is the prominent representative of culture, status, and also a symbol of personal style and identity.
The History & Development of Cuban Link Chain
Originating from the United States in the 1970s, the necklace Cuban link is a kind of statement necklace, which is the external expression of hip-hop culture and style. Although it was named after a Cuban link chain, it does not directly from Cuba. Generally speaking, its name is associated with the Cuban areas in Miami, Florida. And gradually, this Miami Cuban chain won the popularity of local Latin and hip-hop communities.
It experienced a surge in popularity in 2012 and has a steadily developing ever since. The Cuban link necklace is a standard cable chain. With a shiny appearance and fashionable hip-hop style, the Miami Cuban link chain is now popular with many Americans and people all over the world, especially rappers, celebrities, and athletes.
The Transformation of Cuban Chain Material
At first, Cuban links are usually made of such precious metals as gold, silver, and white gold. Gradually, these expensive and heavy materials are replaced by other common materials, like stainless steel and platinum. This transformation is beneficial to ordinary people who are interested in Cuban chains and hip-hop culture. Because this kind of material is affordable, it can be made into various designs and shapes.
The Difference between Cuban Chain & Cadeia de meio-fio
Both the curb chain and the Cuban chain are all connected by interlocking metal links. A curb chain is a basic type of chain necklace. It can be said that all Cuban chains are curb chains, but not all Cuban chains are curb chains. The differences between a Cuban chain and a curb chain are mainly manifested in the following aspects.
Appearance
With a long history and a classic appearance, a curb chain is versatile and thin, so it is usually more suitable for daily wear or matching with pendants. While in Cuban chains, each link is connected closely, making it thicker, luxurious, and metallic. The Cuban necklace is a statement piece, and it is a typical representation of personal attitudes and outspoken characteristics.
Link Shape
The link density of each link in curb chains is not close, so you can clearly observe each individual and twisted link. Besides, the contact area of links is small, so there is a larger area to reflect light, and the curb chains look more brilliant and shiny.
While the links of a Cuban chain necklace are short, wide, they are connected closely. Therefore, it looks more like a continuous and textured metal tube, but not individual links. Compared with a curb chain, with a smaller area to reflect light, a Cuban chain can usually show a dim and low-key light, making it look more luxurious.
Peso
Due to the higher density and thickness of Cuban chain links, it is generally heavier than a curb chain. For example, with the same size and material, a Cuban chain is much heavier than a curb chain.
What are the Different Types of Cuban Chains?
Stainless Steel Cuban Chain
With premium stainless steel, the stainless steel Cuban link chain is not prone to fading colors, hypoallergenic, and nickel-free. Whether you wear a Cuban link chain alone or stacked with other accessories, this one is a perfect jewelry item in your daily life!
Miami Cuban Link Chain
Usually electroplated with 18K gold, a Miami Cuban chain can not only ensure long-time shine with a premium finish, but also can show your masculinity and unique men’s charm. The Miami Cuban chains are usually handmade, and they are flatter and wider than common ones. Many fine polishings are performed to pursue a high-polish finish and a strong metallic luster. In addition, made of expensive metal materials, the Miami Cuban chains are much heavier.
Moissanite Cuban Link Chain
Made of high-quality moissanite, a moissanite Cuban link chain bracelet and necklace set is the most brilliant jewelry product in your life! The presence of moissanite can add some charm to a monotonous Cuban chain.
Diamond Cuban Chain
Compared with common stainless steel Cuban chains, a diamond Cuban chain is more expensive. It is its scarcity and higher price that make it a status and identity symbol.
How to Style the Cuban Links?
Uso diário
For daily wear, a minimalist but eye-catching stainless steel Cuban chain is enough to add color and charm to your T-shirt and jeans. This kind of Cuban chain is versatile for either a daily commute or exercise and running. And, layering it with another necklace or matching it with a bracelet, earrings are also perfect choices, as this combination can add a sense of layering to your outfit.
Formal Occasions
On formal occasions, a simple moissanite chain or diamond necklace can add elegance and texture to your formal attire, making you stand out in the crowd. However, less is more. Try to avoid layering multiple chains. One well-chosen gold-plated Cuban chain or silver Cuban link chain is infinitely more elegant than a stack.
Who can Wear a Cuban Chain?
Originally, the Cuban chain was generally worn by men to show their masculinity, power, and hip-hop style. Nowadays, Cuban chains have broken the boundaries of gender and styles, making it an essential fashionable jewelry item for unisex. No matter what your purpose is, as long as you like Cuban chains, you can wear them freely. Whether for single wear or layered with other necklaces, Cuban chains can easily show your unique style and confident charm.
The chunky and thick Cuban chains are the ideal jewelry items for those who are interested in hip-hop, rap, and street culture. As a piece of statement jewelry, the chunky Cuban link chain has a strong presence, and it can show your unique aesthetics and personality.
The men’s gold Cuban link chain is particularly popular with many celebrities, especially some hip-hop artists and singers. For Jay-Z, who is known as the founder of the Cuban chain style, wearing chunky gold or platinum Cuban chains is almost a part of his daily wear. Famous rappers and singers, such as Kanye West, A$AP Rocky, Travis Scott, and Justin Bieber, have also worn Cuban chains to express their personalities and unique music attitudes.

