In Miami, a Cuban link is more than a chain. It is the piece a father passes to his son, the gift that marks a graduation, the first real gold someone buys with their own money. At Miral Jewelers, we have been helping South Florida families choose them since 2000, and the questions are almost always the same. This guide answers them, so you can buy with confidence and wear it for decades.
What makes a Cuban link a Cuban link
A Cuban link is built from thick oval links that interlock and lie flat against each other. The links are twisted and pressed so the chain looks like one continuous rope of gold, with no gaps. The style grew up in Miami's Cuban-American community and became an icon of the city's culture, which is why you will often hear it called a "Miami Cuban."
A tighter, flatter, heavier link is the sign of a well-made chain. If you can see daylight between the links, it is closer to a curb chain.
Step 1: Choose the width
Width is measured in millimeters across one link, and it sets the whole look of the chain.
- 2–3 mm: Fine and everyday. Ideal for wearing alone, layering, or holding a small pendant.
- 4–5 mm: The Miami classic. Visible and masculine, yet easy to wear with a shirt or a guayabera.
- 6–7 mm and up: A statement piece. Bold, heavy and meant to be seen.
If this is your first Cuban, 4 mm is the width we recommend most often. It reads as a real chain without overwhelming your frame.
Step 2: Check the weight
In gold, weight is value. Two chains can look alike in a photo and differ by many grams. Always ask for the weight in grams, and ask to see it on the scale.
As a reference, here is what our own 24-inch Cuban links weigh today:
| Width | Approx. weight (24 in) |
|---|---|
| 2 mm | 11–12 g |
| 3 mm | 14–16 g |
| 4 mm | 26–30 g |
| 5 mm | 42–48 g |
| 6 mm | 56–63 g |
| 7 mm | 74–83 g |
A chain that feels light for its width may be hollow. Hollow chains cost less but dent easily and are hard to repair. Every Cuban link we sell is weighed and labeled, so you know exactly what you are paying for.
Step 3: 10K or 14K gold
- 10K is 41.7% pure gold. It is harder, more resistant to scratches, and the more accessible way to get a heavier chain.
- 14K is 58.3% pure gold. It has a richer, warmer yellow color and holds more gold value per gram.
Both are real, durable gold. Look for the stamp (10K or 14K) near the clasp. If you wear your chain every day, at the beach or at work, 10K is a smart choice. If color and long-term value matter most, choose 14K.
Step 4: Pick the right length
- 20 in: Sits at the collarbone. Clean and close to the neck.
- 22 in: The most popular length. Rests just below the collarbone.
- 24 in: Falls on the upper chest. Best for wider links or for wearing a pendant.
Wider chains look shorter on the body, so with 6 mm or more, consider going one size up.
Step 5: Look at the clasp
A heavy chain needs a strong clasp. A box clasp with a safety latch on each side is the standard for a quality Cuban link. It closes flush with the chain and keeps it secure even with daily wear. Some of our chains feature a clasp set with zirconia for extra shine.
How to care for your Cuban link
- Take it off before swimming in pools or the ocean, and before using lotions or perfume.
- Clean it with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush, then dry it fully.
- Store it flat or hanging, away from other jewelry, to avoid scratches.
- Bring it in for a check of the clasp and links once a year.
Buy it from a family jeweler
A Cuban link is an investment, and it deserves a jeweler you can trust. At Miral, we weigh every chain in front of you, explain the difference between each option and help you find the one that fits your style and budget. We also offer Financing and Leasing, so you can take home the chain you really want.
Browse our Cuban Link Chains and matching Cuban Link Bracelets, or visit us at 6508 NW 186 St, Hialeah, FL 33015. Have a question first? Message us on WhatsApp at 305-323-7517 and we will help you choose.
