u/Russd77

Hey guys, when ever I make a post the first question that is asked is how much is labor.

After doing a lot of research and making connections locally I was able to find a freelance wholesaler that sells his chains to a lot of shops that claim it as their own.

Labor as follows per gram

10k $4 or 6.6%
14k $5 or 5.9%
18k $7 or 6.5%

As of 8/19/2026

I haven’t bought anything from him yet but he gave me permission to post this and if you have any questions hit him up on IG and tell him you found him from Reddit.

Edit: IG Jonathan_elyoni

**Goldzenn 10.4mm Handmade Miami Cuban Review**

Specs:
22 inches, 10.4mm, 159.5 grams, solid 10k gold.

I’ve owned and handled Cuban links from several South Florida jewelers, so I had a strong basis for comparison. Goldzenn delivered an excellent traditional-style handmade Cuban. The links are tight, substantial, and impressively consistent while still retaining genuine handmade character. The filing produces broad, clean faces without making the links look overly flat or machine-cut, and the polish is elite throughout. On the neck, the width and weight feel extremely well balanced—substantial without looking excessive.

The lock is equally impressive. It closes smoothly with a strong, audible snap and requires deliberate pressure to open. The main tongue retains its tension even with both figure-eight safeties open, meaning the safeties are true backups rather than compensation for a weak lock.
For full transparency, I traded in 117 grams of 14k gold and paid $1,150 in labor for the finished 159.5-gram 10k chain. Considering the link shaping, traditional filing, polish, lay, and clasp performance, I’m extremely happy with the result. This is one of the strongest handmade Miami Cubans I’ve personally handled, and I think Goldzenn deserves more attention.

For those who own or have commissioned handmade Cubans, how does the workmanship and $1,150 labor charge look to you? When comparing makers, what matters most—link shape, filing, lay, lock construction, or overall value?

Picked this up about a week ago, really happy how it came out. Would you rock this Gold over 999 Silver handmade Cuban Bracelet?

Specs
SFJeweler305
11.7 mm 14k Gold over 999 Silver
They only charged me $15 extra for a hand made box lock. Total after 10% discount plus taxes and shipping was $455.18.
I ordered a 12mm but it came out to 11.7mm. Was a little bummed when I measured it but I’m happy how it looks on the wrist.
Haven’t weighed it but it’s aprox 65-70 grams.
Took about a week and a half.
Bracelet is a little tight at 7.5”, wish I went with 8”
My Barber said he by it off me for what I paid so still deciding if I’m going to keep it or order a new one.

Thanks for checking it out!

P.S Yes I took the video in my bathroom, disregard the photobomb by my feet 😂

Chain specs
8mm 21” 14k Rose Gold
111.3 grams
$11,326.16 (as of 8/7/26)
Casted Box lock (can upgrade to handmade for $300)
Edit: About 3 weeks for made to order chains

VS Garcias Website
8mm 22” 14k Gold
110 grams
$11,944.00
Hand made Box Lock

VS Daniel Jewelry Inc. Website
8mm 22” 14k gold
110 grams
$12,132.84

Haven’t seen many posts about them, so I decided to stop by the store. Moises and Julio (the owner) were great, they both gave me their personal work cellphone number so I can directly contact them with any questions. Customer service was A+.

I ended up talking to Moises for over an hour about our community and what we find important before purchasing a Cuban link chain. First off, for out of state customers i emphasized that it’s really important that communication is easy. They will do a FaceTime call for customers who can’t make it to the store. I also told them that we value transparency of pricing as well as craftsmanship. I do wish the handmade box lock came standard but for those who don’t care can save a few hundred bucks.

6mm 14k size 10.5

Bought this in March 2025 for ~$650

I think it’s around 7-9 grams.

Wear it as a wedding ring

Chain in the pictures is a 14k 8mm flat file from Garcias.

I’ve owned and handled Miami Cubans from several different makers, but I wanted to make a post specifically about my experience with Garcia’s Jewelry Miami, my 8mm flat-file Cuban, and what I learned when they recently gave me a tour of their workshop.
This is not sponsored. I purchased the chain myself and have worn it regularly. I worked primarily with Javi, and during my most recent visit I also had the opportunity to speak with Rene, the owner, and see where the chains are actually made.

