Long-Term Review: Are Cheap Men's Necklaces Worth the Price?

The 90-Day Test: What Happens When You Buy a Super Cheap Men's Necklace?

I was in the market for a new necklace. I wanted a bold, statement look—something like an 8mm Cuban link—but I didn't want to spend hundreds of dollars. So, I decided to go the budget route. I bought a gold-plated necklace online for around $14. The listing claimed it would "never fade," but we all know that's rarely true.

I've been wearing this cheap men's necklace for three months now. I put it through everything: gym sessions, showers, and hot summer days. Here’s my day-by-day breakdown of how it performed.

Don't buy any budget jewelry before reading this. Here’s what I discovered:

• Super cheap jewelry must be made from 316L Stainless Steel, or it will deteriorate quickly.
• The thickness of the plating matters more than its initial shine.
• The clasp is almost always the weakest point on budget pieces.

Day 1: First Impressions

The package arrived quickly. Upon opening it, I was genuinely surprised. The necklace looked fantastic—super shiny and surprisingly heavy in my hand. It didn't feel like a $14 piece at all.

The links were tight and had a nice polished finish. I had chosen a 22-inch length with an 8mm width, and it sat perfectly below my collarbone. Overall, the appearance was impressively high-quality.

The clasp felt reasonably solid. It was a lobster claw clasp, which is what I typically look for since cheaper clasps tend to break easily. This one snapped shut with a satisfying click.

However, my main concern arose immediately: there was no stamp or marking indicating "316L Stainless Steel." This suggested the base metal was likely brass or copper. If the plating was thin, I knew I'd be in for trouble.

Verdict: Great appearance for the price. Begin the stress test right away. Expect fading soon if the base metal is low-quality.

Week 1: Getting Used to It

I wore the necklace every single day. I kept it on during workouts and even in the shower. I wanted to see how quickly water and sweat would break it down. If it was going to turn my neck green, I wanted that to happen fast.

Good news: No green neck yet. This meant the initial layer of plating was thick enough to withstand sweat for at least a few days.

I also checked the fit. The 8mm width was perfect. I had almost gone for a 12mm, but I checked customer photos first—a critical step. Never rely solely on model photos; they often make necklaces look smaller. Always verify the millimeter (mm) width and length on a real person.

After one week, the necklace still looked brand new. The shine remained bright, and I started to wonder if I had stumbled upon a secret loophole in the world of cheap jewelry.

Verdict: Comfortable and durable for short-term wear. Always adjust your width expectations based on customer photos, not the product advertisement.

Month 1: Daily Use

This is where the cheap materials began to reveal themselves. Around Day 25, I noticed something—not on the main links, but right next to the clasp, which is a high-friction area.

A small patch of gold was starting to dull, turning darker, almost bronze. The plating was wearing away where the chain rested against the back of my neck.

I realized I needed a better resource to check materials and find quality suppliers for future purchases. I decided to discover more about reliable jewelry suppliers that offer genuine 316L stainless steel options for cheap men's necklaces.

The biggest issue with super cheap items is always the plating. When the price is extremely low, the plating is thin. Thin plating means it typically fades within 4 to 6 weeks if you wear it constantly.

Here’s what separates truly cheap jewelry from affordable quality pieces:

Feature	Super Cheap Plated (My Necklace)	Affordable Quality (316L Steel)
Base Metal	Brass or Copper (Unknown)	316L Stainless Steel
Durability	Low (Fades 4-6 weeks)	High (Years of use)
Price Range	$10 - $20	$30 - $50
Water Resistance	Will Fail	Will Pass

Verdict: Acceptable for short-term fashion. If you sweat or shower with it, expect the plating to start thinning around the clasp and contact points after about a month.

Month 3: Long-Term Verdict

The necklace now clearly has two tones. The front, which experiences less rubbing, is still mostly shiny gold. However, the links near the back of my neck and where the chain rests on my sternum are significantly duller, taking on a slightly pinkish, faded brass color.

Surprisingly, the clasp has held up mechanically—it still opens and closes fine. But visually, it looks worn out. If you wear the necklace over a shirt, it looks acceptable. Against the skin, however, it’s obvious that it’s a cheap piece.

Overall, my experience was predictable. I paid for a temporary look, and that’s exactly what I got. I got three months of use out of it, which works out to about $4.60 per month for style.

I compared this to buying something meant to last. My fiancée got her engagement ring from a jeweler who prioritizes quality. We even went back to buy his two wedding bands there. We paid more upfront, but those pieces will last a lifetime. These cheap men's necklaces are the opposite—they’re disposable style.

If you need something durable, look for PVD plating on 316L stainless steel. If you just need something for a party or a short-term trend, this kind of super cheap option can work.

Verdict: The style investment has worn off. Good for temporary trends, but not suitable for essential daily jewelry. For durability, you need to spend a bit more on better materials.

Would I Buy Again?

Yes, but only under specific conditions. I wouldn’t buy this exact chain for everyday wear again.

If I wanted a lasting piece, I’d spend around $40 on a guaranteed 316L stainless steel chain. If I needed a trendy color or style that I knew would look dated in six months, I’d buy the cheap version again.

Here’s the action plan you should follow before buying a cheap necklace online:

1. Step 1: Check the Material. Search the product description for "316L Stainless Steel." If it only says "Alloy" or provides no information, skip it for daily wear.
2. Step 2: Check the Size. Look at the millimeter width and compare it to customer photos. Add 2mm to what you think you want, as ads can be misleading.
3. Step 3: Check Customer Photos. Specifically look for photos of the clasp and read comments about plating fading after 30 days.
4. Step 4: Buy or Upgrade. If the feedback is positive and it meets material standards, go ahead. If not, spend the extra $20 to upgrade to 316L for lasting quality.

For temporary style, the product served its purpose. For real durability, I needed to prioritize material quality from the start.