The Cuban link is the most recognizable gold chain in the world — and the one buyers ask us about most at our counter in the NYC Diamond District. But "Cuban link" covers a huge range: a 2mm everyday chain and a 15mm iced-out statement piece are both Cuban links, and the price gap between them is enormous. This guide walks you through the four decisions that actually determine what you pay and what you get: link style, karat (10K vs 14K), construction (solid vs hollow), and width. Get these right and you'll never overpay for a Cuban link again.

What "Cuban link" actually means

A Cuban link is a chain of interlocking oval links laid flat so each link presses against the next, creating a smooth, dense, continuous look. That flat, tight construction is why a Cuban reads as "more gold" than a rope or figaro at the same width — there's simply more metal packed into every inch.

The most popular variation is the Miami Cuban, which uses slightly rounder, thicker links and often a box clasp for a heavier, more premium feel. A curb Cuban is the flatter, classic version. Both are real Cuban links — Miami just tends to wear bolder.

10K vs 14K: which gold is right for a Cuban?

Both are real, solid gold — the difference is the ratio of pure gold to alloy.

• 10K gold is 41.7% pure gold. It's harder and more scratch-resistant, and it costs less per gram — which makes it the smart choice for a chain you wear every single day, especially in wider widths where every gram counts.
• 14K gold is 58.5% pure gold. It has a slightly richer, warmer yellow and holds more resale value per gram. It's the pick if you want maximum gold content and a deeper color.

Neither is "better" — 10K wins on durability and value per dollar; 14K wins on purity and color. Every real gold Cuban is hallmark-stamped (417 for 10K, 585 for 14K) so you can verify it yourself.

Solid vs hollow: the decision that changes the price most

This is where buyers get surprised, so read this part twice.

• A solid Cuban is real gold all the way through every link. The gram weight you see is real gold mass — you can literally calculate it against the day's gold price. It's heavier, more durable, and holds more value. It also costs more.
• A hollow Cuban has a thin interior air cavity inside each link. It looks identical in width and shine but weighs far less, so it costs far less — while still being 100% real, hallmark-stamped gold. It's built for style and comfort rather than maximum daily-wear durability.

There's no wrong answer here — a hollow Cuban lets you wear a bold, wide look for a fraction of a solid one's price. Just know which you're buying: always check the gram weight per width and length before you add to cart. If a "solid" Cuban's gram weight looks too light for its width, ask.

Choosing your width

• 2–4mm — refined and everyday. Sits well under a shirt, pairs perfectly with a pendant.
• 5–6mm — the most popular range. A clear statement without being heavy.
• 7–8mm — bold. The chain becomes the focal point of the outfit.
• 9mm and up — maximum presence. Special-occasion or a very specific look.

A good rule: buy the width you'll actually wear daily, not the widest you can afford. A 6mm you wear every day beats a 12mm that stays in the box.

Explore every width, karat, and style in one place → the Cuban Link Chains & Bracelets collection at Fantastic Jewelry NYC.

How to make sure it's real gold

Four quick checks before you buy any Cuban link:

1. Hallmark stamp — look for 417 (10K) or 585 (14K). Real gold is always stamped.
2. Gram weight listed per variant — reputable sellers show the exact grams for each width and length. This is your proof of how much gold you're actually paying for.
3. Karat stated clearly — "gold" alone means nothing; it must say 10K or 14K.
4. A real return policy and warranty — we back every piece with a lifetime warranty and free insured shipping, because real gold should never be a gamble.

Caring for your Cuban link

Gold doesn't tarnish, but oils and lotion dull the shine. Wipe your chain with a soft cloth after wear, and every few weeks clean it in warm water with a drop of mild dish soap, then dry fully. Store it flat so the links don't kink. That's it — a real gold Cuban will outlast trends by decades.

En español: cómo comprar una cadena cubana de oro real

La cadena cubana es la más buscada, y las decisiones que definen el precio son cuatro: estilo (Miami o barbada), kilataje (10K o 14K), construcción (sólida o hueca) y ancho.

• 10K vs 14K: ambas son oro real. El 10K (sello 417) es más duro y rinde más por dólar — ideal para uso diario. El 14K (sello 585) tiene más oro puro y un amarillo más intenso.
• Sólida vs hueca: la sólida es oro macizo en cada eslabón (más peso, más valor, más precio). La hueca se ve igual de ancha y brillante pero pesa menos, así que cuesta menos — y sigue siendo 100% oro real con sello. Lo más importante: revisa siempre los gramos por ancho y largo antes de comprar.
• Ancho: de 2–4mm para diario, 5–6mm para el más popular, 7mm en adelante para un look fuerte.

Cómprala con confianza: oro real con sello, garantía de por vida, envío asegurado gratis y atención en español por WhatsApp — directo desde el Diamond District de Nueva York.

Bottom line

• Decide solid or hollow first — it's the biggest price lever, and both are real gold.
• Pick 10K for durability and value, 14K for purity and color.
• Buy the width you'll wear daily, and always confirm the gram weight and hallmark.

Ready to find yours? Browse the full range of real 10K and 14K Cuban links — chains and bracelets, every width — in our Cuban Link Chains & Bracelets collection, or message us on WhatsApp for help choosing. Real gold, from the Diamond District since 2012.