Hip Hop Chains: The Most Expensive Chains In Hip Hop

6 ICE
November 01, 2021
5 min read

Celebrities in Hollywood tend to be more humble about their success and wealth. We seem to love it when Robert Downey Jr. goes to the grocery store or when Jennifer Lawrence orders a pizza from a local restaurant. It makes them seem just like us.

But hip hop celebrities want you to know how successful they’ve become. Rappers like Jay-Z, Megan Thee Stallion, and Kanye West have earned their place as music icons, and they’re not afraid to show off what they’ve accomplished. By far, the best way to do that is by sporting some absolutely astonishing chains and pendants.

Here are some of the most expensive hip hop chains in the business so you can learn how to be just like them.

Kanye West’s Horus Pendant - $300k

Kanye West has become a household name, for better or for worse. And love him or hate him, he is a one-of-a-kind artist who has never been afraid to break boundaries and try something that has never been done before. While this applies to his music, it also applies to his choice of chain.

West caught the crowd’s and the world’s attention at the 2010 BET Awards when he wore a gigantic pendant of the Egyptian god Horus around his neck. This pendant, the size of his head, was draped under a golden chain that was as thick as his wrists, making for one of the largest hip hop golden chains to date.

It was made completely out of solid 24k gold… so that might explain the $300k price tag. But the clout and attention that it drew were entirely worth it.

Takeoff’s Solar System Pendant - $500k

If someone ever tries to say that they’re the center of the universe, they’re probably full of themselves. That’s unless they’re wearing a $500k diamond solar system pendant around their neck.

15mm Baguette Mariner Chain White Gold

This custom pendant features dazzling models of the sun, stars, planets, and a rocket taking off (pun probably intended). Each individual charm, from the planets to the thick mariner chain holding it all together, is covered in 200 carats of diamonds.

Takeoff likes to wear this chain a lot, and it’s for good reason so he can get his money’s worth. But if you take just one look at this piece, you’ll see that the quality definitely matches the price.

Jay-Z’s Gold Cuban Chain - $200k

One of the main reasons why some of the pieces on this list are so pricey is because of the pendants that are attached to the chains. Pendants require a level of customization and specificity that the chain links themselves don’t need. So, in addition to the price of the materials to create the piece, you need to add some money for the labor it took to create it.

But Jay-Z is an exception to the rule with his $200k gold Cuban chain.

No pendants are necessary to make this piece stand out on its own. Jay-Z wore this piece in 2013 at the 20th anniversary of So So Def, a record label. It’s made entirely out of solid gold, weighing in at a whopping 11 total pounds.

12mm Diamond Prong Cuban Chain White Gold

But the neck and back problems are worth it when you can sport a gold Cuban chain that’s the same width as your wrists. Even though you might not be able to find a chain that’s quite as thick, there are some alternative gold chains that will do the trick.

Gucci Mane’s Twin Panther Chain - $500k

In a world dominated by Cuban chains, Franco chains, and baguette chains, it’s important that rappers make an attempt to stand out. And Gucci Mane did just that by pretty much inventing his own chain style.

His twin panther chain utilizes a unique design in which two diamond-crusted panthers are connected by the mouth with three small strands of diamonds. The whole piece looks stunning. Considering it’s covered with over 4,600 gemstones, it’s pretty hard not to stop and stare.

Pharrell’s N.E.R.D Chain - $1 Million

Remember how we said custom pendants can run a pretty steep price tag? Well, Pharrell’s custom N.E.R.D chain is no exception.

This humongous pendant is attached to a multicolored (and equally huge) mariner chain. This piece consists of a giant medallion featuring himself, as well as his two other band members. See a common theme? The entire piece is just ginormous.

It’s no wonder he dropped $1 million on the thing, but for a piece that has so much sentimental value, we think that it might be more valuable than you think.

Varsity Letter Custom Pendant

While a custom pendant like this might be inaccessible for most, you don’t need to drop a million bucks to look like a million bucks. Our selection of custom pendants will excel expectations while keeping your bank account nice and sound.

Rick Ross’s Self Portrait Chain - $1.5 Million

There’s perhaps no representation that you’ve made it big than when you can wear a pendant of yourself, and that’s exactly what Rick Ross did. His extravagant iced out pendant looks exactly like him, and it’s no wonder it ran him over a million dollars to produce.

But he took the self-awareness to the next level when he was seen wearing a pendant of himself that was wearing a pendant of himself. The meta chain is an unforgettable piece that has solidified its place as one of the most expensive rapper chains in the business.

What Makes Hip Hop Chains So Expensive?

So, why are all of these chains so expensive anyway? For one, it’s no secret that gold and diamonds aren’t cheap. Most of these pieces are made with solid 24k gold, which is the purest form of gold that you can buy. Naturally, that will hike up the price.

As for the diamonds, these pieces utilize real diamonds as opposed to diamond simulants. And when a one-carat diamond costs anywhere from $1,800 to $12,000, it makes sense these pieces that are 100% crusted with diamonds would cost hundreds of thousands in order to get your hands on.

Finally, you need to consider the cost of crafting these chains as well. Most of these pieces are made by highly respected jewelers who specialize in making custom pieces for celebrities. Since so many of them are sought after, they can hike up their prices due to the demand.

A Chain Explained

Hip hop legends deserve to flaunt their success and their wealth for all of the hard work that they’ve put into their craft. And rappers like Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Takeoff have no problem showing off their chains that cost even more than the average home.

But you don’t need to take out a second mortgage to be like the icons that you admire. 6 Ice’s collection of chains, custom pendants, bracelets, and more can make you feel like a champion without draining your wallet. Your stunning piece would fit right in on this list.

Sources:

Horus - Explore Deities of Ancient Egypt | Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

Full Comparison of 10K, 14K, 18K and 24K Gold | The Diamond Pro

What's the Best Diamond Alternative? | International Gem Society

1 Carat Diamond Ring: The Expert Buying Guide | The Diamond Pro