Chain specs:
14k yellow gold
22 inches
Approximately 8mm
107.5 grams
Flat-file finish
Handmade box lock with two figure-eight safeties
Natural gold color without flash plating
Purchase price: $11,000

My chain was a last-minute cancellation piece, so I paid less than the normal website price. It also tested at approximately 14.1k when scanned.

My experience with the flat file

When I first received the chain, the flat-file finish was almost overwhelmingly bright. The broad polished surfaces reflected much more light than I expected, especially immediately after the chain had been professionally cleaned.

At first, I was not completely sure whether I would have preferred a traditional file. After wearing it for a while, the finish settled visually and I started paying more attention to the shape and consistency of the links rather than only the shine.

The flat file gives the chain a very clean and structured appearance. A traditional-file Cuban keeps more curvature and fullness on the visible side of each link, while the flat file creates a broader and flatter reflective surface.

At 8mm, I think the flat file works especially well. It gives a wearable-sized chain more visual presence without needing to make it extremely wide or heavy.
It is not objectively better than traditional file. The traditional file has a fuller and more classic Miami Cuban appearance. The flat file looks sharper, cleaner and more architectural.

Flat file versus traditional file

During the visit, Garcia’s let me compare my 8mm flat-file chain with an 8mm traditional-file chain, along with an 8mm 22k traditional-file chain and a massive 14.5mm 18k traditional-file chain.

One detail I did not fully understand before the visit is that Garcia’s traditional-file chains are not filed exactly the same on both sides.

The visible side retains more curvature and fullness, while the underside is filed flatter so the chain can sit more flush against the skin. That allows it to keep the rounder traditional appearance without feeling overly raised or unstable when worn.

The flat-file chain is different. The front and back are filed essentially the same, so it has the same flatter geometry on either side.

That also means the flat-file chain does not really have a designated front and back in the same way. If it turns while being worn, the appearance remains consistent.
Seeing the chains together made the differences much easier to understand:The traditional file has more curvature and depth on the visible side.
Its flatter underside helps it sit naturally against the body.
The flat file has broader, flatter surfaces on both sides.
Traditional file looks fuller and more classic.
Flat file looks cleaner and more symmetrical.
Before this visit, I thought I would automatically choose traditional file if I ever ordered a larger chain. After comparing both styles in person, I ended up choosing flat file again for my next one.

The different natural gold colors

Seeing the different karats together was also very useful.

The comparison photos show:
14.5mm 18k traditional file
8mm 22k traditional file
My 8mm 14k flat file
An 8mm 14k traditional file

The 14k had the lightest and most restrained yellow tone. The 18k looked noticeably warmer and richer, and the 22k had the deepest and most saturated yellow color.

Lighting, reflections and camera exposure can change how gold looks in photographs, but seeing all three karats under the same general lighting gave me a much better reference for how Garcia’s natural alloys compare.

Link consistency

The strongest part of my 8mm chain is the consistency of the links.The filed surfaces remain extremely uniform in size and angle throughout the chain. The spacing is controlled, the links sit evenly, and the chain forms one continuous pattern rather than looking like separate handmade sections connected together.

I measured the chain at several points with digital calipers, and the total variation across the areas I checked was only around 0.02mm.

Obviously, caliper pressure and measuring angle can slightly affect the reading, so I am not presenting this as laboratory testing. It does support what is already visible to the eye: the chain is remarkably consistent from one section to another.

It is still handmade, so I would not expect every microscopic detail to be mechanically identical. What stands out is how little the minor variation interrupts the overall flow.

The links also articulate smoothly, the chain lies flat and it drapes naturally without feeling stiff.

The handmade box lock

The box lock is one of my favorite parts of the chain and one of the areas where Garcia’s really separates itself.
Garcia’s explained that every box lock is made specifically for the individual chain. They use the actual links from that chain as part of the construction and transition into the lock, rather than manufacturing a completely separate generic clasp and attaching it afterward.

Because every handmade chain has slight differences in its exact link geometry and dimensions, every Garcia’s lock is essentially unique to the chain it belongs to.
The lock is built around the chain instead of the chain being adapted to fit a premade lock.

That helps explain why the transition looks so seamless. The visual rhythm of the links continues into the clasp instead of abruptly stopping where a separate component begins.

