The Essential Iced Out Jewellery Guide

Dripping in diamonds and other precious gemstones, iced out jewellery gives the ultimate sparkle to any outfit. From unique pendants to heavy chains, iced out jewellery is sure to make a statement. 

In this iced out jewellery guide, Hatton Jewellers’ expert team share their knowledge. We’ll cover the history of iced out jewellery as well as some top tips for caring for your encrusted jewellery.

What is Iced Out Jewellery? 

“Iced out” is a term used to describe jewellery that’s completely covered in diamonds, giving it a supremely extravagant sparkle. Often worn by A-list celebrities and stars of the rap and hip-hop industry, iced out jewellery comes in many forms - from pendants to gold chains. 

What every piece of iced out jewellery has in common is the guarantee that it will turn heads.

The History of Iced Out Jewellery

Since hip-hop’s birth in New York back in the 1970s, heavy gold chains dripping in diamonds have been the accessory of choice for generations of rap icons. Just as the sound of hip-hop has evolved from the days of boom bap to today’s trap and drill sounds, rappers’ taste in jewellery has also changed since those early days.

The hip-hop trends of today have moved a long way from the chunky gold chains worn by the likes of Run-DMC. In 2021, iced out chains and huge, brightly coloured pendants are the accessories of choice for rap icons that have reached their fans through SoundCloud or TikTok.

To find out more about this topic, take a look at our blog on the history of iced out jewellery.

Different Types of Iced Out Jewellery

Often completely covered in diamonds and gemstones, iced out jewellery can refer to gold chains, pendants, watches and even rings. This trend is all about playing up the extravagance of the jewellery, making sure that it always stands out in a crowd.

Iced Out Pendants 

Arguably one of the most popular types of iced out jewellery, pendants can come in a variety of shapes, designs and colours. They often have a symbolic meaning that goes beyond simply looking stylish. For example, crucifixes like the ones worn by Tupac Shakur have clear religious connotations, while heart pendants can represent anything from fearlessness to true love. 

Iced Out Chain

Iced out chains are surprisingly versatile, with a range of styles that can be more understated or make you the centre of attention. For a subtle look, an iced out tennis chain will give you just the right amount of bling whereas a large iced out Cuban link chain is perfect if you’re looking for something a little more flashy.

Iced Out Bracelets

An iced out bracelet is perfect for adding a little more panache to your outfit, but it's important to choose a style that suits you best. A Cuban link bracelet will mark you out as the life of the party, while a tennis bracelet could be perfect if you’re looking for a more easy-going look. 

Iced Out Watches

An iced out watch will completely elevate your whole look, but it can also easily overwhelm your outfit - take care to ensure your watch fits the occasion and what you’re wearing. Matching a watch’s metal to your other jewellery and cufflinks is a great way to bring a look together.

What Is The Best Iced Out Bracelet Style?

A gold bracelet by itself is a conspicuous sign of status, so having it dripping with diamonds really takes things to the next level. The best way to get the most out of a stylish iced out bracelet is to keep your look simple and elegant. There are many different types of iced out bracelets to suit your style perfectly. 

Iced Out Belcher Bracelets 

Belcher bracelets, sometimes called rolo bracelets, are made up of round links that connect in an interlocked pattern to provide a simple but striking look. When combined with brilliant diamonds and a fine shine, these bracelets are guaranteed to have all eyes on you.

Iced Out Curb Bracelets 

A classic heavyweight curb bracelet is always an attention grabber, especially when it’s been iced out. You can identify a curb bracelet by the way its links are locked together so that they can lay flat.

Iced Out Miami Cuban Bracelets 

These distinctive bracelets are bold and chunky, showing off the confidence and style of anyone who steps out wearing one. A 9ct gold gem-set Miami Cuban bracelet is a classic look and a surefire way to be the focal point of any big event.

Iced Out Rope Bracelets 

If you’re looking for a truly timeless look, a men’s rope bracelet is the perfect way to go — these strong and durable pieces are as stylish as they are long lasting. 

How Much is an Iced Out Watch? 

