I Regret Not Discovering These Women's Beanies Sooner (I Wasted $150)

I have a confession. Last year, I wasted $150. I spent it all on disappointing necklaces. I kept hunting for cheap deals, convinced I was saving money. I was mistaken.

I purchased five inexpensive statement jewelry pieces, each around $30. They looked stunning online. Yet every single one broke, faded, or left green marks on my skin within weeks. That's $150 straight into the trash. On top of that, I wasted roughly ten hours waiting for deliveries and processing returns.

I wish I had known then what I know now. If you're searching for genuinely high-quality jewelry—like the REETI Korean 925 Sterling Silver Crab Choker—don't repeat my errors. Here are my biggest regrets from those failed purchases.

Regret #1: Wasting Money on Thin Plating

I kept purchasing extremely cheap necklaces. They were marketed as 'trendy statement pieces' or sold in bundles, similar to the low-cost women's beanie accessories you see all over the internet. They were advertised as "gold-plated," but the plating was microscopically thin—a facade over cheap base metals like zinc or copper.

Here’s how cheap plating typically fails:

• The base metal is inexpensive and prone to rust.
• A minuscule layer of imitation gold is applied.
• After a few days of wear, sweat and moisture degrade the plating.
• The base metal contacts your skin, causing green stains.

I learned this lesson the hard way. If the price seems too good to be true, the plating is likely too thin. I should have sought out materials like 925 Sterling Silver from the beginning. That represents a real commitment to quality, not just a superficial coating.

Verdict: Never trust a product described simply as "plated." Look for specific material grades like 925 Sterling Silver or 316L Stainless Steel. If the materials aren't listed, don't buy it.

Regret #2: Falling for False Advertising and Inaccurate Sizing

The photos in advertisements are often misleading. The necklaces appeared substantial, heavy, and luxurious—perfect for a wedding or special evening. I believed I was buying bold, solid pieces.

Each delivery was a disappointment. The items were tiny, with fragile chains and weak clasps that broke on first wear. I kept buying based on those glossy, deceptive images, often bundled with other questionable fashion offers like inexpensive women's beanie sets.

Here’s what I should have done before purchasing:

1. Step 1: Look past the model photo.
2. Step 2: Find the exact dimensions listed in millimeters (mm).
3. Step 3: Use a ruler to understand how small 8mm or 10mm actually is.
4. Step 4: Review customer photos to see the real size on an actual person.

My money was wasted because I trusted the hype instead of verifying the facts.

Verdict: Always check the width in millimeters. If dimensions are omitted, the seller is likely hiding something. Walk away.

Regret #3: Skipping Proper Research

I bought impulsively. A stylish design or a flashy sale price would catch my eye, and I’d immediately click "Add to Cart." In my impatience, I overlooked the most critical step: research.

I ignored clear warning signs, like complaints about slow shipping or poor customer service. Had I spent just ten minutes checking the seller's reputation, I could have saved that $150.

I’ve since learned to always read customer reviews from reliable sources before completing a purchase. Starting with the lowest-rated reviews is the best way to uncover the truth about product quality and seller reliability.

Verdict: Take your time. A few minutes of research is far less effort than dealing with a return. Always read the low-star reviews first.

The Relief: Discovering the REETI Crab Choker

After five failures, I swore off cheap jewelry. I resolved to buy only from trusted sources that clearly stated the material as 925 Sterling Silver. That’s when I found the REETI Korean 925 Sterling Silver Crab Choker Necklace. This piece was different.

The description was transparent: 925 Sterling Silver, meaning the metal is 92.5% pure silver. It resists tarnish far better than cheap plating and is built to last for years, not just weeks.

When I finally tried REETI, I felt immediate relief. There was no worry about tarnishing overnight. The quality was evident. Even better than the necklace itself was the customer support.

I had a few questions about weight and fit, so I called the company before buying. I was fortunate to speak with Lana, who was incredibly kind and helpful. Great job, Lana, and thank you! That level of care showed me this company values its customers, not just quick sales.

I noticed other customers felt the same about their excellent service. Reviews mentioned, "I’m consistently impressed by the staff at quality jewelers; they are so helpful and knowledgeable. I only shop with them because I can trust them." Thank you. Trusting the seller is just as crucial as trusting the material.

This is what it feels like to invest in quality:

• You know the material is genuine.
• The company stands behind its product.
• You buy once, saving money over time.

If Only I'd Known Sooner

I deeply regret not finding quality necklaces earlier. I wish I hadn't wasted money on generic, poorly-made jewelry often promoted alongside other trendy items like women's beanies. It would have saved me $150 and considerable frustration. Chasing low prices ultimately cost me more.

Don't make my mistakes. Avoid falling for counterfeit deals. When you're buying jewelry meant to endure, choose quality materials like 925 Sterling Silver. It’s a smarter investment—the difference between a necklace that lasts a week and one that lasts for years.

Final Action Step: Stop buying low-cost filler items. Save that money and invest in one high-quality piece instead. Prioritize 925 Sterling Silver and exceptional customer service.