Hip Hop Jewelry

Hip hop jewelry offers jewelry with an urban appeal. From fine jewelry to fashion jewelry, the hip hop style is characterized by the big and bold, by glitz and glitter.

Or make it two, "bling - bling." Originating from the Cash Money American rap Artist B.G.'s song of the same name appearing in 1999, "bling-bling" or bling refers to big, showy, or expensive jewelry. The term has become so frequently used in terms of hip hop jewelry that it was officially introduced into the Oxford English Language Dictionary in 2003. "Iced out" is another term often used to refer to the hip hop jewelry's flashy style.

Thick chains, large diamond rings, the oversize diamond pinky ring, personalized name or initial jewelry, chunky bracelets, huge stud earrings, and big medallions and pendants are a few of the basic pieces in hip hop collections. Other popular pieces include:

• Gold or silver teeth or grillz
• Dog tag pendants
• Crosses and Jesus pendants
• Sports jewelry
• Celebrity artist fan jewelry
• Celebrity inspired jewelry
• Watches
• Belt buckles
• Magnetic earrings
• Bullet chains
• Spinner rings and pendants

The jewelry can be worn dressed up or dressed down, but no matter how it's worn, it's anything but understated.

A huge number of musicians, rap artists, and movie and sports stars sport the hip hop style of jewelry. The widespread appearance of the style has fueled its incredible popularity in the jewelry market. Celebrities seen sporting iced out jewelry include some of the biggest names, including Beyonce, Lil Kim, Ashanti, Missy Elliot, Sean Combs, P.Diddy, 50 Cent, Ja Rule, LL Cool J, -- along with the most recent hip hop artists and many top celebrities. Gold, silver, platinum, diamonds, and other precious metals and stones are seen in the bling jewelry celebrities wear. Due to the extravagant designs and size of the jewelry, it is usually highly expensive.

For those who love the look of hip hop jewelry, but aren't so keen on the high price that accompanies it, there are plenty of solutions. Many jewelers offer more moderate gold, silver, diamond, and other looks in jewelry at more affordable prices. Some pieces may include both precious and less expensive stones and materials.

Dozens of designers and jewelry manufacturers have also begun creating hip hop jewelry that emulates the more expensive styles, but with alternative materials, faux metals, and faux stones that are far less expensive and more affordable for the everyday person.

These materials may include:

• Plated Metals - Silver with rhodium plating is common.
• Cubic Zirconia
• Rhinestones
• Crystal
• Colored Stones

Looking for sites that carry specifically hip hop jewelry styles? The following sites may offer the styles you're looking for:

• Iced Out Gear
• Mister Bling
• Hip Hop Capital
• Switch 6
• Thug Fashion

As with any jewelry purchase, be sure to verify any site you purchase hip hop style jewelry from lists an address, has a working phone number, and provides accurate descriptions and pictures of their merchandise.

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