Just like any jewellery that’s packed with gems, iced out watches can range massively in price from piece to piece. A good rule of thumb is that the price often depends on:

• The brand of the watch
• Whether it’s iced out with diamonds or cubic zirconia
• The metal the watch is made from 
• The purity of the metal

The above tips apply to almost any piece of iced out jewellery. If you choose to purchase your precious piece from a reputable jeweller, and look out for signs of authenticity such as a hallmark or certificate of authenticity, you can be confident that your iced out jewellery is genuine and this should be reflected in the price. If you come across an iced out watch or piece of iced out jewellery that purports to be genuine at an exceptionally low price, chances are the piece won’t be truly authentic or high quality. 

How to Buy Iced Out Jewellery on a Budget?

When you think of iced out jewellery, the first thing that comes to mind is A-list celebrities and rappers. However, you don’t always need to break the bank to buy iced out jewellery. Whether you’re shopping for cubic zirconia or 9ct gold accessories, there are plenty of tricks to get that bling within your budget.

Cubic Zirconia & Hip Hop Jewellery 

Cubic zirconia is a popular alternative to diamonds, especially when it comes to iced out jewellery. That’s because it’s cheaper than actual diamonds, even though it can still be “lab-made” to an extremely high standard. 

With the naked eye it’s often extremely difficult to tell the difference between natural diamonds and cubic zirconias, making them an affordable way to buy iced out jewellery. Real diamonds could easily cost as much as four times the price of cubic zirconias. 

Why Choose 9ct Gold Iced Out Jewellery

9ct gold provides a great opportunity to get a high quality piece of jewellery for an affordable price. It provides more quality than cheaper gold-plated costume jewellery, without the high price tag of 14ct and 18ct gold pieces. It also tends to be impressively durable, as it’s made from 37.5% pure gold and 62.5% alloyed metals.

Considering Finance for Jewellery

Finance options are a great way to buy a piece of iced out jewellery. It means you’re able to spread the cost of your bling over several months rather than paying out one large payment. With this extra flexibility, it’s easier to afford a piece of jewellery that you’ve truly fallen in love with rather than choosing an accessory purely because it fits your budget. 

How Is Cubic Zirconia Made?

Cubic zirconia is made by melting zirconium oxide powder with stabilizers like magnesium and calcium at 4,982ºF. Once it’s been removed from the heat and begins to cool, crystals begin to form out of the remains and stabilise. When this process is complete, those crystals are then cut to the correct size and polished.

What to Consider when Buying Iced Out Jewellery

When it comes to iced out jewellery, it’s important to make sure you’re choosing the right piece. Maybe you’re looking for something for special occasions only, or perhaps a piece that’s versatile enough for any occasion. The very first thing to consider is the style, whether you’re looking for an iced out chain, pendant or watch.

Are you looking for something that’s a little more subtle or something that’s sure to turn heads? Are you looking for cubic zirconias or diamonds? Diamonds are not usually the most budget-friendly option, so choosing cubic zirconias can give you an affordable alternative without sacrificing on quality.

It’s also important to consider how well this piece will blend with your other jewellery. Do you prefer to wear yellow gold or white gold? Make sure your new iced out chain doesn’t look completely out of place with the rest of your wardrobe. 

What are The 4 Cs?

Every diamond is unique and has specific characteristics. When it comes to diamonds, the 4 Cs are a globally accepted assessment of quality:

• Cut - how a diamond’s facets interact with light
• Clarity - the measurement of purity and rarity of the diamond, graded from FL (Flawless) to I3 (Included)
• Colour - the natural colour tint within white diamonds, graded from D (Colourless) to Z (Light)
• Carat - the weight of the diamond

To the naked eye, the cut of the diamond is one of the most important factors to consider if you want some extra icy jewellery; it determines how much the gemstones sparkle in the light. For more information on diamonds, check out our diamond guide. 

Fake Iced Out Jewellery 

The easiest way to spot a fake iced out chain is to check for hallmarks. The UK Hallmarking Act of 1973 makes it illegal to sell or describe any item — over a certain weight limit — as gold, silver, platinum or palladium unless it’s been hallmarked. 

Another big tell-tale sign of fake jewellery is the price. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Before buying a piece of jewellery, do some market research to see what sort of price is typical for the type of jewellery you’re looking to buy. 

