Cuban Chain 18K Gold Plated (5mm)

Cuban Chain 18K Gold Plated (5mm) on a Core of Solid 925 Silver

The best known link design in the world, made here in solid 925 sterling silver with 18K gold plating at 2.5 microns. The flat, interlocking links lie flat against the skin and do not roll onto their side, so the broad face of the links keeps pointing forward.

Product details

• Base material: solid 925 sterling silver

• Finish: 18K gold, 2.5 microns

• Width: 5mm

• Lengths: 50, 55 and 60 cm

• Clasp: lobster clasp

• Delivered in a Carpe Ice jewelry box

Plated on Silver or Gold-Tone Steel?

This is the question that matters most on this chain, because we carry both. The Cuban chain in gold-tone stainless steel has a 5x PVD finish that is harder and more scratch-resistant than plating, and costs a fraction. This one does not have that, but it does have a core of precious metal with value of its own, more weight in the hand and the option of being re-plated when the layer thins after years. If you want something for every day without thinking, take steel. If you want a piece that is worth something and can be restored, this is the route.

What 2.5 Microns Means

Micron is the thickness of the gold layer. What the jewelry trade calls gold plated often starts around 0.5 micron, and this layer is five times as thick. On a Cuban that counts in its own way, because the broad flat faces lie full against your skin and your clothing; that is more contact surface than on any other link type. We deliberately put no number of years on it. What is certain: underneath lies silver, so wear here means touching up rather than throwing away, and no base metal appears that turns green. Take the chain off before the pool, the shower and sport, because there is a layer on it; the silver-colored chains in bare steel have no layer and can stay on. Apply fragrance before you put it on, and store it dry.

How 5mm Wears, and Which Length

At 5mm this chain is clearly visible without claiming attention. It comes in 50, 55 and 60 cm (20, 22 and 24 in): at 50 cm (20 in) it stays inside a buttoned shirt, 55 cm (22 in) is our best-selling length and at 60 cm (24 in) it shows freely over a T-shirt. If you are hanging a pendant on it, check that the bail passes over a 5mm link; on many pendants that is tight. Layering works with a clearly finer chain and at least 10 cm difference in length.

Care

Lukewarm water, a drop of mild soap and a soft cloth are enough. Do not use silver polish, abrasives or an ultrasonic bath: those are meant for solid metal and attack a finish instead. Soap collects between the flat links, so rinse well and pat the chain dry.