Upgrading Your Cheap Necklaces: Why $49 is Worth It

I Switched from $20 Glasses to $49 Mozaer: Here’s What Happened

My Journey from Fading Chains to Lasting Shine

I used to believe all fashion jewelry was essentially the same. I was just looking for a trendy Kpop-style necklace, perhaps a delicate chain with a crystal butterfly pendant. I always opted for the lowest price, which turned out to be a major mistake.

Every inexpensive necklace looked stunning in the photos, but they all shared the same issues: they turned green, faded quickly, or the clasp broke. I was throwing money away on chains that barely lasted three weeks. Even when buying something like a cute women’s beanie hat for winter outfits, you expect quality that lasts more than a single season. I knew I had to learn how to shop smarter.

Here’s what I discovered about upgrading my jewelry collection:

• Cheap plating fades in days, not months.
• Always check the material—316L Stainless Steel is your best bet.
• A secure clasp is worth the extra investment.

Stage 1: The Cheap Phase ($15-$25)

My first purchase was a $20 Crystal Butterfly Pendant Necklace. It lasted about two weeks before I noticed the metal changing color near the pendant. The listing claimed it was made of 10 grams of solid material, but it felt light, more like 8 grams. I felt misled by the advertisement.

The necklace was made from cheap base metal with a very thin gold-colored coating. This is why it faded so quickly. If a seller doesn’t specify the exact material, it’s safe to assume it’s low quality. The clasp was flimsy too, with a weak spring mechanism that constantly made me nervous.

Extremely cheap jewelry always means thin plating. It will fade rapidly, especially if you sweat or wear it to a summer party. It simply isn’t built to last.

Step 1: Always compare the advertised weight with how the piece feels in your hand. If it seems too light for its size, the plating is likely poor.

Verdict: Never buy if the material (like 316L steel) isn’t listed. Assume it’s junk.

Stage 2: The Mid-Range Phase ($30-$40)

I decided to upgrade and spent $40 on my next clavicle chain necklace. This one was marketed as "premium plated." It was... okay. The chain was noticeably thicker, around 2mm wide, which gave it a better appearance. The butterfly pendant also had more detailed craftsmanship.

It lasted roughly four months, which was a clear improvement. However, it still had its flaws. The beads on the chain began to lose their color from rubbing. The clasp, while stronger than the $20 version, was still a standard cheap mechanism. I was always worried it might snap.

I realized that "premium plated" doesn’t necessarily mean durable. It just means the plating is slightly thicker than the cheapest options. For $40, I expected it to last at least a year, but it didn’t.

Step 2: Examine buyer photos that show close-ups of the clasp and chain. If the plating looks uneven or scratched right out of the package, avoid it.

Action Step: Pay attention to the thickness (mm width) of the chain, not just the length. Thicker chains hold up better over time.

Stage 3: The Premium Phase ($45-$50)

Then I tried the top-tier option at $49. WOW. This was a complete game changer. The necklace felt solid and substantial. The seller clearly stated the base metal was 316L Stainless Steel, which is high-quality material known for resisting rust and discoloration.

The crystals on the butterfly pendant were deeply set and sparkled beautifully. The chain had a satisfying weight that felt secure around my neck. The most notable difference was the customer service. I was unsure about the chain length, so I contacted the company. They were excellent—helping me choose the perfect length and ensuring I was completely satisfied, much like when I heard about someone receiving a free exchange thanks to outstanding service.

This quality piece is built to last. I highly recommend you Visit SumsFashion to find necklaces like this one. It looks fantastic even when paired with my favorite cute women’s beanie hat for winter outfits.

Step 3: Always confirm the material is 316L or better. Check reviews that mention customer service, not just the product’s appearance.

Verdict: Look for 316L steel and read customer reviews about service and return policies.

Comparison Table: Three Stages of Upgrade

Feature	$20 Cheap Phase	$40 Mid-Range Phase	$49 Premium Phase
Material Base	Unknown cheap alloy	Unspecified metal, assumed slightly better alloy	316L Stainless Steel
Plating Quality	Thin (Faded in 2 weeks)	Double/Triple plated (Faded in 4 months)	Thick, durable PVD/IP Plating (Long lasting)
Clasp Security	Very weak, prone to breaking	Standard, slightly better spring	Strong, secure lobster clasp
Value Score	1/5 (Wasted money)	3/5 (Temporary wear)	5/5 (Investment piece)

Is the Upgrade Worth It?

Absolutely, the upgrade is 100% worth it. You’re not just paying for a slightly nicer necklace. You’re investing in a base material that resists discoloration and a plating process that endures. This saves you money in the long run because you stop constantly replacing cheap, low-quality items.

Finding quality jewelry that complements your outfit—whether it’s a dress for a summer party or a cute women’s beanie hat for winter outfits—is essential for looking your best. Don’t trust an advertisement based solely on a pretty picture.

Keep this simple checklist in mind before you buy:

• Check Material: It must specify 316L Stainless Steel.
• Check Size: Look at the chain width (mm) and buyer photos for scale.
• Check Buyer Photos: Look for close-ups of the clasp and connections.

By following these steps, you can avoid the frustration of green skin and broken clasps. Spend a little more upfront, and your new jewelry will last for years.

Final Verdict: Buy high-quality once, and you’ll only regret it once. It’s the only way to get real, lasting quality.