Buying from a reputable jeweller is the best way to ensure complete peace of mind that your iced out watch or jewellery isn’t going to be fake. Check recommendations and reviews for the retailer, as well as checking for their Assay Assured certificate - all credible jewellers should have one.

How to Care for Iced Out Jewellery

The maintenance of iced out jewellery is very important if you want to retain its shine. One of the best ways to keep your jewellery looking brand new is getting it cleaned professionally at a jewellers. There are also several tricks to help keep your jewellery in good condition at home. 

Storage Is Key 

Make sure that you store your iced out jewellery in a clean location. The box that your jewellery came in is the perfect option, as it usually has a soft lining alongside being dust-free. Also avoid mixing jewellery as the pieces can actually damage each other, for example, diamonds have the ability to scratch or damage any material that is softer than them. 

Avoid Humidity 

High temperature and high humidity can cause your iced out jewellery to become discoloured and potentially tarnish over time. Different types of jewellery can be more susceptible to damage from temperature and sunlight, so keeping your favourite pieces out of direct sunlight when you’re not wearing them is essential. 

How to Clean Your Iced Out Jewellery 

There are many home remedies you can use to keep your jewellery sparkling, but it’s important to do your research first and make sure you don’t cause any damage. A good way to gently clean some jewellery is using the following simple steps:

1. Run a bowl of warm water and add a small amount of soap.
2. Soak your jewellery and proceed to gently wipe away any built-up grime with a soft cloth.
3. Rinse your jewellery with warm water to get rid of any leftover soap.
4. Gently dry your jewellery with a soft, clean cloth

How To Style Iced Out Jewellery

Just like any jewellery, iced out pieces can be worn according to your own personal style; they’re suitable for many different occasions and can be shown off in numerous ways. Maybe a dark wardrobe that helps your diamonds stand out is perfect for you, or you could be more keen on understated pieces that draw less attention. Either way, there’s an iced out style for everyone.

Take Inspiration from Hip-Hop Stars

Iced out jewellery is heavily influenced by the rap and hip-hop industry, so it seems natural that it’s the first place to look for inspiration. From heavy chains to iced out bracelets, rap stars are often dripping in diamonds. From UK rapper Mist's signature chains to Quavo’s dazzling grillz, you’ll find plenty of ideas in our blog on iced out jewellery style inspiration.

Wearing Jewellery With Solid Colour Clothes

We recommend making your iced out jewellery the centrepiece of your outfit; a solid black t-shirt is the perfect backdrop to your eye-catching drip, meaning its sparkle won’t be overpowered by patterns on your clothing. If you want to add something extra to your outfit, choose a block-coloured textured jacket to keep all of the attention on your iced out jewellery.

How to Layer Iced Out Chains

While you don’t want to wear anything that could overpower your iced out jewellery, layering it with simple chains can help to accentuate it. If you’re sporting an iced out pendant, choose shorter chains as these will not obstruct your jewellery from sparkling. As iced out chains are already a huge statement piece in themselves, keeping your jewellery to one or two layered iced out chains will have a big impact.

Is Iced Out Jewellery Timeless?

Iced out pieces really are unlike any other type of jewellery out there and their unique style means they’re here to stay. Whether your iced out jewellery has been made using cubic zirconia, diamond or another gemstone, you can walk into any room knowing that it is sure to make a statement. The diverse range of styles also means that whatever your personal preference, there will be a piece of iced out jewellery to suit your style perfectly.

With hip hop still growing in popularity worldwide, it’s now an important part of popular culture and it has far more influence on society than it did 20-30 years ago. With new rappers becoming global superstars on what seems like a monthly basis, it’s already clear that the popularity of hip hop – and iced out jewellery – is here to stay. After all, with hip hop going mainstream, it was only a matter of time before iced out designs followed! 

To find out more about the future of iced out jewellery, check out our blog.

Iced out jewellery has been a vital part of hip-hop culture for many years. Whether you’re looking to buy iced out jewellery or tips on how to style it, there’s plenty of advice experts at Hatton Jewellers can share with you. For more of our articles check out the Hatton Jewellers blog.