I understand the appeal. We all want that sharp, iced-out look—the classic Hip Hop style, like the Drew Smiling Face Pendant Necklace—without spending a fortune. I tried to find an affordable version that mimicked real silver. I thought I was being clever. I was mistaken. I ended up wasting money and sporting a green neck. I made these errors so you can avoid them.
If you're looking for a decent men's necklace with a real silver appearance that actually lasts, read this guide first. Learn from my experience. Buying cheap jewelry is the quickest way to throw your money away.
I came across a stunning Cuban chain with a pendant advertised for just $15. It looked fantastic in the photos. My initial reaction was, "What a steal!" My second thought should have been, "How can they possibly plate it properly at that price?"
Extremely cheap jewelry uses extremely thin plating, often measured in microns. If it's under 0.3 microns, it will wear off the first time you sweat or take a shower.
Big mistake. That $15 I "saved" cost me the entire necklace after just one week. Always look for plating thickness or pay enough that the seller can afford decent materials.
I assumed "silver plated" meant the base metal was decent. I ignored listings that didn't specify the core material. If a product description doesn't state what's underneath the silver coating, it's usually cheap brass, zinc, or even copper.
When the plating wears off (see Mistake #1), your skin reacts to that cheap metal. This causes an unpleasant reaction called oxidation, which is what turns your skin green or black.
Don't repeat my error. Insist on quality base metal. The best option for a reliable, non-tarnishing base is 316L Stainless Steel. If it doesn't specify "316L," assume it's low quality.
I only glanced at the star rating, which was 4.8. I assumed that was good enough. I didn't read the actual comments, and I certainly didn't look at the customer-uploaded photos.
The five-star reviews often come from people who just opened the package and haven't worn the jewelry yet. You need to check the three-star reviews. Those tell you what broke, what faded, or what the customer service was like.
I focused on the shiny product image. I should have focused on buyer photos. Buyer photos reveal the true size, the real color, and whether the clasp is sturdy or just glued together.