Garcia’s also has one dedicated craftsperson who specializes in making and fitting their box locks. Having the same person handle that part of production helps them maintain a consistent standard of execution, even though every lock is still individually constructed for its specific chain.

On my 8mm, the tongue engages with a firm click, both figure-eight safeties sit evenly, and the box looks proportional to the links. It feels like part of the chain rather than something that was added afterward.

This process is also one of the reasons Garcia’s orders can take so long.

They cannot simply pull an 8mm, 10mm or 12mm lock from inventory and attach it. The chain has to reach the point where the lock specialist can use its actual links and dimensions to build and fit the clasp properly.
When one person is responsible for that work, it naturally limits how many chains can be completed at one time.
Handmade locks versus 3D-cast locks

From my research and conversations with different jewelers, many makers now use CAD and 3D-printed models to cast box locks for different millimeter sizes.
That process can produce a much cleaner and more precise result than older generic casting methods. It is also much faster and easier to repeat across different chain widths.

A well-designed 3D-cast lock can still look good, work properly and offer strong value. I do not think “cast” automatically means bad.

The difference is that a cast lock is generally designed for a size category, while the Garcia’s lock is built around the specific chain.

I spoke directly with the owner of Amaury Jewelry, who clarified that the locks I had originally been told were handmade are actually produced using a 3D-printed casting process. I appreciated him being direct about it.
That more efficient production method is one reason a company can charge less for labor and complete a chain much faster.

It also explains part of the price difference between makers. One company may provide more gold weight, lower labor costs and faster turnaround. Another may put considerably more individual bench work into producing a lock that is unique to the chain and flows more naturally with its links.

I also believe a properly fabricated and individually fitted lock may have an advantage over time, especially on a 20- or 22-inch chain that is opened and closed regularly.
That does not mean every handmade lock will automatically outlast every cast lock. Design, thickness, workmanship and how the owner treats the chain all matter.
On a 24-inch or longer chain that can be slipped over the head, the lock may rarely need to be opened, so that distinction might not be as important.

Visiting the workshop

One of the most memorable parts of the experience was how gracious everyone at Garcia’s was with their time.
Garcia’s is a small, family-run business. I worked primarily with Javi, who answered my questions and helped me throughout the process.

During my recent visit, Rene came out of the workshop and spent several minutes talking with me. We discussed why he chooses not to flash plate their chains, which filing style he personally prefers and how their process differs from more standardized production.

He then gave me a tour of the workshop. I was able to see different parts of the production process and the equipment they use rather than only walking into a showroom and looking at finished jewelry.

Nobody rushed me. Javi and Rene were both open about how the chains are made and why they make certain choices.

The visit felt more like speaking directly with the people responsible for the product than dealing with a conventional retail store.

Refining their gold and controlling the alloy

During the tour, Rene explained that Garcia’s has the ability to refine gold back to 24k purity before creating the alloys used for their chains.

He also told me they are one of only two operations in South Florida with this refining capability.

According to Rene, starting with refined gold allows them to control the composition of each alloy instead of repeatedly melting together mixed batches of scrap gold with uncertain proportions.

That gives them the ability to reproduce their alloys much more consistently from batch to batch. Their 14k chains should have the same natural color as the other 14k chains they produce, and the same principle applies to their 18k, 22k and other karats.

Because the color comes from the alloy itself, they do not need to flash plate the finished chains to make them appear more yellow or to hide color differences between production batches.

That was important to me. With a naturally colored alloy, scratches and normal wear should not reveal a noticeably different color underneath. The tone is part of the gold itself rather than a thin surface coating.

To be clear, the refining and alloy information is how Garcia’s explained their process to me. What I personally observed was a legitimate in-house operation where multiple stages of production are handled under the same roof.

The tour helped connect the finished chain to the work behind it.

Why their orders can take so long

Garcia’s wait times are probably one of the biggest drawbacks for many buyers.

After seeing the workshop and learning more about the process, the turnaround time makes more sense.
They are a small family-run business. The gold has to be refined and alloyed, the links formed and tightened, the chain filed and finished, and the lock constructed and fitted by their dedicated lock specialist.

That creates a bottleneck.

