With over 61,000 Instagram followers, Los Angeles-based jewelry brand HelloIce has been making waves in the world of hip hop fashion. The online retailer specializes in men‘s jewelry featuring the iced-out, blinged-up aesthetic popularized by chart-topping rappers.
From chunky gold chains to iced Cuban link bracelets to pendant necklaces nodding to hip hop icons, HelloIce aims to bring a little piece of the rapper lifestyle to regular guys. Their mission is to democratize the over-the-top looks seen in music videos and on red carpets with quality jewelry at accessible prices.
In this in-depth HelloIce review, we‘ll take a closer look at the brand‘s story, bestsellers, customer reviews, policies, and more to help you decide if their fresh, flossy jewelry is worth adding to your collection.
The HelloIce Story
Founded in LA in 2017, HelloIce is the brainchild of a jeweler named Felix who saw an opportunity in the men‘s accessories market. He wanted to create a one-stop shop for the iced-out, hip hop-heavy aesthetic that had crossed over into the mainstream thanks to the genre‘s dominance on the charts.
But Felix didn‘t just want to imitate the blinged-out looks of rap royalty – he wanted to bring that same level of quality and craftsmanship to pieces regular guys could actually afford. His solution was to produce the jewelry in China while basing the brand in the celebrity epicenter of Los Angeles.
The result is an online store stocked with all manner of hip hop-inspired ice – from diamond-cut tennis chains to Migos-esque emerald-cut pinky rings to iced-out pendants paying homage to rap icons like Drake, Nipsey Hussle, and Tupac. With most pieces priced between $50-$700, HelloIce aims to be the plug for dudes who want to drip like their favorite rappers without an Aftermath record deal.
HelloIce Bestsellers
HelloIce stocks a wide array of men‘s jewelry across categories like chains, bracelets, rings, pendants, and earrings. You‘ll find classic hip hop styles like Miami Cuban links, rope chains, tennis necklaces/bracelets, and dog tags alongside more modern trends like pearls and colorful enamel.
The vibe is decidedly maximalist – pieces are meant to be seen and admired for their in-your-face shine. While real gold and diamonds do make appearances at the higher end of their catalog, most of the inventory is gold-plated or made from lower-cost materials like stainless steel and cubic zirconia to keep prices accessible.
Some of HelloIce‘s most popular pieces include:
6mm 18K Gold Iced Miami Cuban Chain
It doesn‘t get more hip hop than a Cuban link chain, and HelloIce‘s take on the style made famous by 2 Chainz and Jay-Z is a stunner. Crafted from stainless steel plated in 18K gold and iced-out with a glittering row of cubic zirconia stones, this 6mm wide necklace makes a big statement at a relatively small price point of $120.
5mm 14K Gold Iced 1 Row Tennis Chain
Tennis chains (also called "diamond cut" chains for their faceted links) are another hip hop jewelry box staple. HelloIce‘s 14K gold-plated version features individually-set cubic zirconia stones for maximum brilliance. At 5mm wide, it‘s a versatile choice for everyday wear or special occasions. Get that fresh tennis swag for $75.
Solid 10K Gold Iced GANG Pendant
Inspired by chart-topper Lil Baby, this custom block letter GANG pendant is rendered in solid 10K gold paved with VVS simulated diamonds. The rope chain is included and customers can add a personalized engraving on the back for an extra $30. It‘s one of the pricier pieces at $500 but still much more accessible compared to what Lil Baby is rocking.
18mm Iced Baguette Cuban Bracelet
Go big or go home with this truly colossal 18mm wide Cuban bracelet fully encrusted with rectangular baguette-cut cubic zirconia stones. Crafted from stainless steel with 18K gold plating, this bracelet has some serious weight to it both physically and in the drip department. Make a major wrist move for $199.
