90-Day Review: CHIELOYS Charms for a Men’s Stainless Steel Necklace

90-Day Review: Building a Custom Stainless Steel Necklace for Men

I was looking for a simple, durable necklace without spending a fortune. I decided to try the CHIELOYS 2Pcs Special Offer Family Happy Charm Pendant Beads set and paired them with a basic stainless steel chain I already had.

I’ve worn this combination as a daily men’s stainless steel necklace for 90 consecutive days. Here’s my detailed assessment of how the affordable charms performed alongside the solid steel chain.

Day 1: First Impressions

The package arrived promptly. Since the chain was separate, this review focuses on the charms. While the CHIELOYS charms looked appealing online, their feel in hand told a different story.

• Weight Test: The charms felt surprisingly light—a red flag. Genuine stainless steel has noticeable heft. A lightweight feel often indicates a cheaper base metal, like zinc alloy, with only a steel-colored plating.
• Fit Check: Designed for European-style bracelets, the beads slid easily onto my 3mm stainless steel rope chain. This compatibility was a welcome surprise.
• Finish: The plating was extremely bright and shiny, almost overly so compared to my brushed steel chain. I doubted the vibrant finish would last even a week.

Before purchasing any jewelry, always confirm the material. If the listing doesn’t specify "316L Stainless Steel," assume it’s plated and likely to discolor your skin.

Verdict: The charms appear to be plated. For long-term wear, the chain—which must be solid 316L—is essential.

Week 1: Getting Used to Them

I wore the necklace daily without removing it, even for showers or sleep. This is the true test for stainless steel jewelry.

Friction was the biggest concern. The charms constantly shifted along the chain, and I worried the plating would scratch off where they rubbed against the links.

Initially, the stainless chain performed flawlessly, with no change in color or shine. The charms, however, required closer observation.

My focus on durability led me to research higher-quality materials for future upgrades. It’s helpful to visit a reputable jewelry supplier’s homepage to understand what genuine quality looks like before opting for cheaper alternatives.

Key Actions in Week 1:

1. Sweat Test: After workouts, the charms felt slightly sticky but showed no immediate corrosion.
2. Scratch Check: No visible scratches, though the plating began to feel less smooth.

Verdict: The stainless steel men’s chain is a clear winner. The CHIELOYS charms retained their color but remained untrustworthy.

Month 1: Daily Use

After four weeks, wearing the necklace became routine—and that’s when underlying material flaws become apparent.

The 4mm stainless steel chain remained impeccable. When buying a chain, always note the width in millimeters. A 2mm chain will look much smaller in person than in promotional photos.

The CHIELOYS charms began showing weakness around Day 25. The silver-tone finish on the edges of the 'Family Happy' charms started to dull, indicating the thin outer plating was wearing away to expose the base metal underneath.

What We Learned About Quality:

Component	Material Quality	Tarnish Check (Day 30)
Stainless Steel Chain	High (316L marked)	No change
CHIELOYS Charms	Low (Zinc Alloy/Plated)	Dulling/Fading on edges

This highlights the importance of reading reviews and examining customer photos. If multiple buyers report skin discoloration or faded jewelry, avoid the product. My experience confirmed that inexpensive charms lose their finish quickly.

Verdict: The charms failed the long-term plating test. For lasting wear, invest in solid steel charms rather than plated zinc.

Month 3: Long-Term Verdict

After 90 days, the contrast between the high-quality chain and the budget charms is stark. The necklace now looks like two separate pieces of jewelry.

The Stainless Chain:

It remains in perfect condition despite exposure to saltwater, chlorine, sunlight, and sweat. It hasn’t snapped, scratched deeply, or changed color. This confirms 316L stainless steel is the only reliable material for a functional, everyday men’s necklace.

The Charms:

The charms appear aged and worn. The plating has completely worn off in small areas, particularly where the beads rubbed against the chain. These spots are now a dark gray—the color of the underlying zinc alloy. The original bright shine is gone.

Physically, the charms remain intact. If you prefer a worn, distressed aesthetic, they’re acceptable. But if you want a polished, consistent look, they’re a disappointment.

Verdict: Overall durability is poor because the charms detract from the excellent chain. With inexpensive, plated accessories, you truly get what you pay for.

Would I Buy Again?

Yes and No.

I would definitely purchase a separate, high-quality 316L stainless steel chain again. That component is reliable and worth the investment.

I would NOT repurchase these CHIELOYS charms for long-term daily wear. They’re suitable for occasional use or frequent rotation, but for anyone wanting to wear jewelry 24/7, they’re simply too low in quality.

Final Action Steps for Buyers:

• Step 1: Always confirm the material is 316L stainless steel.
• Step 2: Check the millimeter (mm) width—don’t rely solely on product images.
• Step 3: If a charm’s price seems unusually low, expect the plating to fade rapidly.