We all have that one piece we dream of owning. For me, it was a substantial gold chain or perhaps a classic watch—something that signaled, “I’ve arrived.” So last fall, I decided to finally make it happen. I began searching for a great men’s necklace sale, hoping to find a quality piece that would stand the test of time.
What I discovered, however, wasn’t a sale. It was a rigged game.
Don’t dive into the jewelry market without understanding the rules. Here are the three main lessons I learned the hard way:
My journey started simply enough. I wasn’t just looking for a stylish pendant; I wanted an investment piece. I walked into an upscale jewelry store—the kind with velvet ropes and security guards—to inquire about a high-end watch for my father. It was meant to be a special surprise.
The sales agent greeted me with a smile, but the conversation quickly turned sour. They informed me the watch was a “hot commodity.” I could join a waiting list, they said, which might take up to two years. Two years for a watch that wasn’t even a limited edition!
Then came the real kicker: “If you purchase other jewelry or additional watches from us, it could help move you up the list.”
My jaw nearly hit the floor. They were leveraging the brand’s prestige, pressuring me to buy items I didn’t want just for the chance to spend even more money later. I explained that a gift like this is meant for a specific occasion, not two years down the line. The agent compared it to buying a Ferrari—but that logic only applies to extremely limited models, not a standard production item!
I tried to reason with them. I offered to refer my network of serious buyers to their store, given my strong track record with referrals. The manager seemed interested and suggested I return after the holidays. I did. I called repeatedly. No one called back. When I finally reached him, he suddenly backtracked. He stated, “I can’t make any promises—an action for an action.”
He expected me to refer high-value clients based on “trust,” yet he wouldn’t even guarantee a simple courtesy call, let alone the watch. It became clear they saw me as nothing more than a wallet, not a person. The entire experience left me feeling angry and utterly disrespected.
Verdict: If a jeweler insists you buy “other items” or refuses to put promises in writing, walk away. They’re not interested in you; they’re only interested in moving volume.
After that high-end disappointment, I turned to online vendors, focusing on men’s necklace sale events. I saw massive chains being advertised and chose a popular company that offered a lifetime warranty.
Some time later, my chain needed a minor repair. My wife’s chain also broke at the clasp. We paid $140 for shipping and handling, despite their claim that warranty service was “free.”
Weeks went by. I was repeatedly misled about the delivery date. Finally, the chains arrived. I was excited and immediately tried mine on. It felt… snug. Too snug.