What Customers Are Saying
With thousands of reviews on their website averaging 4.8 out of 5 stars, it‘s clear HelloIce has found a loyal fan base for their affordable hip hop jewelry. Customers rave about the impressive quality, substantial weight, and eye-catching shine of the pieces, especially for the price.
Many reviewers mention purchasing HelloIce jewelry as gifts for the hip hop fans in their life and the pieces being very well received. The option to customize certain pendants and chains with engraving adds a thoughtful touch.
On YouTube, jewelry vloggers like The Gentleman Hype and Raymond Avalos have reviewed HelloIce pieces favorably, showing off the brilliant bling on camera and confirming the high quality look and feel IRL.
The brand also has a presence on Amazon where bestsellers like their diamond-cut tennis necklaces and iced-out cross pendants score 4 stars or higher after dozens of reviews.
Of course, not everyone is in love with HelloIce‘s bold, brass-heavy style – several reviewers on Trustpilot felt the pieces looked "too flashy" or "fake" compared to real gold and diamond jewelry. However, most shoppers seem to understand that compromises are necessary to achieve this type of look at HelloIce‘s accessible price point.
How HelloIce Compares to the Competition
HelloIce‘s main competitor in the hip hop jewelry space is Miami-based retailer King Ice. Like HelloIce, King Ice offers a wide selection of chains, pendants, bracelets, and watches inspired by rap culture and made from lower-priced materials like stainless steel, brass, and CZ.
One advantage HelloIce has over King Ice is its women‘s collection, which includes pendants, tennis necklaces, nameplates, and other trendy styles reconfigured for female customers. HelloIce also offers more customization and engraving options on certain pieces.
However, King Ice does provide interest-free payment plans through Affirm which could make their pricier pieces more accessible for some shoppers. They also offer a lifetime warranty on plating and CZ whereas HelloIce only has a 90-day or 1-year warranty depending on the item.
Ultimately both retailers are delivering similar hip hop-inspired styles at competitive price points. It may come down to specific design preference or which celebrity collabs draw you in – King Ice has pieces designed by Snoop Dogg and Lil Jon while HelloIce focuses more on homages to current chart-toppers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is HelloIce jewelry made?
While the brand is based in Los Angeles, HelloIce jewelry is manufactured in China. This helps keep costs down and prices affordable for customers.
What are HelloIce‘s shipping options?
HelloIce offers free standard shipping on U.S. orders over $50 and a flat rate of $5 on orders under $50. They also provide expedited and international shipping at varied rates. Orders typically take 3-7 business days to arrive.
What is HelloIce‘s return policy?
HelloIce accepts returns within 30 days of delivery for a full refund or exchange. Final sale items, custom pieces, and discontinued items are not eligible. Customers are responsible for return shipping fees.
Does HelloIce offer payment plans?
Yes, HelloIce partners with QuadPay to offer interest-free installment plans on orders over $35. Customers can split their total into 4 automatic payments made every 2 weeks.
So, Is HelloIce Worth the Hype?
After taking a thorough look at HelloIce‘s jewelry offerings, customer reviews, and policies, it‘s clear this brand is a solid option for guys looking to get the hip hop drip for less. No, these aren‘t investment pieces that will become family heirlooms or appreciate in value – you‘re paying for the flashy, iced-out look, not precious metals and gems.
But HelloIce delivers on their promise of high quality jewelry that looks and feels way more expensive than it is. You‘re getting serious shine for your buck compared to more minimal styles or daintier chains at the same price point. And the celeb-inspired designs and customization options help you cop the styles you see in rap videos without having a rap video budget.
If you love hip hop fashion and have always wanted to rock some serious chains or iced-out rings, HelloIce is definitely worth checking out. Their accessible price point and easy return policy makes it low-risk to level up your jewelry game and treat yourself to some guilt-free ice.
Whether you go for a classic Cuban link or tennis chain, a colorful enamel pendant, or a blinged-out custom nameplate, HelloIce has the hip hop hookup to help you shine bright like a diamond – even if it‘s a simulated one.
