I believed these myths myself. I kept buying necklace after necklace online. They looked fantastic in the pictures, but reality was different—they faded quickly, left a green mark on my neck, or broke within the first week.
It was a tough lesson. When you buy jewelry, you're investing in service and quality, not just a piece of metal. Here’s the real story behind cheap gold-colored stainless steel, like the popular Horseshoe Stainless Steel Horse Pendant.
The Myth: If it's labeled "gold color" and is very cheap, the plating must be strong enough for everyday wear.
The Truth: Extremely cheap jewelry often uses the thinnest, fastest plating method available, known as 'flash plating.' The gold finish might look perfect for a week or two. Then, exposure to sweat, water, and friction wears it away, revealing the silver steel underneath.
Reputable jewelers listen to your needs and offer durable choices. They won't recommend a product that loses its color immediately. This transparent approach, where the staff helps you find the perfect item, is what defines a quality jewelry purchase.
Action Step: Always ask about the plating technique. Look for PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) plating. It's far more durable than standard electroplating, especially on a tough material like stainless steel.
The Myth: I'm only spending $15 on a men's necklace. If it breaks, I'll just buy another one. Customer service isn't important.
The Truth: Good customer service is your guarantee that the product description is accurate. Consider high-quality service experiences: when Lee assisted a customer with setting a family heirloom diamond, he was noted as "extremely knowledgeable" and made the process "easy and fun." When Kim Nguyen helped a couple, she was described as "phenomenal" and "not pushy."
What does this mean for a basic stainless steel necklace?
If a seller avoids simple questions about metal type or chain length, they don't believe in their own product. That lack of service is a clear sign of low quality.
Verdict: Demand good service. It shows the seller trusts their product's quality.
The Myth: Stainless steel is just stainless steel. It doesn't rust, so any type is fine.