I wanted the bold, substantial look of a heavy chain without the luxury price tag of solid gold. Most plated jewelry disappoints quickly—think green skin and faded color after just one shower. I needed a men's Cuban necklace that could genuinely hold up over time.
I decided to take a chance on a fashion chain with a slightly higher price point. I’ve learned that extremely cheap jewelry is usually poor quality, featuring thin plating that wears off within a week. My goal was straightforward: see if this necklace could endure 90 days of continuous wear.
After wearing this specific men's Cuban necklace for three full months (90 days), here’s my day-by-day account of how it stood up to sweat, showers, and my initial doubts.
The package arrived quickly, and unboxing was simple. My first reaction was relief—the chain felt substantial, not like flimsy, cheap metal. The weight was satisfying for a 10mm width.
I ordered the 10mm width, 24-inch length. This detail matters. Jewelry brands often use close-up photos that make chains appear larger than they are. Always check the millimeter measurement. A 6mm chain can look too delicate on a grown man, but the 10mm size offered a solid, masculine presence.
The shine was intense, almost overly bright—typical for new plating. I inspected the clasp and was pleased to find a sturdy lobster claw, not a flimsy hook. This was a promising sign, as cheap clasps are often the first point of failure.
Verdict: Excellent look for the price. Though I was cautious about the plating quality, the initial impression was positive.
Week 1 was my "no mercy" test. I committed to wearing the necklace nonstop—sleeping, showering, and exercising included. If plated jewelry is going to fail, it usually happens upon contact with water and chemicals like soap or sweat.
For the first couple of days, the chain felt slightly stiff as the links needed to loosen up. By day four, it had molded comfortably to my neck.
Each morning, I checked my skin for any green residue. There was none, indicating the base metal beneath the silver plating wasn’t pure copper. If you notice green or black marks on your skin within the first week, the chain isn’t worth keeping.
The biggest early concern was whether the plating could withstand friction from the links rubbing together, which can quickly wear it down.
Week 1 Action Checklist: