Alright, so you’ve probably heard the term “iced out” a lot in rap songs or you've seen it splashed across social media, right? But what does it actually mean? Well, in the simplest terms, "iced out" refers to jewelry that’s completely covered with sparkling gemstones (usually natural diamonds). Imagine a watch or a chain so loaded with diamonds or other brilliant stones, like moissanites, that it literally shines like ice. Now, that’s being iced out!
History and Origin of Iced Out Jewelry
Remember those flamboyant rap music videos from the '00s? Artists flashing their jewelry, making every third person jelaous? Well, that's where iced out jewelry has its roots. It’s all about expressing oneself, showing off status, and displaying the ability to spend on ridiculously expensive items. Hip hop culture has always been talking about struggles and hustling to get to the top, and what better way to showcase it than wearing a wristwatch that costs more than an average house?
Now, let's take a quick trip down to the history books. The idea of using jewelry as a status symbol in hip hop can be traced back to DJ Kool Herc, one of the first to wear a cuban link chain. His love for chunky Cuban chains laid the foundation for the trend of extravagant jewelry in the hip hop industry, eventually leading to the popularity of iced out pieces.
Types of Iced Out Jewelry
It's time to dive deeper into the world of iced out jewelry and let's take a look at the different ways to be iced out.
Natural Diamond Iced Out Jewelry
When you think of iced out jewelry, the first thing that probably comes to mind is diamonds – and for good reason. Natural diamond iced out jewelry is the original and most classic form of iced out bling. It's the top-dog, the crème de la crème of iced out pieces. However, it does come with a hefty price tag, as you'd expect with anything that's dripping with diamonds.
Diamond reflects white light, just as ice does - this makes diamonds the best fit for the term "Iced out".
Moissanite Diamond Iced Out Jewelry
For those of us who are ballin' on a budget, there's moissanite diamond iced out jewelry. Moissanite diamonds are lab-grown and are almost as hard and 10 times more light reflecting (shining) than diamonds. Moissanite gemstone reflects rainbow colors which are more favorable to some celebrities than diamonds.
They give the same iced out effect but at a fraction of the cost. I mean, why break the bank when you can still shine bright like Rihanna, right?
Cubic Zirconia Iced Out Jewelry
The most wallet-friendly alternative for the iced out look is cubic zirconia. This synthesized material is durable however doesn't give as nice shine as moissanites or diamonds.
You can get that iced out style without having to live on ramen noodles for the next few months.
Rappers Who Wear Iced Out Jewelry
Now let's talk about some rappers who are known for their iced out style.
Quavo Huncho
Quavo Huncho, one-third of the hip-hop group Migos, has an undeniable love for iced out jewelry. Remember his Ratatouille Pendant? That thing had more ice than the North Pole. Not to mention his dazzling collection of iced out watches that would make even the biggest jewelry enthusiasts green with envy.
Takeoff
Next up, we have Takeoff, another member of Migos. Takeoff took the iced out game to another level with his Solar System Chain. I mean, who needs a telescope when you can have a whole galaxy hanging from your neck, right?
Lil Baby
And of course, how can we forget about Lil Baby? From his iced out watches to his custom chain and Cuban bracelets, Lil Baby is a true connoisseur of iced out pieces.
Final Words
There you have it – a look into the dazzling world of iced out jewelry. From its roots in hip-hop culture to its different types and the famous rappers who flaunt them, iced out pieces have truly made a mark in the world of jewelry and fashion. Whether you're planning to get iced out with diamonds, moissanites, or cubic zirconia, remember one thing – it's not just about the bling, it's about the statement you're making. So, go ahead and shine bright, my friends. Stay icy!