When you imagine 10k gold chains, what do you picture? "The Next Episode" by Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg? Or 50 Cent's "In Da Club"? 10k gold chain necklaces just give off that cool gangsta vibe. With magnificent chain links and solid looks, these gold chains are a staple accessory for any cool kid or star today.

The history of gold chains has been a rich one. In modern times as well, these heavy gold chains have become an accessory that can be worn and flashed by all, irrespective of class or gender. 

While we associate 10k gold chains with rappers and rich stars, it will surprise you that these chains have been around for centuries. From ancient Romans, Arabs, and Egyptians to current fashion trends, gold chains have always been a style statement. 

History of 10k Gold Chain Necklaces

Chain necklaces may perhaps have been the earliest forms of jewelry that humans ever wore. Gold chains date back to at least 2500 B.C. This was when ancient Egyptians began making these accessories by threading silver and gold. Since gold was bountiful in Greece, the Grecians started adding pendants to these chain necklaces. 

Chain necklaces have mainly been worn by the elite class and royalty throughout history. It was a prominent form of status symbol; the heavier the chain, the richer and more powerful the person. From medieval nobility to various historical figures, gold chains have been around for a while. 

The Renaissance and the late Gothic period saw a particular boom in this fashion statement. Who can forget Jonathan Rhys Meyers as King Henry VIII adorning huge gold chain necklaces embedded with gemstones in the epic drama "The Tudors"?

Again, if you look at most period dramas such as Reign, Game of Thrones, and Anne Boleyn, you will be hard-pressed to find a scene where royalty or the elite class is not flashing a gorgeous, heavy neckpiece. 

During the Middle Ages, the kings and clergy adorned 10k gold chain necklaces and heavier forms of these accessories with emblems and badges containing office-specific symbols. These jewelry pieces eventually became a sign of social distinction between the various classes.

Evolution of the 10k Gold Chain Necklaces

10k gold chain necklaces are said to have been used by men in the 1900s to form solid chains for their expensive pocket watches. These smooth and sharp accessories were valuable fashion pieces and were supported by cable links or flat link chains. 

The 50's-60's

Times changed, and so did fashion. The turn of the century marked the dawn of a new era. The 50s and 60s brought with them a casual style of fashion that could be accessorized with statement jewelry pieces.

Fashion and music made a bombastic impact in the 60s; accessories were now for everyone, not just the upper class. And so the era of layered chains and 10k gold chain necklaces hung with heavy medallions began. 

The 80's

The 80s gave us the disco, the glitter, the sparkle, and the shine. And nothing shines brighter than gold. 10k gold chains were all the rage in the 80s, thanks to the rise in popularity of the hip-hop genre.

Rappers were obsessed with this accessory. Run D.M.C. and Mr. T took their layered 10k gold chain necklace looks to an extreme. Sir Mix-A-Lot got it right when he said in his 1988 hit song Gold:

'I'm sporting more gold than a rock n roll freak

The mix is my name, bustin rhymes are my game

Don't disrespect me 'cause I kill; then I take your chain.'

The 90's-2000s

The 90s and the 2000s saw the hip-hop industry becoming more organized, and they began using heavy jewelry pieces as a marketing strategy.

It became common for record billboards to compete by showing off their singers and rappers adorned in heavy gold chains that were layered one after another. The Notorious B.I.G. was especially popular for his vast Jesus face pendant on his heavy gold link chain. 

How 10k Gold Chain Necklaces Became an Undying Modern Fashion Trend, Thanks to Hip-Hop

Heavy gold chains made with 10k gold or more have become such a trend in music that it has become a staple of the hip-hop industry. Rappers have long been synonymous with heavily linked gold chains. It is a significant symbol of their rags-to-riches stories. 

When 10k gold chain necklaces and heavier pieces came into fashion during the 80s and 90s, rappers began to spend some serious green on their jewelry pieces, spending excessive amounts ranging from $75,000 to $100,000. 

Bling jewelry pieces and hip-hop have become ubiquitous terms. From stories of struggle that were used to write songs that topped the billboards repeatedly, these rap stars understood the concept of investing in heavy gold chains. 

