90 Days with a Budget Pendant: A Cuban Chain Enthusiast's Candid Review

My usual preference is for heavy, substantial stainless steel chains—the classic men's Cuban necklace style that feels solid and never loses its finish. I picked up this Pigeon Peace Antique Round Necklace mostly because the design caught my eye and the price was incredibly low. I thought it would make a fun accessory to rotate in.

I’ve worn this affordable pendant and chain for 90 days straight. Below is my day-by-day account of how this budget-friendly piece compares to genuine, durable jewelry.

If you're considering any necklace at this price point, read this first. Don’t spend your money expecting it to last a lifetime.

• Focus 1: How long did the "Antique Bronze" finish actually last?
• Focus 2: Did the glass cabochon pendant get scratched or damaged?
• Focus 3: Is the included chain even worth using?

Day 1: First Impressions

The package was surprisingly light—almost weightless. When I purchase a decent men's Cuban chain, the packaging has some heft because quality metals like 316L stainless steel are dense. This pendant, in contrast, felt like a toy.

The product is listed as the Pigeon Peace Antique Round Necklace, and I selected the Antique Bronze finish. The pendant is essentially an image sealed beneath a glass dome, known as a cabochon. The print quality was impressive—vibrant, clear colors, and the glass gave the image a pleasing depth.

Initial Quality Check

I inspected the metal right away. There were no stamps—no "316L," no "stainless steel," no "S925." That’s always a major red flag.

• Pendant Metal: A thin base metal with a dark brown/bronze plating. The bail (the loop for the chain) appeared fragile.
• Chain Quality: A simple link chain, roughly 2mm thick. It felt noticeably flimsy.
• Clasp: A standard lobster claw clasp. It functioned but felt loose.

When jewelry is this cheap, it almost always means the plating is thin. Thin plating can wear off in a week if you shower with it. It’s a simple rule: you get what you pay for.

Verdict: The image detail is excellent, but the metal quality is disposable. Expect it to show copper tones quickly.

Week 1: Getting Used to It

I decided to wear the necklace continuously for the first week to stress-test the thin plating. That meant keeping it on while sleeping, showering, and working out.

The biggest advantage was the weight—or lack thereof. It was so light I occasionally forgot I had it on. My usual heavy Cuban chain is never that easy to ignore.

The Wear Test

The glass held up perfectly. I bumped it against a desk a few times, and it didn’t scratch at all. The cabochon is surprisingly tough.

The chain, however, started showing problems early on:

1. The chain began to look dull, losing its initial antique shine almost immediately.
2. Where the links rubbed together, the darker bronze coating started to wear thin.
3. The worst area was the back of the pendant, where the metal frame rested against my skin. Sweat and body oils began degrading the plating right away.

By day five, I noticed a faint metallic smell. That odor usually signals that low-grade base metal is starting to show through the plating.

Verdict: It survives a week of showers, but the plating is clearly deteriorating. If you buy this, remove it before contact with water or sweat.

Month 1: Daily Use

The first month is the real test for cheap plated jewelry. Most low-end pieces reveal their true colors by day 30—and this one was no exception.

The Plating Disaster

The "Antique Bronze" finish had become patchy. The back of the pendant was about 80% copper-colored. The chain looked less like bronze and more like tarnished brass in many spots. Thankfully, it didn’t turn my skin green, but the appearance was unattractive.

This is exactly why checking materials before buying is crucial. If you want a chain that maintains its look for years, you need to invest in quality stainless steel or solid silver.

Pay close attention to millimeter width and thickness in customer photos. A thin chain looks and feels fragile. Also, avoid items that don’t specify the material (like 316L).

If you’re serious about durable, substantial men’s jewelry that retains its finish—the kind of quality you expect from genuine Cuban links—you need to raise your standards. Don’t shop only on low-end platforms. For those seeking solid, reliable pieces that won’t deteriorate in a month, it’s worth checking reputable sellers like BlingCharming Accessories to compare quality options.

The image under the glass remained flawless, though. The pendant itself is holding up well, but the metal holding it is subpar.

Verdict: The chain is a failure. If you purchase this, replace the chain with a better-quality stainless steel one immediately. Keep the pendant.

Month 3: Long-Term Verdict

Now, at the 90-day mark, I have a complete picture. I stopped wearing the included chain altogether and moved the pendant to a 3mm stainless steel chain I already owned. That solved all the issues.

The pendant itself—the glass dome and the image—has proven incredibly durable. It hasn’t chipped, scratched, or faded. The outer metal frame of the pendant, however, is now almost entirely copper. It looks vintage, but not in a stylish way; it just looks cheap.

Pendant vs. Chain Comparison

Here’s how this pendant set stacks up against the durable Cuban chains I typically recommend:

Feature	Pigeon Peace Pendant (Included Chain)	Quality 316L Cuban Chain
Material	Cheap Plated Base Metal (Fades)	316L Stainless Steel (No Fade)
Durability	Chain: 1 Week / Pendant: Indefinite	Years of Constant Wear
Cost	Very Low ($5-$10)	Moderate ($30-$60+)
Feel	Feather Light and Flimsy	Heavy and Solid

The takeaway is straightforward: if you want a heavy, solid piece of jewelry, you need to invest. If you opt for the super-cheap version, you’re paying for the image, not the construction.

Verdict: The cabochon pendant image is a winner. The chain should be discarded immediately. This is a good pendant only if you already have a decent chain to pair it with.

Would I Buy Again?

Yes, but with one major condition.

I would repurchase this pendant only if I specifically wanted a custom image or a novelty piece to switch onto an existing stainless steel chain.

My Advice for Buyers

If you’re considering items like this Pigeon Peace pendant, follow these three steps to avoid disappointment:

Step 1: Check the Price. If the entire necklace costs less than a meal, the chain quality will be negligible. Accept that from the start.

Step 2: Check the Image. Make sure the specific image you want is clear in customer photos. This pendant excelled in image quality.

Step 3: Buy a Better Chain First. Plan to purchase a separate 316L stainless steel chain—they’re affordable and won’t fade. Transfer the pendant to the new chain as soon as it arrives.

Do not expect the complete necklace to last 90 days with daily wear. The metal plating isn’t designed for longevity.