90-Day Review: Lokaer Stainless Steel Necklace Durability Test

90-Day Review: Is This Stainless Steel Necklace Actually Durable?

I wanted to find out if an inexpensive stainless steel necklace was a worthwhile purchase or a risky gamble. I bought this colorful Lokaer choker, which is marketed toward women, but my real focus was testing the metal itself. My goal was to see if the steel would rust, discolor, or break under the constant strain that any man puts a chain through.

I wore this stainless steel necklace for three solid months (90 days) without taking it off—through showers, gym sessions, and heavy sweating. Here’s my detailed account of how the material performed over time.

Before you buy any stainless steel necklace, make sure you verify these three critical points:

• Material Grade: Is it 316L? If the listing doesn’t specify 316L, it’s likely a lower-grade alloy that will lose its finish quickly.
• Size Match: Pay attention to the width (in millimeters). Product photos can be misleading. Always check customer images to see the actual thickness of the chain.
• Clasp Strength: A flimsy clasp means you’ll lose your chain in no time. Read reviews to see how well the clasp holds up over time.

Day 1: First Impressions

When the package arrived, the necklace felt surprisingly light. The chain is thin—just 1.5mm, which is typical for a subtle choker but too delicate for a bold, chunky men's look. The colorful CZ crystal pendant was vibrant and eye-catching, with a nice mirror-polished shine.

I immediately looked for material markings. There was no "316L" stamp on the clasp or the pendant loop, which raised a red flag. Companies that use high-grade surgical stainless steel usually advertise it prominently. When it's not mentioned, you should assume it's a lower-grade stainless blend that could eventually rust or tarnish.

Verdict: It looked attractive, but the absence of a 316L stamp made me doubtful. If you're buying a chain for longevity, always confirm it's made from 316L stainless steel.

Week 1: Getting Used to It

The thin chain was so lightweight I often forgot I was wearing it. That’s great for comfort, but not ideal if you need a durable chain for high-intensity activities. The clasp—a standard lobster claw—felt stiff and secure, which is a good sign. Cheap clasps usually feel loose and weak right out of the package.

I decided to put it through an "early stress test":

1. Sleeping Test: Wore it for seven consecutive nights. No snags or significant discomfort.
2. Showering Test: Wore it in the shower twice. No immediate dulling or water spots. Water beaded right off.
3. Skin Check: Did it turn my skin green or cause irritation? No. This confirms it’s genuine stainless steel, not copper or brass with a thin silver or chrome plating.

The main adjustment was handling the small clasp. If you have larger hands, you might find thin chains like this one a bit tricky to fasten.

Month 1: Daily Use

The one-month mark is where cheap jewelry often starts to fail. This is when plating begins to wear off, especially on high-friction areas like the clasp edges or the back of the pendant.

For the Lokaer chain, the color held up perfectly. Since this was the natural "steel color" version, it wasn’t plated with gold, which helped. If you buy an inexpensive gold-plated men's stainless steel chain, expect the plating to fade within a month unless it uses high-end PVD coating.

Key Discovery: Wear and Tear

I noticed minor surface scratches on the face of the pendant. This stainless steel is softer than what you find in premium chains, so it scratches easily when it comes into contact with keys or other metal surfaces. Surprisingly, the crystals remained securely set, which is impressive for such an affordable piece.

Verdict: The base material is decent quality stainless steel (likely 304 or a lower grade of 316), but it scratches easily. If you want a chain that stays flawless, this isn't it. If you want one that won't turn your skin green, it does the job.

Month 3: Long-Term Verdict

After three months, the chain is still completely wearable. It hasn’t rusted, and there’s no green discoloration on my neck. The clasp remains functional, though it’s slightly looser than when it was new.

Here are the key takeaways after 90 days of continuous wear:

• Fading: None. The color hasn’t changed at all, which is stainless steel’s biggest advantage.
• Integrity: The chain links and welds are still strong. No breaks or weak points.
• Shine: It’s noticeably duller now. The original mirror polish has faded into a slightly hazy, brushed steel appearance due to accumulated micro-scratches.

If you’re serious about building a collection of durable, non-fading stainless steel jewelry, stick with reputable sellers who guarantee 316L stainless steel. This applies to all types of stainless items, from bold chain necklaces to understated pieces. For long-lasting stainless accessories that match this necklace's quality, checking specialized retailers like BlingCharming Rings is essential for your collection.

This Lokaer chain proved that even a low-cost, unverified stainless steel piece can hold up over time, especially if it’s the natural 'steel color' and avoids heavy plating.

Comparison: What I Learned

Feature	Lokaer (Low Cost)	Recommended 316L Chain
Durability	Good. Resists rust but scratches easily.	Excellent. Highly resistant to scratches and corrosion.
Fading (Steel Color)	None. The solid steel color helps significantly.	None. Will last indefinitely.
Initial Shine	High, but fades quickly to a dull finish.	Maintains its shine longer due to harder material.

Would I Buy Again?

Yes, but with some caveats.

I would buy this specific item again if I needed a budget-friendly piece for short-term use or wanted to experiment with a new style. It passed the crucial long-term rust test, which is the baseline requirement for any men's stainless steel necklace.

However, if I were investing in a thicker, more expensive chain that I needed to last for years without scratching, I would spend extra on a product that explicitly guarantees 316L surgical stainless steel. For budget-conscious buyers, this steel holds up far better than any gold- or silver-plated option at the same price.

Action Step: If the chain is the natural 'steel color,' go for it. If it's gold or black plated, assume the plating will fade within 90 days unless you're paying a premium. Always check customer photos to confirm the actual thickness!