Seven 10k Gold Chains That Can Help You Make a Statement

When you have a plethora of choices in front of you, it sometimes becomes tough to make the right choice. Knowing about different designs of 10k gold chain necklaces can help you decide which style statement is right for you. 

The Ball & Bead Chain

The ball and bead chain is designed by linking a series of beads into a chain. The balls are connected at regular gaps to allow graceful movement. These chains are famous for having a street-smart look and are usually paired with dog tags. They look better with pendants than as stand-alone chains. 

The Anchor Chain

The design and make is the main thing that sets this chain apart from other 10k gold chain necklaces. The chain links in an anchor chain are similar to ship anchors. A 10k yellow gold anchor chain would look perfect around your neck and would not weigh it down, fitting nicely.

The Box Chain

Made of square links, 10k gold box chains are popular with men and women alike. They come in different widths, although the wider ones are more popular. Box chains give off a bold style statement. 

The Rope Chain

Considered to be one of the classiest and most unique jewelry pieces, the rope chain design connects and twists the links to give the appearance of a long, golden rope around your neck. Their textured nature and durability are what make them popular, and depending on your preference, you can wear a thick rope chain or a thin one.

If you are someone who loves to feel the weight of a necklace around your neck, then a 10k gold chain necklace with a rope texture is the perfect choice for you. 

The Cuban Link Chain

The Cuban link chain got its versatile name from the Miami Cubans at the turn of the new millennium. This chain style is quite popular in New York City and L.A. Parisian youth are also seen flaunting Cuban link chains as part of streetwear fashion.

Cuban link chains are one of the most popular chain designs amongst athletes and rappers. Kanye West and his daughter North West both wear Cuban link chains, and Kim Kardashian is fond of this style, too. If you are looking to make a striking style statement, this gold chain style is for you!

The Figaro Chain

The Figaro chain is another popular design for 10k gold chain necklaces. Named after Mozart's Marriage of Figaro, the design for this chain originated in Italy, containing one long link followed by several shorter links twisted at the end. 

The Curb Link Chain

The curb link chain is characterized by uniformly sized circular or oval links that lie flat when placed on a surface. Curb link chains are popular because they can help you branch out your style with different textures.

Celebrities are fond of layering their Cuban link chains with thinner curb link chains. This gold chain is great for everyday wear as its design makes it resilient and durable. 

Make Your Jewellery Experience Unique & Special with My Elite Jeweler

My Elite Jeweler prides itself in providing exceptional customer service, even after the purchase. Our vast collection of 10k gold chains, 14k gold chains, other gold accessories, and diamond jewelry pieces will ensure you get all your style statement pieces in one place! 

With everything in stock, from rings to bracelets and pendants to chains, My Elite Jeweler has it all. Our thirty years of experience in the jewelry business has enabled us to remain a top seller on eBay since 2009. We guarantee that you will never see the same piece repeated on our pages, thanks to new pieces being added to the collection daily.

With some of the most affordable prices and free shipping for all domestic offers, My Elite Jeweler promises to find you a piece that will fit perfectly with your style. Shop exquisite jewelry pieces from our website or drop by our physical store at 3705 Irving Mall, Irving, Texas, 75062. You can also email us at myelitejeweler@gmail.com or ring us at +1 214-670-2168. 

My Elite Jeweler - Where luxury is affordable. 

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References:

1. https://goldurban.com/blogs/news/a-chain-story#:~:text=Chains%20date%20back%20to%20at,wore%20lavish%20jewelry%20with%20gemstones.
2. http://www.liketotally80s.com/2012/09/gold-chains/
3. https://www.kingofjewelry.com/blogs/news/why-are-gold-chains-popular
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5. https://www.itshot.com/jewelry/education-guides/gold-chain-buying-guide
6. https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/hip-hop-jewelry/#:~:text=The%20genre%20was%20first%20popularized,his%20self%2Dtitled%20debut%20album.
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9. https://olivercabell.com/blogs/helpful-hints/a-comprehensive-style-guide-to-wearing-gold-chains-for-men