I used to believe all necklaces were essentially the same. My only goal was to find a cool-looking chain, so I’d always hunt for the lowest price. That turned out to be a huge mistake. Every time I bought a cheap chain, disappointment followed quickly.
If you’re after genuine quality, upgrading is non-negotiable. I learned the hard way that spending a bit more upfront saves you money in the long run. This is my personal journey in the search for a high-quality necklace for men stainless steel.
Here’s what you gain when you stop buying cheap junk:
My first chain cost about $20. I bought it from a major online marketplace. The listing claimed it was "Stainless Steel," and that was enough for me. The photos made it look fantastic.
This type of necklace for men stainless steel is typically plated. Manufacturers start with a cheap, soft metal base and apply an extremely thin layer of stainless steel or a silver-colored coating on top.
My $20 chain lasted exactly three weeks. I wore it in the shower once, and the gold color began rubbing off immediately. Soon after, my skin turned green wherever the chain made contact.
When I checked the one-star reviews, everyone reported the same issues:
Cheap manufacturers use the lowest grade metals and apply the thinnest possible plating. This results in a product that’s lightweight and fragile—a complete waste of money.
Verdict: Steer clear of anything under $25. If the listing doesn’t specify the metal type (like 316L), assume it’s poor quality.
I decided to invest a little more and upgraded to a $40 chain. It was larger, felt heavier, and the seller promised "thicker PVD plating," which is a more advanced coloring technique.