The same things that make the chains take longer are also part of what separates their work from companies using faster and more standardized production methods.
You are not only waiting for a certain weight of gold. You are waiting for a limited number of people to complete several labor-intensive steps.

Gold value versus execution

This is probably the biggest question someone should ask before ordering a Miami Cuban:
Do you want the most gold, width and weight possible for your budget?

Or are you willing to get something slightly smaller or pay more in exchange for more individual labor, tighter tolerances and a higher level of execution?

Neither answer is wrong.

My comparison is that some people want a Ferrari and other people want a Camry. Both will get you from point A to point B. The Camry costs less, is practical and may make more sense for most people. The Ferrari is more expensive and not necessary, but the engineering, details and overall experience are different.

The same general idea applies here.

A less-expensive chain can still look great, function properly and give you considerably more gold for your money. For many buyers, that is the smarter purchase.
Garcia’s makes more sense for someone willing to sacrifice some gold weight or pay more because they care about details such as link geometry, filing consistency, lock integration, natural alloy color and overall execution.
That does not make Garcia’s the automatic choice for everyone. It makes them the right choice for a particular type of buyer.

How the 8mm wears

At 107.5 grams, the chain feels substantial without being uncomfortable.

I work in a hospital and wanted something I could wear for long periods without constantly being aware of it or feeling like it was getting in the way.

The 8mm size works very well for that.
It has enough presence to be noticeable, especially because of the broad flat-file surfaces, but it remains more wearable than some of the very large Cubans I have owned or handled.

The 22-inch length also works well for me. It sits low enough to have presence without hanging excessively far down my chest.

The chain lies flat, moves smoothly and does not feel stiff.
Scratches and normal wear

The broad flat-file surfaces will show fine scratches.
That is unavoidable with polished gold, especially when every link has a relatively large smooth surface.
When the chain was new or freshly cleaned, the faces looked almost mirror-like. With regular wear, the finish becomes slightly softer and develops normal surface marks.

I do not consider that a defect. It is part of actually wearing polished gold. I remove the chain when sleeping and showering, but keeping something like this completely flawless is unrealistic.

What I like most

What continues to stand out is how all the details work together.

The links are consistently shaped. The filing is controlled. The lock flows naturally into the chain. The alloy has a natural and repeatable color. The chain lies flat, moves smoothly and feels refined without feeling delicate.
Photos show the shine, but they do not fully capture how controlled the geometry looks while the chain moves or how naturally the links transition into a lock that was constructed from and fitted around the chain itself.

The drawbacks

The obvious drawback is cost.

Garcia’s is not the least-expensive way to buy a Miami Cuban, and it is not the best option for someone whose only goal is getting the maximum number of grams for the lowest possible price.

A meaningful portion of the cost is paying for refining and alloy control, filing, lock fabrication, fitting, finishing and the labor involved in producing the chain.
The custom wait can also be long.

The flat-file style itself is subjective. Someone who wants the fullest and most traditional Miami Cuban appearance may still prefer traditional file.

Why I ordered another one

After owning the 8mm, speaking with Javi and Rene, comparing the different filing styles and touring the workshop, I decided to trade my handmade 22k Franco toward a larger Garcia’s Cuban.

I ordered a 10mm, 22-inch, 14k flat-file Miami Cuban.
Garcia’s credited me $17,562 for my trade, which covered the complete cost of the new chain.

Before the visit, I thought I would probably choose traditional file for the larger chain. After comparing both styles in person, I decided to stay with flat file.
The 10mm should give me the additional presence I sometimes missed from a larger Cuban while keeping the geometry, lock execution and overall finish that made me appreciate the 8mm.

That decision was not based only on the workshop tour. It was based on living with the 8mm long enough to decide that the craftsmanship still impressed me after the initial excitement of a new purchase wore off.

In conclusion

The Garcia’s 8mm flat-file Cuban is not about getting the maximum amount of gold possible for the money.
It is about execution.

The link shaping is remarkably consistent, the filing is controlled, the handmade lock feels integrated, and the natural alloy color does not depend on flash plating.
The workshop tour also showed me that the finished chain reflects a real in-house process and a small family business that is personally involved in how every piece is made.
For someone who prioritizes width, weight and gold value above everything else, another maker may make more sense.

For someone who closely examines link geometry, filing, locks, natural color and craftsmanship, Garcia’s offers something different.

