We all want that perfect piece. Maybe it’s a heavy, classic gold necklace mens 24k style chain. Maybe it’s a stunning ring for your special person. But trust me, the jewelry world is full of traps, whether you spend $200 or $20,000.
Don't shop blind. Read this first and learn the three things you must check before you click "buy."
Last November, I walked into a fancy watch store. It was raining hard outside. I was there for a very specific gift for my dad. It wasn’t jewelry, but a high-end watch that everyone seems to want.
I spoke to a sales agent. I explained my goal. She said, "We can put you on the waiting list."
I asked how long. "Maybe two years," she said. Then she dropped the bombshell. She told me, straight up, that if I wanted to move up the list, I should buy other watches or jewelry pieces from them now. She was basically saying, "Spend thousands on stuff you don't need, and maybe we will help you get what you really want."
That part shocked me. It felt like they were holding the brand hostage. I said, "This is a gift for a special day. I can't wait two years."
The manager later tried to backtrack. He denied they did the "buy-more-to-move-up" thing, even though many online reviews mention exactly that practice. He stopped calling me back. He wasted my time and broke my trust. I realized that whether they were selling $20,000 watches or simple accessories, many big jewelry dealers play the same shady games.
The high-end experience was bad. But the low-end experience can be even worse.
I started reading reviews from regular guys who were just trying to buy a solid gold chain. That’s when I learned about the "shrinking chain" trick.
One guy sent in two chains for repair—one 28 inches long and 21 grams heavy. The other was 20 inches and 7 grams. When they came back, his 28-inch chain was suddenly 26 and 7/8 inches long. It also weighed 20 grams, not 21. His wife’s chain had also lost an inch and half a gram.
The customer service lied about shipping. They lied about callbacks. The only conclusion was that someone in the shop was literally stealing an inch of gold at a time from the jewelry people sent in. This is why you must always weigh and measure your jewelry when you get it.
Verdict: Don't just trust the name brand. Write down the exact weight and length of your chain (especially gold necklace mens 24k styles) the second you buy it. Check it again when it arrives.
After that miserable experience trying to shop for my dad, I was supposed to buy a birthday gift for my wife. I felt totally defeated. I didn't want to deal with gatekeepers or potential thieves.