18k Gold Necklace for Men: 5 Mistakes I Made (So You Don't Have To)

I’ve made these mistakes buying an 18k gold men's necklace so you won’t have to. I was looking for a stylish chain but ended up with a cheap, disappointing piece. Don’t repeat my error! Learn from my experience before you buy—it will save you both time and money and help you find the perfect 18k gold necklace.

Purchasing jewelry online can be challenging. Without the ability to feel the weight or inspect the quality in person, it’s easy to be misled by polished photos and tempting low prices. I learned this the hard way. Here are the top five mistakes I made, so you can steer clear of them.

Mistake #1: Going for the Cheapest Option

This was a major error. I spotted a very inexpensive "18k gold men's necklace" and bought it immediately, thinking I’d found a steal. I was mistaken. The necklace turned out to be thin, flimsy, and not genuine gold. Its color faded quickly, making it a complete waste of money.

• Inexpensive necklaces often contain very little real gold.
• The base metal underneath can cause skin irritation.
• They tend to break easily and look cheap.

I understand wanting to save money, but quality truly matters. Investing a bit more in a higher-quality necklace means it will last longer and look far better. Don’t sacrifice quality for a low price.

Verdict: Steer clear of the cheapest options—they’re cheap for a reason.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Quality Indicators

I overlooked the important details. I didn’t check for hallmarks or inquire about the gold plating thickness. I simply saw "18k gold men's necklace" and assumed it was good. Here’s what I should have looked for:

• Hallmarks: These stamps indicate the gold content (e.g., "18K" or "750").
• Plating Thickness: A thicker plating lasts longer. Look for necklaces with at least a few microns of gold plating.
• Base Metal: What’s beneath the gold? Avoid cheap metals like nickel, which can trigger allergies. Stainless steel or sterling silver are better choices.

Don’t make my mistake. Scrutinize the product description and verify these quality indicators before purchasing.

Verdict: Always check for quality indicators like hallmarks, plating thickness, and base metal—they’re crucial.

Mistake #3: Not Checking Reviews

I skipped reading the reviews, which was a huge oversight. Had I checked, I would have seen others reporting the same issues I encountered: poor quality, fake gold color, and easy breakage. Learn from me: always, always read the reviews!