Some buyers want the Camry. Some buyers want the Ferrari. Neither person is wrong. They are simply paying for different things.

After living with the 8mm, I felt confident enough in Garcia’s work to order the 10mm version.

Photo comparison for reference:
14.5mm 18k traditional file
8mm 22k traditional file
8mm 14k flat file
8mm 14k traditional file
The two 8mm 14k chains are the most direct comparison because the width and karat are the same, leaving the filing style as the main difference.

After spending the last few months comparing Miami Cuban makers (Garcia’s, Daniel Jewelry, Amaury, Goldzenn, Gus Villa, and Las Villas), I figured I’d share my experience because I couldn’t find many reviews that compared both craftsmanship and value.

Specs:
10k Yellow Gold
21.75”
9.66-9.7mm (digital calipers)
143.5g
Handmade box lock
XRF tested at 10.54k
Paid $8,743 out the door ($61/g)

Comes out to ~8-9% over spot. But if you adjust based on the XRF scan of 10.54k it actually comes out to ~2-3% over spot.

For the gold purists I choose 10k over higher purity for the following

Price: speakers for it self

Durability: I already own a 6mm 22k Franco and I wanted something I could wear with out feeling like I have to baby it, I can get it sweaty, don’t have to worry as much with scratches

Tone: I compared it with a 7mm 14k chain they had and the color was pretty much identical. I’ll add a picture comparing the two below

The craftsmanship exceeded my expectations. The links are consistent from end to end, the polish is excellent, the chain lays flat, and the lock blends into the links really well. I also had it weighed and XRF tested before leaving the store, and everything checked out exactly as advertised.
One thing I learned after comparing so many chains is how much the lock affects the overall look. Garcia’s probably has the cleanest finishing I’ve seen, but I actually prefer Amaury’s more traditional box lock over Garcia’s elongated design and Daniel’s.

The biggest surprise was the value. At the time I bought mine, comparable 10k chains were approximately:

Amaury: $61.00/g
Las Villas: $65.98/g
Garcia’s: $78.68/g
DJI: $82.36/g
Goldzenn: $83.40/g
Gus Villa: $88.39/g

Price per gram isn’t everything, but after comparing these brands for months, I don’t think the craftsmanship gap matches the price gap. Garcia’s is still probably my benchmark for finishing, but I don’t think it’s 30% better because it costs roughly 30% more per gram.
Overall, I’m extremely happy with the chain. I think Amaury offers one of the best values in the Miami Cuban market right now. Curious to hear from anyone who’s owned chains from these makers and how your experience compares.

*I did use an LLM to help write this but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Edit: I brought the chain to Garcias, they used their more accurate 60 second scan and the chain came back as 10k not 10.5k. We compared it to their unplated 14k chain and his opinion was that the Amaury chain was flash plated. We compared the two locks and explained how they build their hand made box lock and his option was that the Amaury lock was most likely casted. I’m just sharing this information, you can choose who to believe.

I’ve bought and sold a lot of chains over the years and I just wanted to create a buyers guide for any who is new to jewelry or looking to upgrade

Picture 1: 7mm 22” 22k DJI
Pictures2 12mm 22” 18k DJI diamond sleek lock
Picture 3 14mm 22” 14k Las Villas
Picture 4 10mm 14k sample photo from Rey’s
Picture 5 garcias 14k flat file
Picture 6 another photo of the 7mm DJI

Please share your chains below for the new comers.

8mm • 14K • 22” Miami Cuban Link Comparison
Website pricing at time of posting. Actual quotes may vary.
As of 7/3/2026

14K • 8mm • 22”
All prices below are website pricing at the time of posting. Actual quotes and custom pricing may vary.

Las Villas
• Weight: ~118g
• Price: $10,737
• $91 per gram
• Lock: Box lock (handmade status unverified)
Garcias Jewelry
• Weight: ~110g
• Price: $11,994
• $109 per gram
• Lock: Handmade
Goldzenn (Cast Lock)
• Weight: ~118g
• Price: $13,296
• $112 per gram
Goldzenn (Handmade Lock)
• Weight: ~118g
• Price: $13,597
• $115 per gram
Daniel Jewelry Inc. (DJI)
• Weight: ~110g
• Price: $12,792
• $116 per gram
• Lock: Handmade
Gus Villa Jewelry
• Weight: ~128g
• Price: $15,230
• $119 per gram
• Lock: Handmade

Notes
• Prices are based on each company’s website and may change.
• Weight is the advertised weight and can vary slightly.
• Rey’s Gold & Cash is not included because pricing isn’t available on their website.
• cannot verify but I wouldn’t be surprised if goldzenn gets their Cubans from Las Villas
• I do not still own any of these chains as I have sold/upgraded to other things.

