Cuban Link Chain Collection

A Cuban link chain, also simply called a Cuban chain, lies differently from other chains. The links are finished flat and twisted into each other, so the chain rests on your skin like a closed band instead of tilting. That gives a continuous surface of shine and a clean line.

Cuban chain, Cuban link or curb chain?

It is the same link. Cuban link is the name of the link, Cuban chain the name of the chain. Technically it belongs to the curb chains: a curb with flat links twisted tightly together. On some of our silver Cuban chains the edges are also diamond cut, so they catch extra light.

Which width do you choose?

With this link, width decides everything. Slimmer models stay subtle and combine well with a second chain or a pendant. Wider models are meant as a standalone statement and wear noticeably heavier. In practice: the 2 and 3 mm 925 silver Cuban is fine, 4 to 5 mm stands on its own, and the 7 mm steel Cuban and the 8 and 10 mm iced out Cuban are a statement. The 12 mm moissanite Cuban is the widest. Everything about the link itself is in our guide to Cuban chains and Cuban links.

In this collection

In 925 sterling silver the Cuban comes in 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 mm; the 4 mm silver Cuban is our best-selling silver model. In stainless steel in 3, 5 and 7 mm, silver-tone and gold-tone. In 18K gold plated on 925 silver in 5 mm. Iced out, with cubic zirconia on copper alloy, in 6, 8 and 10 mm; the silver-tone iced out Cuban has been our best-selling Cuban chain over the past six months. And with moissanite on 925 sterling silver in 12 mm.

Length

This link runs from 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24 in). As a guide: 50 cm falls just below your collarbone, 55 cm on the top of your breastbone and 60 cm mid-chest. With a wider link you usually go one step longer: on our iced out Cuban, 50 cm is the best-selling length at 6 mm and 60 cm at 10 mm. That is because a wider link stays higher on your chest instead of following its shape. Want to wear it longer? Then the king's chains are the place to look.

A Cuban with a pendant?

A Cuban up to 4 mm carries a pendant well, as long as the bail fits over the flat link. From 5 mm the chain itself is the statement and a pendant quickly becomes too much. Always wear an iced out Cuban without a pendant.

Clasp and pairing

The steel, silver, gold plated and iced out Cuban chains have a lobster clasp; the 12 mm moissanite Cuban has a box clasp with a safety lock that sits flush in the link. Pair a 3 or 4 mm Cuban with a rope or king's chain of the same width, with 5 cm difference in length. Wear a wide Cuban on its own.

Width by build

With a slim build, 3 to 5 mm is enough to make a presence. With broad shoulders and a solid neck you can wear 7 mm, or an 8 or 10 mm iced out Cuban, without the chain disappearing. In doubt? Choose 5 mm: the width that stays in proportion on most men, and it comes in steel, 925 silver and 18K gold plated. Torn between two widths? Choose the slimmer one: a chain that feels too wide is one you wear less often.

As a set

The Cuban link also comes as a Cuban bracelet and as a Cuban ring. Choose the bracelet in the same color and as wide as the chain or narrower, for example a 7 mm chain with a 5 mm bracelet.

Material

Silver-tone stainless steel is bare, polished steel: no layer to wear off, it does not discolor and no tarnish builds up, so you can keep that chain on in the shower. The gold-tone steel models and the stone-set models on nickel-free copper alloy have a five-layer PVD finish: harder than ordinary plating, but still a layer, so off before the shower and the gym. 925 sterling silver is a real precious metal and weighs more, which you can clearly feel with a wide link; it can go in the shower and tarnishes slowly, which a silver cloth polishes away. Every model comes off before the pool, because chlorine is harsher than shower water. None of these materials is scratch-proof: with hard contact, steel scratches too.

A Cuban as a gift

Not sure of the length? Choose 55 cm. A 5 mm silver-tone steel Cuban or a 4 mm silver Cuban is the safest choice: both can be worn every day and go with a steel watch. Every chain comes in a Carpe Ice jewelry box.