I used to think buying a new chain would be straightforward. How wrong I was. For two years, I searched for a high-quality men's sterling silver chain necklace that wouldn't lose its shine. Time and again, I fell for those incredibly cheap online offers.
The result? I wasted both money and time. With every inexpensive chain I purchased, hope surged—only to be met with disappointment. When I tallied up the shipping fees, return costs, and the five chains that eventually ended up in the trash, I had thrown away nearly $150.
If only I had known the simple tricks to spot a fake. It would have saved me so much trouble. Learn from my errors—here's what I discovered the hard way:
The biggest deception in the jewelry industry is the term "sterling silver look." Retailers sell chains for $20 or $30 that appear stunning in photos but aren't actually silver. Typically, they're made from low-grade base metals coated with a minuscule layer of silver or chrome.
This thin plating wears off rapidly. If you sweat, the chain can fade within a week. Wear it overnight, and the coating might be gone by morning—leaving your neck with a green tint. I bought three chains that did exactly this, rendering them useless almost immediately.
The Solution: Opt for 316L Steel.
If solid silver is beyond your budget, choose 316L stainless steel instead. This surgical-grade material resists rust, fading, and skin irritation. If a seller doesn't explicitly state the chain is 316L, assume it's inferior and likely to discolor your skin.
Verdict: Never purchase a chain unless it's clearly labeled as 316L. Otherwise, you'll likely regret it later.
I always desired a thick, substantial-looking men's sterling silver chain necklace. Online ads use clever camera angles to make chains appear massive and solid. I'd look at the photos and think, "This is the one."
But when the package arrived, the chain was invariably flimsy. It felt like plastic, was lightweight and hollow, and bore no resemblance to the advertised image. My wallet grew lighter, yet the chain lacked the heft I wanted.
This error occurred because I neglected to check the width in millimeters. Sellers often mention the length (such as 20 inches) but omit the width—the most crucial dimension.
Here's how the advertisements compare to reality:
Action Step: Always ask for measurements. If the millimeter width isn't listed, don't buy the chain—you'll likely receive a fragile piece of wire.