I used to believe all gold chains were essentially the same. All I wanted was a simple, substantial men's solid gold chain necklace that looked good, without spending a fortune. So, I went for the cheapest option I could find online.
That turned out to be a major error. The chain looked decent for roughly three days. Then, the color began to fade, and my neck developed a green tint. I started over, repeating this cycle three times before I understood I was throwing money away in an attempt to save it.
This is my journey from purchasing disposable jewelry to finding a quality piece that endures. If you want a chain you can genuinely wear daily, you need to understand the difference between cheap plating and premium materials.
My first chain cost $20. It was marketed as "gold plated." It lasted about three weeks before the flimsy color coating wore off completely. It was embarrassing—far from a durable piece of jewelry.
Here’s what you can expect from super cheap chains:
Reviews for these chains often read like this (if they aren't deleted first):
Verdict: Avoid buying any chain unless the seller explicitly states the base material. If they don't mention 316L stainless steel, assume it's low-quality junk that will discolor your skin.
I decided to step up my game and purchased a $40 chain. It appeared thicker and had a heavier feel. It was advertised as "Stainless Steel." It was an improvement, but still not perfect. It was... acceptable.
This price range can be misleading because results are mixed. You're paying for stainless steel, which is good—it won't turn your skin green like copper. However, the quality of the gold finish often remains subpar.