10 Most Expensive Rapper Chains Ever
Most Expensive Rappers' Chains
In hip-hop culture, rapper chains are not just a kind of superficial adornment; they are a sign of unquestionable social position. They emerged about the same time as the earliest hip-hop tracks by DJ Kool Herc; Large gold chains, which he wore on the front of his first platinum album, grew to be as synonymous with hip-hop as he was.
Rope necklaces, watches, jewelry, and other accessories were signs of social standing for hip-hop musicians decades after hip-hop became popular. Once a mark of the rapper's success and the ability to buy their characteristic bling, these items have become a source of competitiveness in and of themselves. Today's rappers often use flashy jewelry as a weapon in their battle for artistic supremacy.
The popularity of hip-hop music is very recent. The artists back in the day had to make a name for themselves from nothing. For decades, rap stardom has been closely linked to financial success. Rappers use chains as a status symbol and a memento of their artistic growth and development. It's impossible to flaunt one's extraordinary wealth in any other manner than by purchasing exquisite jewelry pieces. Hip-hop singers have been known to exhibit more ostentatious chains throughout the past decade.
As has always been, today's artists need to compete with one another by donning the flashiest and most expensive chains. Here are a few of the most costly chains rappers have owned and how much it costs for them to customize:
1. Rick Ross, His Face
Rick Ross owns the most expensive piece of chain jewelry. It's a necklace featuring an imprint of the rapper's face, complete with those trademark glasses. Since 2010, this self-portrait pendant has been the most expensive necklace in the world.
From his multimillion-dollar property to his extensive diamond collection, Rick Ross is known for living lavishly. The sale of a necklace bearing his likeness made news in 2008. In 2010, he paid a stunning $1.5 million for a necklace of himself sporting a chain with his face.
2. Mike Jones, Ice Age
Michael Allen Jones, better known as Mike Jones, is known for songs like "Still Tippin," "Back Then," and "Who is Mike Jones?"
One of his chains is among the costliest in the world, coming in at a whopping $1 million! There are more than a hundred diamonds encrusted in this white gold medallion. A chain inscribed its 'ice age' on its hanging pendant.
3. Pharrell, N.E.R.D
American rapper, music producer, singer, writer, and businessman Pharrell Williams paid $1 million for the second-most-expensive chain. The multi-award winner's fortune is estimated at $200 million. He has worked in the jewelry industry since 2007 while he was a member of the Neptune band, and it is clear that his interest in the field began at an early age.
Made in 2006, the N.E.R.D gold necklace has a sculpture of the entire Neptune band. This high-end accessory features a white diamond set in the medallion and a rainbow of other jewels for added sparkle.
4. Sean Kingston, Crayola
American singer-songwriter Sean Kingston is famous for his hits "Beautiful Girl," "Fire Burning," "Take you dearly," and "Eenie Meenie." He is also the proud owner of one of the world's most costly chains - a multicolored, diamond-studded set of Crayolas.
The 64 crayons Sean Kingston has are made of gold and studded; they come in a gold box. It looks like a cheap box of crayons, but it'll save you $500,000. It represents a crayon fashioned out of white gold and diamonds in a rainbow of colors, and it says "Go Crayons" on the reverse.
Before it disappeared forever, Sean was last spotted wearing it in 2007.
5. Gucci Mane, Twin Panthers
The Gucci Mane, Twin Panther chain, stands out for its unique style. It's not your average chain—it's a figurine of a panther with two heads wrapped around Mane's neck. A series of white diamonds are used to join the two panthers. The magnificent panther heads are studded with 1,800 diamonds. The total weight of the 165 stones included in the necklace gives it a value of $500,000.
Gucci Mane, real name Delantic Davis, was born on February 12, 1980. He is a hip-hop artist and label executive who was instrumental in developing the trap subgenre in the 2000s.
Lil Jon is thrilled to have made a list, despite not having been brought up to admire superstars who have achieved the Guinness World Record. Yellow and white gold totaling 18 karats were used to craft the necklace's chain. He created history by creating the enormous pendant ever, composed of 3,756 individual round white diamonds weighing a combined 73 carats.
