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Cuban Link Chains: The Complete Buying Guide
Width, length, karat and construction explained for Cuban link chains, plus how to avoid paying solid gold prices for plated steel or hollow.
The Cuban link is the undisputed king of chains — and in 2026 it's not even close. But buying one raises real questions: what width? what length? 10K or 14K? And how do you avoid paying solid-gold prices for plated steel? Here's everything you need to know.
What Is a Cuban Link?
A Cuban link (also called a Miami Cuban) is a cable link where each oval link is flattened and tightly interlocked with the next, creating that signature dense, rope-like pattern that lies flat and catches light from every angle. Compared to a standard rope or figaro chain, the Cuban's links sit flush against each other — that's why it looks solid from every direction and doesn't twist.
Width: The First Big Decision
Width drives both the look and the price — more gold, more weight.
- 3–5mm: understated, works with a pendant or alone. The everyday pick.
- 6–9mm: the sweet spot. Clearly a Cuban from across the room, still wearable everywhere. Most popular range.
- 10–14mm: statement territory. Heavy, and it reads.
- 15mm+: full flex. These are show pieces.
Beginner advice: don't start at 15mm. A quality 8mm in solid gold beats a hollow 15mm in plated anything, every day of the week.
Length: Match It to Your Build
- 18" — sits at the base of the neck. Works with open collars, tight silhouette.
- 20" — the standard. Falls just below the collar on most guys. Best all-around length.
- 22" — chest-level. The classic hip-hop silhouette, pairs with pendants.
- 24"+ — over-the-shirt statement length.
Rule of thumb: wider chains can run slightly shorter; slim chains look best a touch longer.
10K or 14K?
The full karat breakdown is in our 10K vs 14K gold guide, but short version for chains: 10K wins for daily-wear chains. It's harder, cheaper, and takes daily friction better. 14K is the move if you want the richer color or you're sizing up into a heavy statement piece.
Solid, Hollow, or Plated? (This Is Where People Get Burned)
- Solid gold — the whole link is gold through and through. Heavier, lasts forever, holds value. What we sell.
- Hollow gold
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