How to choose a Cuban chain: thickness, length, and material
Short answer: for everyday wear on its own, a 6 to 10 mm Cuban chain. To be seen from afar, 12 to 20 mm. As for length, 50 cm is the easiest: it falls on the collarbone. Choose 46 cm if you want it close to the neck, and 56 or 60 cm if you are going to hang a large pendant from it.
What is a Cuban chain
The Cuban is a chain of oval, intertwined, and flattened links that sit close to one another. That is why it falls flat on the chest and looks thick even if it isn't that thick. It is the classic chain of urban jewelry and is worn by both men and women.
At Ice Baby there are two families:
- Plain: the metal alone, without stones. For example, the Florida 6 mm, the Premium 8 or 12 mm, and the Miami 15 or 18 mm.
- With stones: the links are covered with 5A cubic zirconia, or VVS moissanite in the 925 silver version. In the "Prong" versions, the stones are held by claws, which is what "prong" means.
Thickness: how many millimeters
| Thickness | How it looks | For whom |
|---|---|---|
| 6 mm | Discreet, thin but with presence | Your first Cuban, or to hang a pendant from |
| 8 to 10 mm | Noticeable without overdoing it | For everyday wear, alone or with a pendant |
| 12 to 15 mm | Catches the eye | So it is the first thing seen |
| 18 to 20 mm | The star | Worn alone; it doesn't need anything else |
Thickness is the measure of each link from side to side. With stones, the same measure looks larger because the shine enlarges it.
Length: where it sits on you
| Length | In inches | Where it sits |
|---|---|---|
| 40 cm | 16" | Choker, close to the neck |
| 46 cm | 18" | At the base of the neck |
| 50 cm | 20" | On the collarbone |
| 56 cm | 22" | At the middle of the chest |
| 60 cm | 24" | On the chest, for large pendants |
These are reference measurements: depending on your neck and your back, it may sit a little higher or lower. The thicker the chain, the more the length changes the effect. A 20 mm one at 46 cm sits close and round. The same at 60 cm already has a drop. You have all the measurements in our size and length guide.
With a pendant or without it
- Without a pendant: any thickness works. If it is your first Cuban, an 8 or 10 mm at 50 cm is a safe bet.
- With a pendant: choose a length of 56 or 60 cm so that the pendant falls on the chest and does not stay on the neck. The larger the pendant, the longer the chain needs to be.
- Two chains at once: leave about 5 cm of difference between one and the other (for example, 46 and 50 cm) so they do not tangle.
The material
- Stainless steel with 18K gold or white gold plating: this is how almost all our Cubans are, plain and with 5A cubic zirconia. Resistant to water and sweat.
- 925 sterling silver with VVS moissanite: several Cubans (Ice, Prong, and Rich Boss, from 8 to 20 mm) also have this version. It is the one that does not lose shine and comes with a GRA certificate. We compare the two stones in VVS moissanite or 5A cubic zirconia.
When the name of a chain says "18K Gold" or "White Gold", it refers to the color of the plating. The real material is in the product sheet.
And the matching bracelet
Many Cubans have their bracelet with the same link. As for length, 17 cm is for a normal wrist and 20 cm to wear it loose or if you have a wide wrist.
Frequently asked questions
What thickness do I choose if it is my first Cuban?
Between 8 and 10 mm, at 50 cm. It is seen, matches everything, and does not weigh too much.
Are Cubans for men or women?
Both. In women they usually go thinner or as a choker, at 40 or 46 cm, but there is no rule.
Can I shower with the chain on?
Yes, they are resistant to water and sweat. So that the shine lasts longer, dry it afterwards and store it in its case.
What happens if I choose the wrong length?
Write to us via WhatsApp or Instagram before ordering and we will help you choose. After receiving it you have 14 days to return it if it is as it arrived; you have everything in the return policy.
All our Cubans, plain and with stones, are in Cuban chains, and the rest of the chains in chains.
