90-Day Review: Summer Leather Ribbon Pearl Choker Durability Test

90 Days Wearing the Pearl Choker: Did the Plating Last?

My typical winter gear review starts with, "I've been wearing these wool beanie hats for three months." This time, however, I'm reviewing the new Summer Leather Ribbon Bow Pearl double-layer choker necklace.

I mention my usual opener because I test all my gear the same way: through daily, rigorous use. I wanted to see if this stylish choker could withstand 90 days of real life, just like my durable winter hats. Many people opt for inexpensive jewelry hoping it will last, but that's rarely the case. Here is my day-by-day assessment of this budget-friendly fashion piece.

• It photographs beautifully.
• It's very affordable.
• It doesn't hold up to long-term wear.

Day 1: First Impressions

The package arrived quickly. The necklace itself is quite shiny, with pearls that are glossy—almost unnaturally perfect. The leather ribbon is soft but noticeably thin. Right away, you can tell this is fashion jewelry, not something meant to become an heirloom. It feels lightweight.

I inspected the box and the back of the clasp for any markings. There was no stamp. A reliable indicator of quality material is the "316L" stamp, which signifies surgical-grade stainless steel. Without that mark, you should assume the base metal is brass or copper. That means the thin outer plating will wear off rapidly.

Verdict: It looks expensive, but quality is a major concern. Keep it away from water.

Week 1: Getting Used to It

Wearing the choker was comfortable. It didn't pull my hair or scratch my neck. The double-layer design sits nicely and pairs well with an open shirt. The ribbon lays flat, which is a plus, and the length adjustment chain is simple to use.

I wore it to work and to the gym—a mistake, as it turns out. I sweat heavily during workouts, and salt is the number one enemy of cheap plating. I removed it immediately after exercising, but the damage begins instantly. This is a stark contrast to my reliable wool beanie hats, which I can toss in the wash without worrying about material breakdown.

I also noticed the actual size of the pearls. The advertisement makes them appear chunky, but in reality, they're quite small, measuring about 5–6mm. Always check the millimeter dimensions, not just the product photos.

Verdict: Comfortable for daily wear, but the cheap plating begins reacting to sweat immediately. Avoid all moisture.

Month 1: Daily Use

The honeymoon phase ended around the 30-day mark, when the first significant flaws appeared. The clasp hardware began to change color. The gold tone on the small loops grew dull and started revealing a copper color underneath, especially where the necklace rubbed against my skin the most.

I began seeing online reviews for this specific design, often called the Mozaer style. To compare prices and decide whether buying a backup made sense, I needed to check the price here. I discovered that prices varied widely, but the core materials seemed consistently cheap.

The pearls themselves still looked acceptable. They're likely plastic or a coated synthetic material. While they didn't chip, they lost some of their initial high-gloss shine. I found myself wiping them down frequently to keep them looking clean.

Verdict: Expect rapid tarnishing on the clasp and adjustment chain. This is disposable fashion, good for about four weeks.

Month 3: Long-Term Verdict

After 90 days, the choker is visibly worn out. It's still wearable, but up close, it looks tired. The plating has worn off about 50% of the small metal links. The leather ribbon section is holding up, but the little bow in front is now flat and creased, losing its original puffiness.

If you use your gear hard, you need quality. This piece of jewelry deteriorates much faster than my typical gear. For instance, my heavy-duty wool beanie hats still look new after several seasons, while this necklace looks ready for the trash after just one.

When buying inexpensive jewelry, it's important to know what you're getting. Here’s the breakdown:

Feature	Good Jewelry (316L Steel)	This Choker (Budget Alloy)
Base Material	Stainless Steel or Sterling Silver	Copper or Brass (Turns Green)
Plating Thickness	Thick PVD Coating (Lasts Years)	Very Thin Flash Plating (Wears Off)
Expected Lifespan	5+ Years of Daily Wear	3 Months of Daily Wear

Verdict: Do not buy this for daily, long-term use. Only purchase it for specific events or photo shoots where you need it to look perfect for one night.

Would I Buy Again?

Yes, but only under strict conditions.

If I needed a specific look for a weekend party or a photo shoot, I would buy it—it photographs beautifully. However, I would never purchase this specific piece again expecting it to last more than a few months. You get exactly what you pay for: a cheap, fun fashion accessory.

Your Action Plan for Buying Cheap Jewelry:

1. Step 1: Check the Material. Assume that no 316L stamp means low quality.
2. Step 2: Check the Size. Ignore the marketing photos. Look for the exact millimeter (mm) width and length.
3. Step 3: Check Buyer Photos. Look for reviews with close-ups of the clasp after a month of wear. That reveals the true quality.
4. Step 4: Buy. If you've followed Steps 1–3 and still like the price, go ahead. Just know it will fade quickly.