After going back and forth on this purchase for quite a while, I finally decided on a custom 22K 6mm diamond-cut Franco from @MatthewTheJeweler, who is part of the TA Jewelers family and specializes in high-karat gold jewelry.

Specs

22K Gold
22” Length
6mm Width
144.75 grams
Diamond-Cut Franco
Handmade

Ordering Experience

The quoted turnaround time was 2–2.5 weeks, but to my surprise the chain was completed in just under one week.

Communication was excellent throughout the process. Whenever I had a question, Matthew got back to me quickly and kept me updated. The experience was smooth from start to finish and honestly better than I expected.

I spent a lot of time looking at other options before ordering.I reached out to DJI, and they quoted me 6–8 weeks. Depending on who I spoke with, I got different answers about whether they could even make the chain to my exact specs in 22K. One person even tried talking me into doing it in 18K instead.

I also seriously considered getting an 8mm 22K Cuban at 22” from DJI, Gus, or Garcia’s. The weight would have been almost identical at around 145 grams, and pricing was in the same ballpark.

The timelines varied quite a bit:

DJI: 6–8 weeks
Garcia’s: 14–15 weeks
Gus: about 1 week

I won’t lie, there was definitely a moment where I was tempted to give Gus a shot. When his work is on point, I think his Cubans look fantastic. But after spending years reading threads on various jewelry forums, I came across too many stories involving customer service issues, inconsistent quality, and communication problems for me to feel completely comfortable spending that kind of money.

The bigger factor, though, was that I’ve already owned several large Cubans over the years. I like Cubans, but I just wasn’t getting excited about buying another one. If I’m spending this much on a chain, I want to be obsessed with it before I pull the trigger.

The Franco was the piece I kept coming back to, so that’s ultimately what I went with.

Overall, I’m really happy with the workmanship.

At this size and purity, you’re talking about a chain that has to be handmade. The links are uniform, the structure is consistent throughout, and the diamond cuts are evenly done from end to end.

The chain has a ton of presence without being flashy in the way a larger Cuban can be. It catches light from every angle and has that dense feel that only comes with high-karat gold.

The clasp and end links are also very well executed. Nothing feels flimsy or rushed, and I feel confident it’ll hold up as a daily wearer.

If I’m being picky, I think the diamond cuts could have been polished just a touch more.

There were also a few visible scratches when I received the chain.

That said, this is 22K gold. Anyone who’s worn high-karat jewelry for any amount of time knows that minor scratches are simply part of the deal. After a few days of wear, you’re going to pick up marks anyway.

I’m trying not to let my OCD get the best of me because the whole point is to enjoy the chain, not stare at it under a microscope looking for imperfections.

Another thing that helped justify the purchase was the lack of alternatives.

I wasn’t able to find an Italian-made 22K Franco larger than 5mm, and most of the 5mm options I found would have weighed around 110–115 grams while costing roughly the same as this chain.

Getting a 6mm handmade Franco at nearly 145 grams of 22K gold made this feel like a much better value for what I was looking for.

I’ve been wearing the chain for several days now and have zero regrets.

The weight is incredible, the craftsmanship is solid, the turnaround time blew away the original estimate, and the customer service was excellent.

Most importantly, every time I put it on I’m glad I chose this over another Cuban.

If you’re looking for a substantial high-karat Franco, there really aren’t many options out there in this size range, and this one checked all the boxes for me.

For full transparency I did use Chat GPT to help make this sound cohesive but all my thoughts and options are my own 😂

XRF tested at 22.22K and weighed in at 144.75 grams. Photos attached.

Edit. You can find his instagram @matthewthejewler

Edit 2. For those asking it was about 25,500 for 140 grams of 22k gold with Labor included. The chain came out to 144 so I had to pay the difference