The former athlete donned a custom 2-kilo rose gold diamond Cuban chain, measuring 26.5 inches and weighing a total of 320.44 carats. The necklace is valued at $500,000, according to Avi & Co.

An ounce of gold costs $1,700 today, but even the most high-end Cuban links are mixed with something else. Gold itself is a very soft material -- typically too soft to be made into jewelry on its own.

Cuban links, Miami, jewelryCampos explains the manufacturing process: first the chain mold is put in an oven. The links are then sanded to achieve a hammered look — one of the details that makes ...