Cuban link: Miami Cuban, prong Cuban, solid or hollow

A Cuban link chain is recognisable by its interlocking, oval links that lie flat against each other, creating a dense, almost armour-like surface. Within that one basic shape, though, there are real differences, between Miami Cuban and prong Cuban, and between solid and hollow links. Here's what those terms actually mean and what to genuinely watch for when buying.

Miami Cuban: the classic form

The Miami Cuban chain is the original, named after the city where it became popular in the 1970s and 80s. Its links are wide, flat and interlocking, without stones, the gold itself carries the entire look. The bigger and thicker the links, the bolder the chain reads, so widths vary a lot, from slim versions to very wide statement pieces. With a Miami Cuban, what matters most is gold quality and the precision with which the links are worked and polished.

Prong Cuban: when stones are added

A prong Cuban chain uses the same link shape but adds stones, usually diamonds or cubic zirconia, set with small prongs in the centre of each individual link. The result is a chain that combines the solid look of a Cuban link with the sparkle of an iced-out piece, without being fully paved like other iced-out styles. Because each link carries its own stone, the price rises noticeably with the number of links, which is exactly why discussing a clear budget upfront pays off here.

Solid or hollow: the difference that costs the most

The biggest price driver on any Cuban link chain isn't Miami versus prong, it's whether the links are made solid or hollow. Solid links are entirely metal, correspondingly heavy, very sturdy, and hold up well against knocks and deformation for decades, but cost noticeably more because of the higher material use. Hollow links are hollowed out inside, making them noticeably lighter to wear and cheaper, but more prone to dents and bending, especially on very wide chains. For everyday, carefree wear we'd generally recommend solid links, while a lighter statement piece for special occasions can be the right call for a hollow version.

• Miami Cuban: interlocking, usually stone-free links, the gold carries the look, width and gold quality drive the price.
• Prong Cuban: same link shape, plus a stone per link, combines a solid look with sparkle.
• Solid: links entirely metal, heavy, very sturdy, more expensive due to more material.
• Hollow: links hollowed out inside, lighter and cheaper, more prone to deforming.

Which metal for your Cuban link chain

Beyond the link shape and construction, the metal itself also matters for your chain's weight, colour and longevity. Whether yellow gold, white gold or another alloy suits you better depends on your style and everyday life, which we explain in detail in our article on which metal suits you. If you're looking for a matching piece in the same alloy to go with your Cuban link chain, our men's gold chain page shows further models and widths.

What a Cuban link chain costs

As with any iced-out or gold chain piece, we deliberately don't quote a flat number for a Cuban link chain, because length, width, link type, solid or hollow, and any stone setting change the price considerably. What we offer instead is an honest assessment: tell us how the chain will be worn, everyday and sturdy or as a special statement piece, and we'll show you which combination of width, construction and gold realistically fits your budget. Our Cuban link chain overview page shows the full range of widths and finishes.

Whether it's a stone-free Miami Cuban, a fully sparkling prong Cuban, solid for daily wear or hollow for a lighter statement, we design your Cuban link chain at our atelier in Zurich district 4 or by video consultation exactly to your vision, with an honest explanation of what you're paying for.