I get it. We all want that heavy, solid look of a classic cuban necklace for men without spending a fortune. I tried to find a deal, and I failed hard. I made these mistakes so you don't have to face the shame of green skin or a broken clasp a week after purchase.
I was looking for a sturdy chain but ended up buying a cheap magnetic-clasp braided rope necklace (the UNM27, to be specific). It was a big mistake. I wasted time and money. Learn from me now.
Here is what I should have known:
I saw the price. It was dirt cheap. I thought I had found a secret deal. I was looking for a solid cuban necklace for men, but when the price is too good, the quality is always bad. When you buy super cheap, they use low-grade metal. They put a very thin layer of plating on it. That plating wears off in days, not weeks. Then your neck turns green.
I thought, "It's just jewelry, how bad can it be?" Big mistake. My low-cost item looked great in the photos, but in real life, it felt light and hollow. It was just a way to lose $15 fast.
Common Low-Rating Scenario:"This looked great for two days. Now it’s dull, and the color is rubbing off where it touches my skin. I feel ripped off."
Verdict: Set a minimum budget. If a Cuban chain costs less than $30, assume it is junk. Don't make my error by thinking you can save $10.
The product description said "stainless steel" for the clasp part of my rope chain. I assumed "stainless" meant good quality. It does not. Many types of stainless steel exist. Low-grade steel rusts, pits, and can cause skin irritation.
If you are buying a chain that looks like a cuban link, you need to look for the specific code. You want 316L Stainless Steel. The 'L' stands for low carbon. This means the steel resists rust and corrosion much better. If the seller does not list 316L, they are hiding the fact that it is cheap, low-grade steel.
For my rope choker, the 'leather' material itself was also cheap. It cracked and peeled almost immediately because it was synthetic, not real leather.
Action Step: Send a message to the seller if the material is not listed. Ask specifically: "Is the metal 316L Stainless Steel?" If they say "We don't know," walk away.
The rope chain I bought used a magnetic clasp. I thought this was super cool and convenient. It was convenient until the necklace fell off into the street.