Most Expensive Cuban Link ChainMay 13, 2024
Luxurious but edgy, Cuban chains are must-have accessories for fashion and jewelry lovers. While they’re associated with hip-hop and rapper culture, they have transcended their origins and are often incorporated into various styles. Musicians, athletes, movie stars and more wear these statement pieces to elevate their outfits at red-carpet events and casual outings alike.
Because of the materials and craftsmanship that go into making Cuban chains, they’re typically more expensive than other types of chains. However, some take the luxuriousness of Cuban chains to the next level, choosing ones that are made of thicker precious metals, embellished with diamonds and adorned with intricate designs. These elements can drive the price up further.
In this article, we dive into some of the most expensive Cuban link chains in the world and the people who proudly own them.
The Most Expensive Cuban Link Chain: Top Five
What does the most expensive Cuban link chain look like? Wonder no more. Below, we list five of the priciest pieces. Remember that there might be an even more expensive chain somewhere in the world. However, because some wealthy people like to keep their jewelry purchases private, there could be an even costlier piece out there shrouded in secrecy.
The five we've listed here showcase the pinnacle of craftsmanship, materials, and opulent design. From huge and thick gold chains to those adorned with dazzling diamond pendants, prepare to be amazed by the sheer extravagance of these luxury pieces.
Jay-Z Cuban Link Chain – $200,000
Jay-Z is one of the most influential rappers in history. Beyond his rapping career, he has also branched out into various endeavors, from running his record label to founding a multimedia agency. It’s safe to say that his influence now extends beyond music, as he is widely considered a cultural icon and hip-hop royalty.
For this reason, it’s only natural for Jay-Z to want to showcase his wealth while staying true to his hip-hop roots. At the 20th anniversary show of So So Def in 2013, Jay-Z amazed the audience and fellow performers with his one-of-a-kind Cuban chain.
Unlike other musicians who wore rapper chains with diamond-encrusted pendants, Jay-Z’s Cuban link chain necklace had a conventional design. The size and weight aren’t so traditional: the gigantic piece weighs 11 pounds and is made of solid gold.
The opposite of subtle, Jay-Z’s Cuban link chain necklace made news worldwide for its size and estimated cost at the time: $200,000. However, there are other contenders for the title of “Most Expensive Cuban Link Chain.” Read on for the others.
Rick Ross Self-Portrait Cuban Chain – $1.5 Million
Rick Ross is another member of hip-hop royalty with a taste for luxury. The rapper, songwriter, and record executive has worked hard to earn wealth. He debuted in the early 2000s and has since founded his record label. Ross has also tried his hand at being an entrepreneur, launching a clothing line and a car wash business.
Ross is known for his love of loud and luxurious jewelry. Some years back, he made news and inspired memes with his diamond-encrusted self-portrait pendant.
The original pendant for this necklace depicted Ross’s face in diamonds that had been colored yellow and black. The pendant was incredibly detailed, showing Ross’s goatee and sunglasses. Its estimated value was $50,000.
Some years later, he decided to commission another self-portrait pendant. The amusingly meta new pendant depicts Rick Ross wearing a chain with a pendant that shows Rick Ross wearing a pendant made to look like his face. The new pendant, valued at $1.5 million, significantly ups the value of any Cuban chain necklace he wears it with.
Gucci Mane “Ice Daddy” Cuban Chain – $2.5 million
One of the pioneers of trap music, Gucci Mane has had a prolific career since his debut in 2005. Coincidentally, his hit single from his first angle, “Icy,” was about diamonds, with lyrics mentioning “ice” and “chains.”
In 2013, his wife gave the famously jewelry-loving rapper an amazing gift: a thick, diamond-encrusted Cuban chain with a gigantic pendant bearing the words “Ice Daddy.” Gucci Mane’s wife, Keyshia Ka’Oir, got him a three-piece set, including the chain, the pendant and a bracelet, to celebrate the birth of their son, Ice Davis.
The Cuban chain measures about 32 inches long and 2.5 inches wide. The entire set includes 540 carats of diamonds. It’s claimed to be the biggest link chain ever made.
Floyd Mayweather Cuban Chain – $1 Million
Retired boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr., who ended his career undefeated, proves he’s not just a champion in the ring—he’s also a champion in jewelry collecting. Mayweather especially loves diamonds. His collection includes diamond-studded rings, watches, grills, and Cuban chain necklaces.
One piece in particular made news for its size and price. Claimed to be the biggest necklace in the world, the white-gold Cuban chain necklace features 8,500 diamonds. The boxer might not have competed as a heavyweight boxer in his career, but his necklace qualifies as heavyweight indeed, clocking in at 5.7 lbs. Its estimated value is about $1 million.
Busta Rhymes Cuban Chain – Price Unknown
Another hip-hop legend, Busta Rhymes is an NFL player-turned-rapper, record producer, and actor. Known for his diverse musical style, he has collaborated with many of the biggest names in the industry, such as Stevie Wonder and Kanye West.
Busta Rhymes is also famous for his distinctive sense of fashion and love for extravagant jewelry. In 2023, Busta Rhymes ordered a custom 54mm Cuban link chain fully encrusted with over 10,000 diamonds. While he never disclosed the price, it’s likely stratospheric, considering the amount of gold and the number of diamonds used to create the piece.
Shop Now for Quality Cuban Chain Necklaces
Cuban chain necklaces are more than just a statement of wealth; they also showcase the wearer’s personality. They don’t have to be gigantic, covered in diamonds, or be the most expensive chain in the world, either—for instance, a 10k Cuban link is not as costly yet adds style and sophistication without being too flashy.
Fortunately, you don’t have to spend as much as Floyd Mayweather Jr. or Gucci Mane to own a high-quality, head-turning Cuban chain necklace. At Bayam Jewelry, we offer an extensive selection of stunning Cuban link chains for men and women, made with care from top-quality materials like 10k and 14k gold. From plain gold Cuban chains to diamond Cuban Link chains, we have the perfect piece for you.
View our selection and place an order today.