I wasted a fortune on junk jewelry. I'm talking about those cheap pieces that lose their shine almost immediately. You know the type—you spot a necklace online for $15. It looks stunning in the pictures, but two weeks later, it's dull, scratched, and leaving a green stain on your skin.
After tracking my expenses, I calculated that I blew at least $150 on these disappointing necklaces and chains in the past year alone. That doesn't even include the money I threw away on impulse purchases, like that awful oversized beanie winter cap I bought last fall that stretched out after a single wash.
This is my cautionary tale. I learned the hard way so you don't have to. Finding quality jewelry is straightforward if you stick to three simple rules.
The biggest trick in cheap jewelry is the plating. Plating is just an ultra-thin layer of gold or silver color over a base metal like copper or zinc. Sellers rarely disclose how thick that layer is. If they don't mention it, you can assume it's practically worthless.
I used to be drawn to great-looking chains priced under $25. I bought them because the cost was low, and that was my mistake. Extremely cheap jewelry means extremely thin plating. When the plating is that thin, everyday exposure to sweat, showers, or even humidity wears it off quickly. You're left with a dull, unattractive piece.
Always read the low-star reviews. You'll consistently find complaints about discoloration:
I should have been looking for stainless steel from the start. Specifically, 316L Stainless Steel. This is the same material used for surgical instruments. It resists tarnishing, is incredibly durable, and is hypoallergenic. If a seller doesn't specify 316L, assume it's low-quality junk that will fade within a week.
Verdict: Always verify the material. If it's not clearly labeled as 316L Stainless Steel, don't buy it.
Online advertisements can be deceptive. They use close-up shots, professional models, and clever angles to make a tiny pendant look like a bold statement piece. I once bought a cross pendant expecting it to be large and striking. When it arrived, it was smaller than a dime.
Sellers often hide the true scale by using high-magnification photography. This trick fooled me more times than I'd like to admit.
How do you avoid this? You have to train yourself to look beyond the glossy professional photos.
Follow these steps to verify the size: