3-Month Review: Is This Gothic Black Velvet Choker Suitable for Men?

I was in the market for a simple, black necklace to achieve a strong, dark aesthetic. While many men opt for a thick steel chain, I decided to try something more affordable and unconventional. I chose the IngeSight.Z Gothic Black Velvet Choker, which cost almost nothing.

Originally, I was searching for a basic black men's necklace chain. What arrived was a velvet ribbon with a pendant—not what I had envisioned. Given the low price, I committed to testing it for three full months to see how it performed.

After 90 days of wear, here’s my detailed assessment of its durability and style.

• It delivers an edgy, dark look without the weight of metal.
• It’s extremely affordable, so there’s no stress about losing or damaging it.
• Surprisingly, it held up to sweat and daily office wear.

Day 1: First Impressions

The package was small, and I opened it eagerly, only to feel immediately disappointed. I had ordered a simple black necklace but received a thin velvet strip that looked more suited to my younger sister.

The product page did show a velvet choker—I simply hadn’t focused on the word "choker." It was short, designed to sit snugly on the neck. The quality felt cheap; the metal clasp and small rings had a very shiny, faux-gold finish, which is often a red flag.

When jewelry is this inexpensive, it usually means thin plating that wears off within a week. I was particularly concerned about the delicate floral pendant, doubting it would last even a single day.

Action Step: Always check the materials listed for cheap jewelry. If it doesn’t specify "316L Stainless Steel," assume the metal components will tarnish quickly. This choker did not list 316L.

Verdict: Skeptical. The length felt tight on a man’s neck, though the adjustable chain helped.

Week 1: Getting Used to It

I started wearing the choker high on my neck, just below my Adam’s apple, pairing it with both button-down shirts and t-shirts. It drew immediate attention—definitely a statement piece rather than a subtle chain.

The velvet was surprisingly comfortable, neither scratchy nor heavy. In fact, I sometimes forgot I was wearing it. The main issue during the first week was sleeping with it on; the thin metal clasp kept snagging on my sheets, so I learned to remove it nightly.

Compared to my old standard black men's necklace chain, the velvet was lighter but much bolder in style. To complete the gothic look, I found it essential to pair it with other dark accessories. For inspiration on complementary pieces like bracelets, I often browse selections such as those at BlingCharming Bracelets.

I also encountered a minor issue similar to one user’s experience: my choker arrived with a small dent in the pendant. Customer service resolved it promptly, which was reassuring—even budget retailers can offer good service.

Verdict: Performs better than anticipated for temporary style. Must be removed before sleeping.

Month 1: Daily Use

This is typically where inexpensive jewelry fails. After 30 days of daily wear, I inspected all the potential trouble spots closely.

Plating Check

I wore the choker to the gym twice, sweating heavily. The thin plating on the clasp and jump rings began to discolor, shifting from bright faux-gold to a dull, dark copper tone—a common sign of corrosion. Showering with it would have accelerated this deterioration.

Velvet Condition

The velvet itself held up reasonably well, with minimal fraying. However, as a fabric, it absorbed oils and dust, requiring a weekly wipe-down with a damp cloth. This is an important maintenance consideration for any cloth necklace.

Comparison of Materials After 30 Days:

Feature	Velvet (IngeSight.Z)	Standard Steel Chain (316L)
Comfort	High (Soft, Light)	Medium (Heavy, Can Pinch)
Durability/Fading	Low (Metal parts fading)	Very High (No Fading)
Water Resistance	Zero (Avoid water)	Excellent (Shower safe)

Verdict: Durability is confirmed to be low. Accept that the metal parts will deteriorate. Always check customer photos to see how the item holds up over time.

Month 3: Long-Term Verdict

At the 90-day mark, the velvet is still intact, but the necklace is no longer suitable for professional wear. The plating on the clasp has mostly worn away, leaving it looking dull and rusted. For those with sensitive skin, this exposed base metal could cause irritation—hence the importance of 316L steel for daily items.

Given the low price, three months of unique style is acceptable for a seasonal or costume piece. This is not an heirloom item. For a long-lasting black chain, investing in stainless steel or quality plated silver is necessary.

I learned two key lessons from wearing this style:

• It requires special care: avoid water and heavy sweating.
• It functions best as an accent piece, not a primary daily necklace.

If you’re seeking a high-quality black men's necklace chain for long-term use, skip cheap velvet and opt for solid metal. For a cool, temporary gothic accessory for an event, this choker is a fine choice.

Final Action: When buying inexpensive jewelry, assume a three-month lifespan and be prepared to discard it once the metal tarnishes.

Would I Buy Again?

Yes, but only for specific occasions.

I would not repurchase this for daily wear, as it failed the durability test after the first month. The color fading confirms it’s a short-term accessory.

However, for a unique gothic piece for a weekend event or themed party, I would buy this exact model. The aesthetic is perfect, and it’s cheap enough that loss or damage wouldn’t be a concern. It serves its purpose as disposable, edgy fashion.

The key takeaway when shopping for any black men's necklace chain is to align the price with your expected lifespan. A low price typically means a short life—keep that in mind before you check out.