I needed a simple, rugged gold chain. I didn't want a huge diamond pendant. I just wanted a clean, strong chain only gold necklace for men that I could wear every day. I thought finding one would be easy.
I was wrong. For two years, I wasted money on chains that faded, broke, or turned my neck green. My goal was simple: find quality without spending thousands. My journey taught me three main lessons about cheap jewelry versus premium pieces.
My first attempt was purely based on price. My first chain cost $20. It looked shiny in the online photo. It lasted 3 weeks.
The problem with chains in this price range is the material. They use a very thin layer of gold color applied to a cheap base metal. This is called electroplating. When you sweat or shower, that thin layer is gone fast. The base metal touches your skin and causes irritation or that famous green line.
I remember reading a review about my $20 chain. Someone said: "The clasp broke the second time I tried to put it on." That sums up the quality. The chain was light, flimsy, and completely untrustworthy. I had to assume it was not 316L stainless steel because the material was never listed.
Verdict: Do not buy chains under $25. They are single-use jewelry. You are just wasting money.
I decided to upgrade. I figured paying double would solve the problem. I upgraded to $40 chains. They were... fine.
These chains often look better out of the box. They might come in a decent gift box. They might even advertise "Thick Plating." But the underlying issues remained the same. They still didn't clearly state the base metal. I got a specific Oly2u Ocean Wave Pendant Necklace. The chain felt sturdy at first, but after about 6 weeks, the gold color near the clasp started to dull.
Mid-range chains are typically better than the cheap ones, but they are a huge gamble. You might get a great size, like 45cm, but the plating still won't hold up for the long term. I learned that just seeing a photo is not enough. You must look for the measurements.
Action Step: When shopping for a chain only gold necklace for men, check the millimeter (mm) width of the chain. If the listing doesn't show the mm size, assume it is smaller than you want.
Verdict: Mid-range extends the life, but it does not guarantee quality. It’s better to save the money for the premium stage.
Finally, I decided to stop looking at the price tag first. I focused on chains labeled specifically as 316L Surgical Stainless Steel using PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) plating. PVD is thicker and stronger than electroplating.