Stainless Steel Chains
Heavy platinum chains are one of the icons of hip-hop and rapper fashion. Rappers like Run DMC started the trend of wearing thick chains, and almost every rapper since then from Jay-Z to LL Cool J and Eminem have made a statement wearing chains. The famous rappers and hip hop stars have plenty of cash to throw around, so their chains are always made of gold or platinum and often studded with diamonds. For those who want to imitate the look of their favorite rapper, but lack the funds of the multi-million dollar stars, stainless steel chains are a great alternative.
Stainless steel is a shiny silver metal that can look like platinum when polished well, at a mere fraction of the cost of platinum or even silver. As the price of silver and gold have been on the rise, stainless steel has become a popular alternative to these precious metals, without sacrificing or compromising the clean look of metal or the sleek style that metal brings forth.
Stainless steel chains come in all the classic styles of chains that have been made popular in the world of hip-hop fashion like the thick braided Run DMC rope chain, the classic link chain and the simple closed curve chain. But since stainless steel is so much cheaper than silver, platinum and other precious metals, designers have gotten very creative with the styles of stainless steel chains, and you can often find stainless steel chains in an abundant variety of styles that you just don’t see gold, silver or platinum chains made in.
For example, you’ll find a lot of stainless steel chains that resemble chain parts from a bicycle or motorcycle. A popular style is a stainless steel chain made of short cylindrical pieces that are linked together creating a long, sleek looking piece. This style looks like it could have been taken directly from a mechanical apparatus, and this is part of the allure of this style of jewelry—it looks primitive and tough. Anyone who takes a chain off their motorcycle to wear as a piece of jewelry around his neck is a playa you definitely don’t want to mess with—and this is exactly what these stainless steel chains make you think of.
Link platinum chains are another popular hip-hop fashion accessory, and come in a variety of styles. There are simple round open link platinum chains, square link platinum chains with alternating exposed edges for a contemporary look, and more creative looking linked platinum chains—one style which looks like a number or jewelry clasps fitted together.
Whatever the style of linked platinum chain you choose to reflect your personal fashion, stainless steel chains are quickly becoming a new fashion icon in the hip-hop industry. Stainless steel chains bring just as much bling to a look without the hit to your wallet, while still maintaining a flashy looking style. Stainless steel chains don’t look cheap – they are functional—and a blending of form and function with a lot of added bling is a lot of what rapper and hip-hop fashion inspires to embrace.
