5 Myths About Men's Cuban Necklaces That Cost Me $200

I used to believe these myths. I’d see a cool piece online—maybe a chunky gold-colored chain or an interesting pendant—and think, "It's cheap, what could go wrong?" More often than not, I ended up buying three different chains that all broke or faded within a month. Those small purchases added up quickly.

Here’s the reality about fashion jewelry, especially when you’re searching for a standout style like a bold Ethiopian coin pendant or a classic Cuban necklace for men. Don’t buy another cheap chain until you’ve read these truths.

Myth #1: Gold Color Means High-Quality Plating

This is one of the biggest lies the jewelry industry promotes. Just because a chain looks shiny in a photo doesn’t mean it will last.

The Lie: If the price is low, the plating must be fine. You just need to keep it dry.

The Truth: Extremely cheap jewelry uses ultra-thin plating. It can wear off from sweat, cologne, or simply rubbing against your shirt collar. You’ll end up with green skin or dull gray metal showing through in about a week. Spending $20 for just seven days of wear works out to over $1,000 a year just to look good.

What to Look For:

• Base Metal: If the base metal isn’t listed, assume it’s low quality.
• The Secret Code: Always check if the description mentions 316L Stainless Steel. This base metal is durable and corrosion-resistant.
• Plating Thickness: Look for terms like "PVD Plated" or "14K Gold Plated (3-5 times)." If it only says "Gold Color," steer clear.

Verdict: Super cheap means thin plating, which fades in about a week. If you want a chain like a Cuban necklace that lasts, invest in better plating quality.

Myth #2: All Online Customer Service is Terrible

Many people assume that because they’re buying affordable fashion pieces, sellers won’t provide good service. While that’s sometimes true, it’s not a hard rule.

The Lie: Why bother asking questions? They’re cheap, so they don’t care. I’ll just deal with the hassle.

The Low-Rating Experience: Bad experiences do happen. One shopper shared, "I had one of the worst customer service experiences at the store. I asked to try on a necklace multiple times and was left waiting without any help." That kind of neglect leaves you feeling frustrated and ignored.

The Truth: Good retailers work hard to resolve issues and give you attention, even for low-cost items. It’s worth seeking out those sellers.

The High-Rating Experience: "I stopped by on a beautiful Sunday to look at watches and get mine adjusted—I was helped by Nu, who was friendly, attentive, and really helpful. She even took the time to show me more features of my watch!" A staff member like Nu makes all the difference.

Verdict: Don’t settle for poor service. Check reviews carefully. If they mention specific staff or positive interactions, those stores are likely reliable.

Myth #3: Chain Size Only Means Length

When shopping for a Cuban necklace, many guys focus only on whether it’s 18 inches or 24 inches long. But that’s only half the picture.

The Lie: Length is the only factor that affects how a chain looks on your chest.

The Truth: Width—the thickness of the chain, measured in millimeters (mm)—is what really defines the style. If you want a bold, statement look, aim for 10mm or more. For a subtle accent, something around 3mm is ideal.

Width (mm)	How it Looks	Purpose
1-4mm	Thin, delicate, subtle	Pendant use, layering
5-8mm	Standard masculine chain	Wear alone, daily wear
10mm+	Bold, statement piece	Show off the chain itself

Action Step: Check the material, verify the size, look at buyer photos, then make your purchase. If the seller doesn’t list the width in millimeters, they’re probably hiding the fact that the chain is very thin.

Myth #4: If It Doesn't Fit, You're Stuck

After buying a chain, you might realize it hangs too low or is simply too long. Many people think they have to keep it as is or go through the hassle of returning it.

The Lie: You have to be 100% sure about the length before buying, or you’ll waste your money.

The Truth: Simple adjustments like resizing or removing links are straightforward for any experienced jeweler or jewelry repair shop. Don’t hesitate to ask for help.

Proof That Adjustments are Quick: Buyers have reported positive experiences with in-person adjustments:

• "Very friendly staff. I called in advance to schedule an appointment and was able to get help the next day. I went in for a resize, and the process was quick with no issues."

Resizing is often a simple and fast process. If the store where you bought the chain can’t help, a local jeweler can usually cut and weld it for a small fee.

Verdict: Resizing is common practice. Ask the seller about their policies, or plan to visit a local shop for minor adjustments.

Myth #5: All Jewelry is Meant to Be an Investment

When you see a piece that looks like gold, it’s easy to assume it holds lasting value, like a family heirloom. That assumption can be a costly mistake.

The Lie: This gold-colored piece will be worth more later.

The Truth: If you’re buying a beautiful piece of fashion jewelry—like the Anniyo Ethiopian Coin Pendant—you’re investing in style, culture, and a great look. You’re not buying gold as a commodity. You’re buying an accessory that looks fantastic now but may fade over time. If the price is low, it’s fashion jewelry, plain and simple.

How to Handle Fashion Jewelry:

1. Enjoy the Look: Wear it often and enjoy the compliments.
2. Protect It: Take it off when you shower or engage in heavy sweating.
3. Be Realistic: When the plating eventually fades, either buy a new piece or retire it gracefully.

Verdict: Investment pieces cost thousands. Fashion jewelry costs tens or hundreds of dollars. Know the difference and set your expectations accordingly.

The Real Deal: Mozaer Proves These Myths Wrong

High-quality jewelry retailers understand that buyers want style, durability, and excellent service. They focus on providing details like 316L steel, precise millimeter measurements, and fast, friendly assistance.

Whether you’re looking for an affordable gold coin pendant or a sturdy, well-made chain, understanding the truth about plating and sizing is key to avoiding wasted money. You can find quality pieces at reasonable prices if you know what to look for. For reliable advice and solid construction, many shoppers trust BlingCharming Official to deliver on these promises. They cut through the confusing myths and tell you exactly what you’re buying.

Don't Believe the Lies

The next time you’re shopping, keep these five myths in mind. Don’t let a polished photo trick you into buying something that will fall apart within a week.

Focus on the material, confirm the size in millimeters, and seek out sellers who prioritize customer service—even for budget-friendly styles. Following this simple approach will help you avoid spending $200 on subpar jewelry and guide you toward that one perfect piece built to last.