I used to believe these common myths. I purchased five different chains, each promising to be the best men's gold necklace I could find locally. Every single one faded, tarnished, or broke within months. In the end, I wasted hundreds of dollars.
Here's the reality of buying jewelry. What those cheap websites don't tell you is that quality matters far more than the initial price. Don't make a purchase before reading this.
The Myth: If two necklaces look identical in photos, buy the cheapest one. That $20 chain from an auction site seems like a steal compared to a $150 chain from a store.
Here's what actually happens when you focus solely on price. You lose the personal relationship. You lose the guarantee. You end up with a piece that breaks almost immediately.
The Truth: Good service and expertise are worth the investment. They ensure you get the right product the first time.
That level of service means the jeweler truly listened. They found a high-quality piece that fit the budget. A cheap website just wants your credit card number. A real expert wants you to leave with the "ring of your dreams." That saves you years of searching and frustration.
Verdict: Never compromise on service. A knowledgeable seller prevents buyer's remorse.
The Myth: As long as an item is labeled 'gold plated,' it will stay shiny. It's impossible to tell the difference between various plating processes.
Let me tell you the truth. Plating quality is the number one reason cheap chains fail. If the plating is too thin, your chain can turn green in just two weeks. This is especially true if the base metal is cheap brass or zinc.
The Truth: You must check both the plating thickness and the base metal.
If you're not buying solid gold, insist on stainless steel as the core. Look for 316L Stainless Steel. This material is strong, resists rust, and holds gold plating much better than cheap alloys.
If the seller doesn't list the micron thickness or the base metal, assume it's thin flash plating. That's the myth that cost me $200.