Hip hop jewelry is flashy and extravagant, using diamonds and gold to show off wealth and prestige. It originated in the ’80s with Kurtis Blow and Run DMC, and evolved to include platinum and diamonds in the ’90s. The term “bling bling” was coined to describe the style, which has now entered mainstream fashion.
Hip hop jewelry consists of flashy and extravagant accessories that were originally designed to serve as status symbols. While the wearer may be referred to as “ice cream”, it is also known as “bling bling”, “bling”. Hip hop jewelry is classified by its use of diamonds and gold. Different styles of hip hop accessories have changed over time, from gold to white gold to platinum, but the purpose remains the same: to show off and be seen.
Hip hop jewelry is a status symbol of wealth and prestige. Many hip hop artists adorn themselves with designer fashion labels and stunning jewelry to symbolize and celebrate their journey to success.
Specific hip hop jewelry made its first appearance in the early to mid ’80s, when the first hip hop groups and MCs entered the scene. Pioneering rap icon Kurtis Blow started the trend of wearing multiple necklaces at the same time. Many of his necklaces contained large, oversized medallions.
Another hip hop legend, Run DMC, introduced the style of wearing thick gold chain necklaces over tracksuits. Many of these gold chains were as thick as a real rope.
Although not involved in the rap scene, Mr. T also popularized the look of wearing lots of statement gold necklaces at the same time. Public Enemy’s Flava Flav took the style further by wearing a large watch around his neck, accented by gold necklaces.
During the early age of hip hop, gold was the standard color and material used for jewelry. This changed in the ’90s with the advent of the lavish style of Jay-Z and P. Diddy, then known as Puff Daddy. These artists ushered in a new era of designer clothing and platinum jewelry where white gold, silver, and diamonds became all the rage. Soon enough, hip hop jewelry became encrusted with diamonds, the more the merrier. Grills, or “grillz,” are a way to cover your teeth with diamonds. Some grills even have messages or names on them and can be personalized.
Hip hop jewelry then took on a new name. The term “bling bling” was coined in the late ’90s to describe the flashy, over-the-top fashion of hip hop jewelry. The Cash Money Millionaires are credited with coining the phrase.
The term “bling” has entered the mainstream, and so has its style. There is now a wide selection of affordable bling decorated with cubic zirconia and imitation gold. Hip hop jewelry consists of belt buckles, bracelets, necklaces, chains, rings, dog chains, earrings, and watches.
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