I believed these myths myself. I kept buying chain after chain. They'd shine for a week, then fade, and sometimes even turn my skin green. I wasted hundreds of dollars learning this lesson the hard way. Here’s the truth no one tells you about buying men’s jewelry, especially substantial chains like the popular Cuban necklace style.
Don’t make a purchase before reading this straightforward guide.
The Myth: You find a 16mm Cuban chain for $15. It looks fantastic, and you think you've snagged an incredible bargain.
The Reality: That chain is cheap for a reason. Quality has a cost. If the price is extremely low, the manufacturer cut corners on the most critical aspects: the base metal and the plating thickness.
When you invest in high-quality jewelry, you're paying for service and materials built to last. As one engagement ring buyer noted regarding the personal care they received: "We had an awesome experience with Dana. She worked closely with us, walking us through engagement ring options, reviewing various styles, helping select the diamond, and ultimately designing the perfect ring. Thank you."
That level of care reflects a commitment to the final product. A company selling a $15 chain cannot offer that same commitment—they're just moving inventory.
Verdict: Super cheap = thin plating = fades in one week. If a deal seems too good to be true, walk away.
The Myth: If the description says "Stainless Steel," you assume it will never rust or discolor your skin.
The Reality: "Stainless Steel" is a broad category with hundreds of grades. Many budget sellers use the lowest grades, which often contain nickel. Nickel can cause skin irritation and tarnishes more quickly.
Here’s what they don’t tell you: You need to look for 316L Stainless Steel. The 'L' stands for Low Carbon. This grade is used for medical implants and resists corrosion from sweat, water, and salt. If a seller doesn't specify '316L', assume it's a lower-quality alloy.