I’ve been wearing a cuban link ring for four months now. Two, actually. One from Jaxxon and one from GLD. If you'd like another hands-on perspective, check out this real-life Cuban link ring review. I wear them most days. I work on a laptop, haul groceries, wash my hands a lot, and chase my dog. So this ring got a real test. Not just cute photos.
Why I wanted it
I love chain jewelry. I have a 4 mm cuban link bracelet that I wear daily. If you're eyeing bracelets too, this honest review of four Cuban link bracelets is worth a skim. I wanted a ring that felt bold but still easy. Something that looks like, “Yes, I meant to look this put together.” But also… I wanted it to survive hand soap and coffee runs. If you're curious about the roots of the iconic Cuban link style, Lovely Cuba has some fun background on how island culture shaped this jewelry trend.
I got:
- Jaxxon Cuban Link Ring, gold-bonded, size 7 (my index finger)
- GLD Micro Cuban Ring, 14k PVD over steel, size 6 (my ring finger)
My ring finger is a 6. My index finger is about a 7. My hands swell in summer, so I keep a little wiggle room.
First impression: chunky, but comfy
The look is classic. The links give it that “chain, but make it sleek” vibe. It’s a tiny bracelet on your finger. Curious how different thicknesses compare? Someone actually wore four chains at once and reported back so you don’t have to. It catches the light just enough. Not too flashy during the day. But at night, under warm lights, it really pops.
The Jaxxon one feels more solid. The links look tighter. The GLD micro is slimmer, and it stacks well. I wore it with a plain band and it didn’t feel too busy. For a closer look at how Jaxxon builds its chains, check out this in-depth review of Jaxxon jewelry, including their Cuban Link Chains, highlighting the quality and craftsmanship of their pieces.
Weight-wise, both feel real. Not heavy like a dumbbell. More like a small coin. You notice it for a day, then your hand forgets.
Real-life tests I did
- Work day typing: It didn’t jab my fingers. It did clack on my laptop once in a while. Not loud. Just a tiny tap-tap.
- Grocery bags: No pinching. No bending. The links are smooth on the inside.
- Hair wash: Didn’t snag my hair. I was nervous about that. But both rings are fused on top, so no sharp edges.
- Sweater season: It snagged one chunky knit sleeve. Only once. A looser thread caught the edge of a link on the Jaxxon ring. My lighter knits were fine.
- Hand sanitizer: The GLD ring got dull on the bottom after two months of tons of sanitizer. The top still looked bright. Jaxxon held up better here for me.
- Water and soap: I took them off for showers most days. But I forgot a few times. No drama. A little dish soap and a soft brush brought the shine back.
Longevity questions? One writer actually wore Cuban chain necklaces for a full year and shared the gritty details right here.
The good stuff
- Style: It’s bold, but not loud. Looks good with jeans and a white tee. For neckwear lovers, here's a real-life take on a classic Cuban necklace that pairs perfectly with the ring vibe. Also worked with a black dress at a wedding. My mom called it “a chunky little chain donut,” and honestly, she’s not wrong.
- Comfort: Smooth inside. I could wear it all day. No red marks at night.
- Compliments: A barista asked me where I got it. Twice. Strangers noticed, but in a nice way.
- Stack-friendly: The GLD micro stacks well with a plain gold band. The Jaxxon looks best solo on me.
- Skin-safe: My skin is fussy with nickel. No green finger. No itch. Both were fine.
The not-so-great
- Plating wear: The GLD ring showed light fade on the underside first. That’s where it rubs on everything. Jaxxon did better, but tiny hairline marks still showed after month three.
- Sizing can be tricky: Wide bands fit tighter. I almost sized wrong. I’m glad I went a half size up for my index finger.
- Sweater risk: Big open knits can catch. Not often, but it can happen.
- Keyboard taps: If you’re super sound-sensitive, the light tapping might bug you.
Sizing notes that helped me
- My ring finger is a 6. For a wider chain ring, a 6 still worked on my ring finger. But on my index finger, I went up to a 7. That felt right.
- If your fingers swell in heat, size up by a half. It saved me in July.
- Comfort fit is key. Look for a smooth inner band. It slides on easier.
- If you’re between sizes, try a cheap plastic ring sizer first. I keep one in my junk drawer.
Material talk (simple version)
- Gold-bonded or PVD over steel lasts longer than thin gold plate. The Jaxxon is gold-bonded and held color better for me.
- Vermeil over sterling silver can be lovely too. My old vermeil bands do great with gentle care.
- Pure sterling silver cuban rings look cool and age nicely. They do scratch. But you can polish them back. If silver is more your speed, here's a six-month wear test of a silver Cuban link chain.
How I keep it looking good
- Quick wash: Mild dish soap, warm water, soft toothbrush. Rinse. Dry with a cotton cloth.
- Skip harsh stuff: Perfume first, ring last. Same with lotion.
- Take it off for: Pool chlorine, heavy gym lifts, and big cleaning jobs. I forgot one time with bleach spray and my brain screamed. The ring was fine, but I don’t risk it now.
- Storage: Little fabric pouch. Not tossed with keys. Learned that the hard way.
Price and brands I tried
- Jaxxon ring: Mine was around the $80–$100 range. Heavier feel. Better color hold.
- GLD micro: Around $60–$80. Slimmer. Great for stacking. Slight fade on the underside after heavy sanitizer use.
- I also tried a $20 stainless steel cuban link ring from an Amazon seller, just for fun. It looked good for about a month, then the “gold” tone turned a bit orange. Not awful. Just not right next to real gold jewelry.
If you're still deciding between the two brands, a comparative analysis of Jaxxon and GLD jewelry, focusing on their Cuban Link Chains may offer helpful context before you hit “add to cart.”
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If you want real gold, a 14k solid gold cuban link ring costs a lot more. It lasts, though. I tried one at a boutique and almost cried at the price. Maybe one day. Before taking the plunge, you might like this no-fluff first-person review of a gold Cuban chain.
Little moments that sold me
- At a friend’s wedding, I held a tiny clutch and a glass of fizz. The ring looked like I planned the whole outfit around it. I didn’t. But I let folks think I did.
- On a plain errand day—messy bun, hoodie, sneakers—the ring still gave my look a lift. That small boost matters.
- I wore it to a work coffee meeting. It felt like a tiny power move. Not loud.