90 Days Later: Is This 925 Sterling Silver Men's Necklace Still Worth Wearing?

I was in the market for a substantial chain—something rugged. Since I wear jewelry daily and prefer not to remove it for the gym or shower, I needed durability. Gold was out of my budget, so I opted for a 925 sterling silver men's necklace instead.

After wearing this necklace for three months straight, here’s my detailed account of how it performed. This review is for anyone looking for a long-lasting chain without overspending.

I chose sterling silver over cheaper alternatives for three key reasons:

It’s far more affordable than solid gold.
Being solid metal, it won’t fade or flake like plated jewelry.
It has a substantial, authentic look and feel on the neck.

Day 1: First Impressions

The package arrived promptly. Upon opening it, I immediately noticed the chain’s satisfying weight—a positive indicator of quality. Cheap chains often feel insubstantial. I chose a 5mm Cuban link style, which struck the perfect balance: substantial enough to avoid looking flimsy, yet not so thick as to appear costume-like.

What I Checked Immediately

When you receive any silver jewelry, always inspect these three elements:

The Stamp: Look for the "925" hallmark, confirming 92.5% silver content. If it’s missing, consider returning the item.
The Clasp: The clasp should feel robust. I tested mine with a slight bend, and it held securely. A weak clasp risks losing the chain.
The Material Label: Check if the silver is alloyed with something like 316L stainless steel for added strength and tarnish resistance. Pure 925 silver is fine, but if no materials are listed, it’s likely low-quality plating. This chain was confirmed solid sterling silver.

Verdict: Test the clasp thoroughly. If the chain feels lightweight or the clasp seems fragile on day one, return it without hesitation.

Week 1: The Adjustment Period

This week was all about comfort. Some chains tug at neck hairs, but this one didn’t. I wore it continuously—sleeping, working out, and showering.

The critical test was the "Green Neck" check. With inferior metals, copper reacts with sweat, leaving a green or black stain on the skin quickly.

After seven days of constant wear, my skin showed no discoloration. The chain maintained its shine. I made a habit of wiping it down with a towel after workouts to remove sweat and chemicals. If tarnish appears rapidly, consider whether your personal care products might be reacting with the metal.