For the past three months, I've been testing a budget-friendly jewelry set—the Designer 18k Gold Plated Stainless Steel collection, featuring a 'Love' necklace and a prominent crown ring. I wore both the necklace and the size 8 ring daily to see how they held up.
This isn't just about how it looks in promotional photos. It's about real-world performance with constant wear, and the frustrating customer service experience when an order goes wrong. Here’s my detailed account.
The delivery was prompt, with each piece individually wrapped in plastic. Upon unboxing, the jewelry appeared strikingly bright—almost excessively so, with that distinct yellow hue common to low-cost gold plating.
The set came with a Love pendant necklace, two coordinating rings (one engagement-style, the other a crown design), and a pair of stud earrings. While the weight felt adequate, the necklace clasp seemed fragile. I checked for the 316L stamp, which indicates high-quality, skin-friendly stainless steel.
Unfortunately, there was no 316L marking, suggesting the use of inferior steel that may react with sweat and skin oils over time. Always verify the steel grade before purchasing; if it's not specified, assume it's subpar.
The size 8 ring fit reasonably well but felt large and cumbersome. I immediately noticed that the crown detailing would likely snag on clothing and other items.
I wore the necklace continuously, including during showers and sleep, to test its durability. The first few days were uneventful—the necklace was comfortable, and the pendant size was just right.
However, the rings began to show wear quickly. The underside of the crown ring, which contacts the palm, started losing its luster, appearing noticeably duller than the top. This indicated an extremely thin plating layer.
I also realized the necklace chain was shorter than advertised. It was supposed to be 20 inches but measured only 16 inches—the company's first error.
After 30 days, the contrast between this set and my genuine jewelry was stark. The crown ring had large silver patches where the gold had worn away, revealing dark, tarnished steel beneath.
The necklace chain began to dull near the clasp, where it frequently touched my neck. It became clear that for lasting jewelry, sturdier materials are essential—much like the durable woolen beanie caps for men available at durable woolen beanie cap for men, which likely outlast this plating.
At this point, I contacted customer service about the incorrect chain length, beginning a series of frustrating interactions.