Jewelry is one of the best ways to express yourself and amplify your outfit without needing to completely revolutionize your look. One of the reasons jewelry has such power is because of the notoriety it represents.
Throughout history, gold and diamond have been exemplary of opulence and royalty. This rang true during the hip-hop revolution, and it continues to be true today. Sometimes styles are evergreen; there’s a reason we go back to what works.
But not every piece of jewelry utilizes the brilliant essence of diamonds and gold. In order to really feel like a queen or a king, you’re going to need some excessive bling.
So what exactly is “bling,” and where are some of the best places to go about getting it?
Here’s everything you need to know to revamp the essence of your wardrobe:
What Is Bling?
Bling has become synonymous with diamonds and gold. It’s so commonly used in everyday vernacular that it was added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary in the early 2000s. They define bling as “flashy jewelry worn as an indication of wealth or status.”
With that in mind, you can think of bling as a bit more than just diamonds and gold. Instead, you can think of it as a statement piece to show people what you’re made of. It’s a way to prove your excellence without ever needing to open your mouth.
During the formative years of hip hop, many up-and-coming rappers needed to prove to the masses what they were worth. One of the best ways to do this was by sporting golden chains and dazzling diamonds.
This let the general population know that the rap genre was a force to be reckoned with. It helped the culture gain the respect it deserved while also forming some competition between the biggest creators.
And speaking of hip hop’s biggest names, the term bling was coined by one of the most iconic rap families of all time in their 1999 song “Bling Bling.” The responsible artist, The Cash Money Millionaires, which included huge names like Lil Wayne and Juvenile, marked this word as the traditional phrase to describe vibrant pieces of jewelry that represent wealth and status.
Thanks to them, it’s pretty much impossible to hear the word bling and not envision a sparkling diamond or a giant gold chain. Of course, the bling that Lil Wayne wears might be a bit out of reach for most of us. The good news is that you can get high-quality bling at an accessible price point from reputable retailers.
How To Find High Quality Bling
If you’re in the market for a quality set of bling to wear around your neck, wrist, or fingers, there are plenty of options. However, they’re not all built equally. There are some things you should look for in bling retailers before you whip out your credit card.
Search for the Shine
Jewelry can come in all shapes and sizes, meaning that not every bracelet or necklace needs to be made with gold or diamonds. Rustic jewelry tends to take on more of a natural tone, opting for rugged strings or stainless steel medallions over blinged-out stones.
While the rustic look is great and can help to complement your look, it doesn’t work as a status symbol in the same way as gold, silver, diamonds, etc. If you’re looking for blinged-out jewelry, the first thing you need to do is make sure the retailer is chock full of metals and stones.
This Diamond Prong Cuban Chain is a prime example of what we mean by looking for something that shines. When you think of bling, the chances are high that this is what you’re imagining. With the combination of 18-karat gold plated backing and the 6 Ice logo on the side, everyone will know that your style is unquestionable.
12mm Diamond Prong Cuban Chain 18k Gold
Look For Lifetime Guarantees
Lifetime guarantees are one of the first things you should look for when shopping around for bling. Especially if you’re looking to get solid gold or pure diamonds on your piece, you’re likely going to be dropping a decent amount of money. For that reason, you want to make sure that you’re getting quality to match.
Lifetime guarantees not only give you a bit of insurance in case your product tarnishes during normal wear and tear, but they also prove that the retailer is confident in their work. They wouldn’t offer a guarantee if they weren’t sure that you’d probably never even need to use it.
Keep Value in View
Many retailers know that their audience is willing to pay whatever is necessary to obtain the status associated with gold and diamond jewelry. However, you should never have to pay more than a piece is worth.
Look for retailers that are priced fairly. Some of the best bling jewelers offer more inexpensive alternatives to real diamonds or gold, such as cubic zirconia or gold plating, respectively. This shows that they’re committed to allowing more and more people to have access to the confidence-boosting and style amplifying effects of an exceptional piece. To really get cubic zirconia that shines, look for stones that have been hand placed to ensure perfection.
Where to Find the Best Bling
With all of that criteria in mind, there’s one place that can suit all of your needs for blinged-out accessories without breaking your bank. At 6 ICE, we are the purveyors of unique designer jewelry, specializing in sourcing the latest trends in urban fashions and street culture.
There’s really no better place to buy bling than from the people who are inspired by those who invented it.
Our lifetime guarantee means that we’ll replace your product one time, free of charge, if it breaks, fades, or tarnishes during normal wear. And on top of that, our competitive pricing means that you can buy the highest quality bling at a more accessible price than the competitors.
Varsity Letter Custom Pendant
Not to mention, our vast catalog of custom jewelry means that you can have full freedom to craft a piece that suits your style. You’ll be able to walk around town with pendants and chains that Lil Wayne himself will envy.
Back to Bling
Bling was coined by hip hop legends in the late 90s, placed into the dictionary in the early 2000s, and now it’s a commonplace term to describe any piece of jewelry that makes you feel like a champion. From diamond pendants to golden chains, bling is just the thing to take your everyday outfits to a whole new level.
When looking for the best quality bling, you’ll want to make sure that the retailer has plenty of diamonds and gold in stock, offers a lifetime guarantee, and is fairly priced. Enhancing your style shouldn’t involve breaking the bank.
6 ICE matches all of that criteria and more to bring you the widest selection of hip-hop jewelry and high-quality accessories in the game.
Early History of Jewelry: Ancient Times to the 17th Century | International Gem Society
Bling | Merriam-Webster
‘Bling Bling’ Added To Oxford English Dictionary | MTV
Cubic Zirconia vs Diamond: Beauty, Quality, and Value | The Diamond Pro