We all desire a necklace that looks stunning without breaking the bank. For years, I was drawn to bargain prices, purchasing chain after chain. They appeared fabulous in product photos and felt substantial upon arrival.
Yet without fail, the color would rapidly fade, turning green or brassy within weeks. If you truly care about your style—whether you're coordinating an outfit with a chic coat or perhaps a new women's beanie hat for winter—you need jewelry that outlasts a cheap fast-food meal.
Eventually, I grew tired of constantly replacing pieces. I decided to track my spending and determine whether buying higher-quality jewelry would actually save money over time. The conclusion was unequivocally yes.
My initial 'luxury' chain was a $20 Huitan Geometric Black Cubic Zirconia Necklace, or something very similar, marketed as "Luxury Gold Color."
The main issue? Extremely thin plating over an undisclosed base metal. While you might assume it's acceptable quality, it simply isn't.
This $20 chain survived exactly three weeks before the gold coating began peeling near the clasp. I stopped wearing it after one month due to its deteriorating appearance—essentially throwing $20 away.
Conclusion: Avoid this jewelry category entirely. The constant replacements ultimately cost more than investing in quality pieces.
My next purchase was a $40 necklace advertised as "tarnish-resistant." It felt heavier and more substantial, and the seller provided helpful specifications like the 5mm width.
The $40 piece was acceptable—it didn't fade within three weeks, but after about three months the color began to dull. While it didn't turn green, the shine disappeared, making it look worn rather than new.
Customer service was mediocre. When I inquired about the dull finish, they offered a 15% discount on my next purchase rather than a replacement or solution.
If you're purchasing jewelry as a gift, perhaps to complement a stylish women's beanie hat for winter, you'll want the shine to endure longer than three months.