The Miami Cuban link is the most requested gold chain we sell, and it's also the one people overpay for online. Because the price is driven almost entirely by weight and karat, a genuine Cuban link is easy to price fairly once you know what to check. Here's how to buy one the right way.
What makes a Cuban link "real"
Two things decide the value of a Cuban link chain: how many grams of gold it contains and what karat that gold is. A 14K chain is 58.5% pure gold; a 10K chain is 41.7%. Everything else — the box clasp, the polish, the diamond-cut faces — is workmanship, not gold content.
Ask for the exact weight in grams and the stamp (10K, 14K, or 18K). A solid Cuban feels dense and cool, and the links are consistent with no gaps at the solder points. Hollow chains weigh far less for the same length and dent easily — they have their place, but they should be priced accordingly.
Solid vs. hollow: why the price gap is huge
A solid 14K Cuban can weigh several times more than a hollow one of the same length and width, so the price difference is not a markup — it's real gold. If two chains look identical but one is half the price, weigh them. The lighter one is almost always hollow.
How to check it in person
- Look for the karat stamp on the clasp or the first few links.
- Feel the weight. Real solid gold is noticeably heavy for its size.
- Test the clasp. A quality box clasp snaps firmly and sits flush.
- Ask to see it tested. A reputable shop will acid-test or electronically test the gold in front of you.
At DD Pawn Loans we test every chain in front of the customer, so you see the karat confirmed before you pay. Browse what's in the case on our Cuban Link Chains collection or the broader Gold Chains collection.
Why buy a Cuban link from a pawn shop
Pre-owned solid gold from a pawn shop is the same metal at a better price than retail, because you're not paying a jeweler's markup. The gold value is identical — a 100-gram 14K chain is 100 grams of 14K gold whether it's new or pre-owned.
Frequently asked questions
How much should a gold Cuban link chain cost?
Price tracks the current gold spot price times the weight and karat, plus a modest amount for the workmanship. Heavier and higher-karat means higher price. Always confirm grams and karat before comparing prices.
Is a 10K or 14K Cuban link better?
14K holds more gold value and a richer color; 10K is more durable and more affordable. For an everyday chain that takes abuse, many buyers prefer 10K.
Can I try one on before buying?
Yes. Come see them in person — we'll weigh, test, and let you try any chain in the case.
Visit DD Pawn Loans in Pompano Beach
DD Pawn Loans is at 2751 W Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach, FL 33069. Call or text (561) 774-9292. Hours: Mon–Thu 10am–6:30pm, Fri 9am–8pm, Sat 10am–6:30pm, closed Sunday. All sales are final — no returns.