90-Day Durability Test: Killer Whale Yellow Gold Men's Necklace Review

I was looking for a simple yet bold accessory—a yellow gold necklace designed for men. I wanted something with a unique appearance but still durable enough for everyday wear. I’m not particularly gentle with jewelry. If it can’t handle sweat, showers, or sleeping, it’s a no-go.

I came across this necklace listed as the "Killer Whale Orca Watercolor For Schoolgirl Maxi Design Vintage Glass Women Rectangle Necklace Pendants." Yes, the name is ridiculously long. I purchased it mainly for the chain’s look and the substantial rectangular glass pendant. The price was low, which made me deeply skeptical. Cheap jewelry often means the plating wears off within a week.

I’ve been wearing this men's yellow gold necklace for 90 days. Here’s my day-by-day account of how it held up.

• Benefit 1: Unique pendant design that catches the eye.
• Benefit 2: Lightweight feel, even with the glass pendant.
• Benefit 3: Surprisingly dependable clasp.

Day 1: First Impressions

The package arrived quickly, and unboxing was straightforward. Two things immediately stood out. First, the pendant is large—the chunky, heavy glass rectangle feels solid, not like cheap plastic. Second, the gold plating color was almost too bright, appearing brassy and reminiscent of costume jewelry.

I checked for a material stamp. Quality chains typically use 316L stainless steel, but this one had no stamp. When there’s no stamp, it’s safe to assume the base metal is inferior. That means durability relies entirely on the thin layer of yellow gold plating on top.

I measured the chain width. It was advertised as 3mm, and it felt slightly thin for a typical men’s chain, though it matched the description. Thinner chains are more prone to snapping, so I was careful when putting it on.

Initial Check List:

1. Check material: Unmarked. (Bad Sign)
2. Check plating color: Very bright/brassy. (Concerning)
3. Check clasp: Held strong on the first click. (Good Sign)

Verdict: Skeptical. This looks like the type of chain that loses its color after one sweaty afternoon.

Week 1: Getting Used to It

I wore the necklace constantly this week, even sleeping in it. The chain itself is comfortable and doesn’t pull on chest hair, which is a major plus. The biggest issue was the glass pendant—it swings a lot. Leaning over a metal desk produces a loud *clink*.

I wore it to the gym twice, exposing it to plenty of sweat. This was the first real stress test for the plating, as cheap plating often reacts poorly to salt and sweat. By day seven, I inspected the chain closely, especially behind my neck and near the clasp.

The gold color remained strong. No green skin or fading yet. I made sure to wipe it down after the gym—a crucial step if the plating is thin.

Test Area	Result (Week 1)	Action Step
Plating Fade	None observed.	Keep wiping down after sweating.
Skin Irritation	Zero reaction.	Suggests nickel content is low or well-sealed.
Clasp Security	Reliable.	Check daily for spring tension.

Verdict: The chain survived the initial sweat test without immediate fading. My skepticism is easing, but the real challenge is continuous exposure.

Month 1: Daily Use

After four weeks, this chain became part of my daily routine. I stopped removing it for showers, reasoning that if the plating was going to fail, I wanted it to happen for an honest review. Exposure to hot water and soap accelerates tarnishing.

The yellow gold plating began to change subtly. It lost that ultra-bright, brassy look from day one, settling into a richer, slightly duller gold tone. This actually looked much better and more believable. Such a shift is common with lower-quality plating as the outermost, cheapest layer wears off.

The pendant design is genuinely unique, and I received frequent compliments on it. If you’re searching for specific, distinctive designs like this Killer Whale piece, you often have to dig deep through the entire sub_category of niche jewelry, beyond the typical chains.

Major Discovery: I noticed a tiny spot of silver showing through on one chain link, directly behind my neck where the chain rubs against my skin and shirt collar the most. This confirms the plating is very thin. Once the base metal starts showing, fading will spread quickly.

Action Step: If you buy an inexpensive men's yellow gold necklace, you must dry the area behind your neck immediately after showering. Friction is the enemy.

Month 3: Long-Term Verdict

At the 90-day mark, I have a clear verdict on durability. This chain exceeded my low expectations for a cheap necklace. It didn’t turn green, and the plating didn’t peel off entirely.

However, the exposed silver spot grew larger. Now, about a half-inch section near the clasp is clearly silver-colored steel, not gold. The rest of the chain, surprisingly, still retains its gold tone well. The glass pendant itself looks brand new.

The clasp continues to work perfectly—a critical feature, as a secure clasp prevents losing the piece altogether.

Durability Summary:

• Chain plating failed in the high-friction zone (back of the neck).
• Plating survived constant water exposure everywhere else.
• The pendant hardware held up without tarnishing.
• Overall, the necklace remains wearable but needs to be flipped to hide the faded section.

Key Takeaway: If a men's yellow gold necklace is super cheap, expect thin plating. Look for 316L steel. If you can’t find 316L, anticipate the plating lasting about 60–90 days of continuous wear before it begins to fail.

Would I Buy Again?

Yes, with a Caveat.

I would purchase this chain again only if I needed a unique temporary piece or planned to wear it only occasionally. For the low price, its 90-day wearability was excellent, and it served its purpose well.

My Buying Strategy for You:

If you need a chain that lasts for years, you must increase your budget and look for thicker plating, such as heavy vermeil, or solid gold. If you’re buying a fashion chain like this one, follow these steps:

1. Step 1: Check the Material. If it doesn’t specify "316L" or "Sterling Silver," assume it will fade.
2. Step 2: Check the Size. Use buyer photos to confirm the millimeter (mm) width matches your preference.
3. Step 3: Prepare for Care. Plan to dry it thoroughly after showers.
4. Step 4: Buy. Treat it as an item with a roughly three-month lifespan.

This men's yellow gold necklace taught me that "super cheap" doesn’t mean "instant failure," but it definitely means "limited lifespan."