5 Mistakes I Made Buying Women's Ski Beanies (So You Don't Have To)

I understand the temptation. You spot a stunning ANENJERY necklace online. The price is low, the photos look flawless, and you immediately click "Buy Now."

I've done the exact same thing. I thought I was getting an incredible deal. Whether I was searching for a specific style of stainless steel pendant or even a simple accessory like an inexpensive women's ski beanie, I kept repeating the same purchasing errors. I opted for cheap items and later regretted it when my jewelry tarnished, broke, or irritated my skin.

I made these five mistakes so you can avoid them. Learn from my errors and stop wasting money on poor-quality items.

• Stop the Fade: Discover why inexpensive jewelry can turn your skin green.
• Get the Right Fit: Learn to distinguish between an advertisement's image and the actual millimeter measurements.
• Buy Once: Invest in durable materials like 316L stainless steel that will last for years.

Mistake #1: Choosing the Cheapest Option

I once saw an amazing long pendant necklace advertised for just $5. I thought, "How different could it be from the $30 version?" That was a huge mistake.

When jewelry is extremely cheap, it usually means the seller compromised on the metal coating. They often use a very thin plating—if any—over a low-quality base metal like copper or zinc alloy. That plating can wear off in just a week, especially if you sweat or shower while wearing it.

Low-Rating Scenario I Should Have Paid Attention To: "It looked great for two days. Then my neck started turning green and the so-called 'stainless' steel began showing copper underneath. A total waste of money."

I get it—we all want to save money. But with jewelry, an extremely low price often means you're buying junk that won't last. It's worth spending a little more for genuine quality.

Verdict: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Aim for the mid-range price tier to ensure better durability.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Material Quality

I used to think "Stainless Steel" was a sufficient label. It's not. There are many types of stainless steel. If the seller doesn't specify the exact type, you should assume it's a cheaper variety that may rust easily or cause skin allergies.

The high-grade material you want for jewelry, especially for a piece like the ANENJERY Niche Simple Personality Necklace, is 316L Stainless Steel. The 'L' stands for Low Carbon, which makes it highly resistant to corrosion, rust, and tarnishing. It's the same material used in surgical instruments!

Low-Rating Scenario I Should Have Paid Attention To: "I wore it in the pool once, and now it looks like it was salvaged from a shipwreck. It's definitely not real stainless steel. My skin also broke out after wearing it."

Don't make the same error I did. Look specifically for "316L" in the product description. If it's not listed, move on.

Verdict: Always insist on 316L Stainless Steel for body jewelry. It's hypoallergenic and built to last.

Mistake #3: Not Checking Reviews

The official product photos, like those for the ANENJERY Long Pendant, are heavily edited. They adjust lighting, enhance colors, and make the item appear perfectly proportioned. I made the mistake of only looking at those professional images and ignoring the customer reviews.

I repeated this error when buying a novelty women's ski beanie—the color in the advertisement was completely different from the dull item I actually received.

When shopping for jewelry, you need to see it on a real person in natural light. This gives you an honest sense of its true size and finish.

Low-Rating Scenario I Should Have Paid Attention To: "The picture showed a heavy, solid-looking chain. The one I received was thinner than dental floss and felt hollow. The clasp was cheap and flimsy."

Action Step: Scroll past the glossy promotional photos. Look for pictures uploaded by actual buyers. Read reviews that discuss the chain's actual weight and feel.

Mistake #4: Falling for Ads

Online advertisements are designed to spark desire, not provide accurate information. They often show the necklace on a model with a slender neck, making the pendant appear large and dramatic. When my order arrived, the same piece looked small and underwhelming on me.

I purchased a "Niche Simple" necklace expecting a subtle, everyday piece, but the ad made it look like a bold statement item. The reality of the GZL-X00040 pendant was much smaller than I had anticipated.

Low-Rating Scenario I Should Have Paid Attention To: "The chain was listed as 'long,' but it was so lengthy it nearly reached my belly button. It looked ridiculous and didn't sit where it did on the model. The pendant kept getting lost in my shirt."

Stop relying on the model's image. Start trusting the actual measurements.

Verdict: Ignore the model. Use a ruler to visualize the dimensions provided in the product description.

Mistake #5: Skipping Measurements (Ignoring MM)

This is the most critical mistake, especially when buying a long pendant necklace. Most people only check the length (e.g., 20 inches) but overlook the width (in millimeters) of the chain and the size of the pendant itself.

A chain width of 2mm looks entirely different from a 5mm chain. If you pair a heavy-looking pendant with a delicate 1mm chain, it will appear flimsy and may break quickly.

Here’s what you should always verify:

• Chain Length: Measure a necklace you already love, or use a piece of string to mark where you want the pendant to rest.
• Chain Width (mm): Measure the thickness of a quarter (it's about 1.75mm). This helps you visualize how substantial the chain will be.
• Pendant Dimensions (mm): Use a ruler to understand how large the pendant actually is. A 15mm pendant is just over half an inch.

Low-Rating Scenario I Should Have Paid Attention To: "I thought the pendant would be substantial and have some weight to it, but it was thinner than a credit card and felt like plastic. The measurement was 20mm x 5mm, which I didn't realize was so tiny."

If you have trouble visualizing millimeters, I found an excellent size guide that helps avoid this common error at SumsFashion.com.

Verdict: Measure twice, click once. Always use a ruler before purchasing any necklace.

What I Should Have Done: Choosing Quality and Service

After buying and regretting several cheap necklaces, I finally understood the value of investing in high-quality 316L Stainless Steel jewelry from a reputable retailer. When you pay for quality, you gain durability and reliable customer service if anything goes wrong.

When I finally purchased a piece from a trusted brand—like the long-lasting quality customers expect from stores such as FrostNYC—I noticed the difference immediately. The chain had a satisfying weight, the clasp was sturdy, and the finish was impeccable.

Genuine user feedback confirms that spending more upfront saves you money over time:

High-Rating Reviews:

• "I've been a customer since 2017 and haven't looked back. Every piece I've bought from FrostNYC is well-made and still in perfect condition. Other jewelry stores might seem appealing, but I'm loyal to FrostNYC. I keep coming back because I'm always satisfied. Highly recommended!"
• "Beautiful selection and excellent customer service!"

This is the experience you get when you stop focusing solely on the lowest price and instead prioritize the 316L material and the seller's reputation. My high-quality stainless steel jewelry looks just as good today as the day I bought it.

Lessons Learned: A Simple Buyer's Checklist

Avoid the same traps I fell into when shopping for that cheap women's ski beanie or budget necklace. Use this straightforward process before spending your money:

1. Step 1: Define Your Budget. Don't buy the absolute cheapest item. Plan to spend enough to get genuine 316L Stainless Steel.
2. Step 2: Check the Material. Look for "316L Stainless Steel." If it only says "Stainless Steel," consider it a risk.
3. Step 3: Verify the Size. Grab a ruler. Check the necklace length and the pendant size (in millimeters). Don't rely on the model's photo.
4. Step 4: Check Buyer Photos. Look for customer-uploaded images in reviews to see the jewelry's true scale and color.
5. Step 5: Trust Quality. Choose a retailer known for excellent service and durable products, even if it costs a bit more.

Follow these steps, and you'll end up with an ANENJERY piece—or any jewelry—that you'll cherish for years, not one that tarnishes within a week.