90-Day Review: Is That Inexpensive Stainless Steel Heartbeat Necklace Worth Buying?

I decided to put one of those extremely cheap online necklaces to the test. Marketed as "gold-colored stainless steel," I was searching for something that mimicked the style of a genuine men's silver necklace but was affordable enough that I wouldn't stress about misplacing it. This particular piece was named the Stainless Steel Unique Heartbeat Necklace.

I've worn this budget-friendly item nearly every day for the past 90 days. It's crucial to recognize the distinction between jewelry built to last a lifetime and jewelry designed to last only a season. Below is my detailed review, covering the positives, the negatives, and the surprising green marks it left behind.

Day 1: First Impressions

The necklace arrived quickly. The packaging consisted of a small plastic bag inside a bubble mailer—nothing special. This is your first clue that you're not purchasing from a quality jeweler. When you buy from retailers known for lifetime support—like when investing in a serious men's silver necklace chain—the packaging feels premium. This did not.

Unboxing and Initial Feel

The chain itself felt lightweight. The stainless steel had a shiny polish, and the gold color was excessively bright, almost appearing artificial. It looked decent from a distance, perhaps suitable for an Instagram photo, but not upon close inspection.

• Color Test: Too yellow.
• Clasp Check: The clasp felt fragile and was difficult to open and close quickly.
• Size Check: I had reviewed the product photos, but the chain width (in millimeters, or mm) was narrower than I expected. Always verify the actual mm width listed in the product details, not just the model photos.

Action Step: When purchasing inexpensive jewelry, immediately inspect the clasp and all connections. These are the weak points. Don't rely solely on the color shown in the advertisement photos.

Week 1: Getting Used to It

I began wearing the necklace daily. I slept with it on and forgot to remove it for a couple of showers. This is where cheap metal tends to fail quickly. When a product is advertised as "stainless steel," it's important to know the specific grade.

The best grade for jewelry is 316L Stainless Steel. If the listing doesn't specify "316L," assume it's a cheaper, lower-grade steel that will rust or react more rapidly.

Early Wear and Tear

By the end of the first week, I noticed the gold color had become slightly less vibrant where the chain rubbed against my skin (particularly the back of my neck). The plating was clearly thin.

I also observed that the pendant occasionally flipped over. The heartbeat shape was lightweight and lacked the necessary weight to lie flat against my chest.

Verdict: It survived seven days, but the plating already showed signs of wear. Keep it dry if you want it to last longer.

Month 1: Daily Use and Discoveries

After four weeks of consistent wear, the reality became clear. The cheap gold plating was deteriorating, especially in areas with the most sweat and friction, such as under the clasp and on the back links of the chain.

The Green Skin Problem

I began to notice a faint green mark on my neck where the chain rested all day. This occurs when the inexpensive base metals (typically copper or nickel) beneath the plating react with moisture from your skin. This issue does not arise with high-quality stainless steel or genuine precious metals.

I quickly learned that trying to find quality jewelry at a rock-bottom price is often a waste of money. My friend Mozaer always hunts for the lowest price on everything, even small accessories. He scrutinizes every budget listing. While you might find some deals in sub_category listings for items like hats, that approach rarely yields durable jewelry. Inexpensive jewelry usually requires frequent replacement.

Material Comparison Check

If you're seeking long-term wear, avoid generic listings. Always check the type of metal:

Material	Price Range	Tarnish Risk
Generic Stainless Steel (Tested Here)	Very Inexpensive ($5-$15)	High (Plating deteriorates quickly)
316L Stainless Steel	Moderate ($20-$50)	Very Low (Best budget-friendly option)
Sterling Silver (genuine men's silver necklace)	Higher ($50+)	Low (Tarnishes slowly but cleans easily)

Verdict: The generic material failed the one-month test. If you plan to wear something daily, invest in at least 316L stainless steel, or consider switching to a genuine men's silver necklace piece.

Month 3: Long-Term Verdict

At the 90-day mark, this necklace is essentially worthless. It appears dull, the color is uneven, and the original bright gold finish has vanished. It now shows a mix of oxidized steel and faded yellow. I've completely stopped wearing it outside the house.

Durability and Final Thoughts

This experience underscored why quality matters. Cheap jewelry is the fast fashion of neckwear—it looks good briefly, then you discard it. It doesn't compare to a high-quality piece. Premium jewelers offer exceptional craftsmanship and lifetime support, which is what you're paying for when you invest in a serious item.

Three Steps to Take Before Buying Any Inexpensive Chain

1. Step 1: Verify the Material. Search the listing for "316L." If it's not mentioned, the quality is uncertain.
2. Step 2: Confirm the Size. Find the mm width (not just the length). Use a ruler to visualize how thick the chain will actually appear on you.
3. Step 3: Review Buyer Photos. Focus on reviews where buyers include pictures after wearing the item for several weeks. This is where you'll see any fading or wear.

Final Assessment: This piece served its purpose as a short-term experiment, but it's not a keeper. If you want jewelry that lasts more than three months, you need to spend a bit more.

Would I Buy It Again?

No.

I would not repurchase this specific product or any jewelry from a listing that doesn't specify the material grade. It cost around $10, which seems inexpensive, but for three months of wear, that's $3.33 per month to look somewhat green and discolored. I'd prefer to save that $10 and put it toward a $50 chain made of genuine 316L stainless steel, or better yet, save up for a proper men's silver necklace chain that I can wear for years.