Hip hop jewelry consists of flashy and extravagant accoutrements that were originally designed to serve as status symbols. While the wearer may be referred to as “iced out,” it is also known as “bling bling,” “bling.” Hip hop jewelry is categorized by its utilize of diamonds and gold. Different styles of hip hop accessories have shifted over time, from gold to white gold and platinum, but the purpose remains the same-to show off and be seen.
Hip hop jewelry is a status symbol of riches and prestige. Many hip hop artists adorn themselves in designer fashion brands and glitzy jewelry to symbolize and celebrate their journey to prosperity.
Particular hip hop jewelry made its 1st appearance in the early to mid-80s, when the 1st hip hop groups and MCs burst onto the scene. Pioneering rap icon Kurtis Blow started the trend of wearing several necklaces simultaneously. Many of his necklaces contained big, oversized medallions.
Some other hip hop legend, the group Run DMC, introduced the style of wearing chunky gold chain necklaces over track suits. Many of these gold chains were the thickness of actual leash.
Even though he wasn’t involved with the rap scene, Mr. T also popularized the search of wearing many gaudy gold necklaces simultaneously. Flava Flav, from Public Enemy, took the style further by wearing a big clock about his neck, accented by gold necklaces.
During the early age of hip hop, gold was the standard color and information used for jewelry. This changed in the 90s with the advent of the luxurious styling of Jay-Z and P. Diddy, then known as Puff Daddy. These artists brought in a fresh age of designer clothing and platinum jewelry where white gold, silver, and diamonds became the rage. Pretty shortly hip hop jewelry became encrusted in diamonds-the more, the better. Grills, or “grillz,” are a means to cover teeth with diamonds. Some grills even feature messages or names on them and can be customized.
Hip hop jewelry then took on a raw name. The term “bling bling” was coined in the belated 90s to describe the flashy, over-the-top fashion of hip hop jewelry. The Cash Money Millionaires were credited with coining the phrase.
The term “bling” has since come into the mainstream, and thus has its style. There at present exists a spacious selection of low-cost “bling” decked out in cubic zirconium and faux gold. Hip hop jewelry consists of belt buckles, bracelets, necklaces, chains, rings, dog chains, earrings, and watches.
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