Travis Scott wears a Cuban chain.

The Cuban links are popular with rappers and hip-hop artists.

Floyd Mayweather wears a Cuban link chain.
With the development of fashion trends, Cuban chains are not limited to men, and many women are gradually becoming fans of Cuban chains. Compared with men, they usually prefer thin and dainty Cuban chains for daily wear and personal matching. At the same time, there are also many fans of luxurious and iced-out Cuban chains; for example, Cardi B is the representative of Cuban chains lovers.
As the queen of hip-hop, Nicki Minaj is a true fan of Cuban chains, and she often pairs them with colorful wigs and outrageous outfits as part of her iconic style. Rihanna can be said to be a benchmark of Cuban chain jewelry, as she started wearing this kind of jewelry many years ago and truly promoted the development of Cuban chains in women’s fashion.

Rihanna wears a Cuban link chain.

Dainty stackable Cuban chains for women.
Conclusion – Why are Cuban Chains So Popular?
Cultural Symbolic Meaning
Cuban chains were adopted and appreciated by hip-hop artists in the 1970s, and they gradually became the representative jewelry of hip-hop lovers and street culture. For them, a men’s Cuban link chain symbolizes a unique spirit of struggle and pioneering, at the same time, it also represents strength, confidence and street wisdom. Nowadays, due to the popularity of art and fashion, a Cuban chain also carries fashion and cultural symbolic meaning.
Exquisite Craftsmanship
Each twisted link is precisely connected, which requires craftsmen to spend a lot of time polishing and crafting. To reflect more light and make Cuban chains more brilliant, high-precision polishing and crafting are essential. Besides, ensuring that thousands of links are completely the same in size, shape, and luster is the key to measuring the quality of men’s Cuban link chain.
Durabilidade
Thanks to the interwoven and supporting links and designs, the structures of Cuban chains are stable and not easy to twist or break. Compared with those necklaces composed of small and dainty links, Cuban chains can withstand greater tension and daily wear and tear.
The outstanding durability of Cuban chains means that they are not fragile and crispy jewelry. For example, a Cuban chain bracelet can accompany the wearer confidently and become a part of personal life. This “heirloom” quality also increases intrinsic value and emotional value.
Where can I Buy a Cuban Link Chain?
On Seamido! Because of the popularity of Cuban link chains, their prices are generally high; at the same time, the quality is also an important consideration. As a specialty jewelry wholesaler, Seamido wholesale jewelry takes into account the needs of consumers. In order to provide the most cost-effective Cuban link chains, apart from the most favorable price, we also pay attention to the quality and the details of the raw materials. Besides, your shopping experience is another consideration on Seamido. We try to provide the best after-sales services to make you satisfied and happy!
FAQ about Cuban Link Chains
For basic daily wear, a slim one with a width of 3-5mm is enough. Of course, the most versatile and classic type is the Cuban chain Miami chain with a width of 6-8mm, as this type is suitable for various outfits and styles. It can be paired with either T-shirts or jackets, and is suitable for a wide range of occasions.
If you prefer hip-hop and masculine style, a chunky Cuban link chain is your perfect choice! With the chunky and robust look, the Cuban chains with a width of 12-20mm attract a lot of attention from men, especially rappers and hip-hop lovers.
Caring for the Cuban link in your daily life is important. When you don’t wear your Cuban chain, the best method is to put it in a pouch or your jewelry box for protection. A soft cloth and clear water are enough if you try to remove dirt or oil from the Cuban link. For deeper cleaning, you can use a mild soap to restore its brilliance. What you should note is that keep Cuban links away from harsh substances and chemicals, which are harmful to them.
It’s not recommended to wear Cuban chains when exercise or taking a shower. Because the toiletries, such as shampoo, body wash, and soap, contain chemical ingredients and are corrosive, they can corrode the surface of the Cuban chain and make it lose its luster.
You will sweat a lot during exercise, and human sweat is acidic and contains salt, which can corrode the chain link. Besides, the collision between the human skin and the necklace during exercise is not only harmful to the skin, but can cause scratches on the necklace.



