I used to believe these myths myself. I ended up buying chains that faded within weeks and wasted money because I assumed all jewelry stores were essentially the same. Here is the truth they don't want you to know.
If you want a chain that truly lasts, you have to ignore the marketing hype. Focus instead on the materials and seek expert guidance. Buying quality jewelry involves more than just clicking a button.
This is the biggest misconception. If a substantial-looking chain only costs $40, the company didn't discover a secret supplier. It means the gold plating is thinner than a sheet of paper.
Inexpensive chains typically use a copper or brass core, covered with a microscopic layer of gold. The moment you sweat, that gold wears off, and your skin can turn green.
The Truth: Quality has a cost because genuine plating is substantially thicker. When you buy cheap, you often end up buying the same item multiple times.
Action Step: Always check for the millimeter (mm) thickness of the plating. If it's not listed, assume the quality is poor.
Many believe that if an item is labeled "gold plated," the quality is consistent. That's not accurate. The core metal is critical. If the base metal rusts, the gold plating will quickly bubble and peel away.
Most budget jewelry uses low-grade alloys. You need materials engineered to withstand daily wear, sweat, and even showers.
The Truth: You need a durable base metal beneath the plating. The industry standard for tough, affordable chains is 316L Stainless Steel, which resists rust and corrosion far better than brass.
Step-by-Step Check List:
Online retailers want to make a sale. They often use camera tricks and close-up shots to make a delicate 3mm chain appear like a massive 12mm piece. You receive it in the mail only to find it looks like a thread.
I learned this lesson the hard way. I ordered what I thought was a substantial chain, but it was disappointingly small and not worth the price.
The Truth: Never rely solely on promotional images. Always check the precise measurements: length in inches and width in millimeters (mm). Then, seek out photos from actual buyers.