6. Takeoff, The Solar System
Like its owner, this ultra-luxe necklace is flashy and extravagant. The magnificent work was a collaboration between Takeoff and Elliot Avianne of Avianne & Co.
Balls dangle from this massive chain owned by the late Takeoff. The globe is an enormous medallion covered in diamonds that orbits a diamond sun, symbolizing the Earth. The medal has an engraved rocket that appears to be blasting off toward space.
Though not every planet is represented, Mars, Saturn, Earth, the sun, and the moon are all here. For $500,000, the Solar System Chain was purchased by Takeoff.
7. Quavo, Ratatouille
It's possible that you recognize Quavo from the smash hit "Bad & Boujee," which featured the Migos rap trio. A gigantic diamond-encrusted iced-out chain depicting him as the leader of the group, clutching Remy from the animated feature film Ratatouille is perhaps the most recognizable piece of jewelry associated with Quavo, worth a whopping $250,000.
Even though Quavo's chain made him a best-dressed list staple at this year's Met Gala, we still had some unanswered issues about it. Specifically, how did they create this icy-looking jewelry?
The necklace was designed by Elliott Avianne, whose other clients include Nicki Minaj, Future, and Ciara; nonetheless, the picture of Quavo as a chef holding a rat was inspired by the work of Maryland artist Bernard Rollins.
8. Kanye West, Horus
This necklace, crafted by Jacob the Jeweler, proves that Chicago artist Kanye West never does anything in moderation. On the other hand, Kanye chooses to adorn himself with a life-size figurine of Horus, the Egyptian falcon divinity, costing $300,000, while others prefer more modest necklaces.
Legend has it that the Egyptian heir to the king nearly lost his life on many occasions defending his country, a path that sounds eerily similar to Yeezy's.
The demiurge musician Kanye West, who now shares the "Throne" with his pal Jay Z, narrowly avoided death in a horrific vehicle accident in 2002. This event represented a watershed moment in West's creative development.
9. T-Pain, Big Ass Chain
T-Pain, a hip-hop superstar, is the most blatant regarding flashy jewelry (and subtlety). In 2009, while the U.S.A. suffered through a severe recession, the autotune king races the red carpets while proudly displaying a piece of scandalously large jewelry. Many of his coworkers have publicly criticized him for his indecency after reading about his "Big Ass Chain" in the media.
T-Pain was hurt to the heart and said: "4.5 kilograms, totaling 197 carats in size. I won't be caught dead in a fake; it has to be the real deal. $410,000. 32 cars. My five-year-old daughter is a multimillionaire with $4 million in the bank. If it weren't for my family already on the hook, I wouldn't be paying for that type of garbage.
Don't define me by the things I purchase," he said. Don't take my word for it that I'm a family man; plenty of artists out there put their needs before those of their loved ones."
Image Source: Natural Diamonds
10. Jay-Z, Cuban Chain
The gold chain has become the most recognizable accessory in hip-hop culture. As made famous by the Notorious B.I.G., this is an essential tool for every self-respecting rapper.
However, Jay-Z went above and beyond by ordering an 11-pound Cuban chain that was explicitly created for him. This might have resulted in neck pain the following day, but it was worthwhile. With this one-of-a-kind creation from Rafaello & Co., Jay-Z dressed like the hip-hop industry king.
The beauty of Cuban chains is that no matter how big or small they are, they always seem sophisticated, complex, and remarkably straightforward. They are lively complements to any wardrobe. And if wearing one makes you feel like Jay-Z, then why not?
Wrapping up
Ultimately, these chains show the fine craftsmanship and rebellious spirit of their owners in getting them. If you're on the lookout for some fine, stylish pieces of hip-hop-style jewelry, you're sorted with Netcarat. Head over to the site and explore some classy pendants, bracelets, and more!
We've also got a bunch of iced-out chains for you to wear outside, and we're sure you'll love them! Elevate your sense of style, and let's work together on a piece that'll stay memorable till the day you die!