I purchased the Elegant Goth Black Velvet Knotted Bowknot Adjustable Rope Chain Necklace as a statement gift for my partner. She was looking for something trendy for a few events, but I had concerns about the build quality. Inexpensive jewelry often loses its appeal quickly. I was curious to see if this piece justified its low cost.
Over the past 90 days, I’ve observed how this Y2K-style choker performs alongside some of my favorite accessories, like a well-loved beanie. Here’s my detailed, day-by-day assessment.
Before you consider buying jewelry like this, keep these three takeaways in mind:
Shipping was quick. The item arrived in a simple plastic bag—no fancy packaging. That immediately signaled this was a budget-friendly piece, without the presentation of a jewelry box or velvet pouch.
The choker is primarily made of a deep black velvet ribbon, and the bowknot has a cool, detailed look. The metal components at the ends of the rope appear shiny but feel noticeably light. In jewelry, a very light weight often indicates thin plating over an inexpensive base metal.
I checked for a material stamp like “S925” for sterling silver or “316L” for surgical steel but found none. That’s not a good sign. When materials aren’t disclosed, it’s safe to assume it’s brass or copper with a thin chrome finish.
The standout feature is the adjustable rope closure. It’s simple to put on and allows you to customize the length, so it can sit snug as a choker or hang looser like a pendant necklace. The fit is perfect because you adjust it yourself.
Initial Recommendation: Inspect the metal for any rough edges. Keep it completely dry—never wear it in the shower.
My partner wore the choker three times during the first week—once to a party and twice casually. It’s comfortable, and the velvet didn’t irritate her skin.
The main issue we noticed was twisting. The thin velvet ribbon can turn sideways with active movement, requiring occasional adjustment throughout the evening.
After a sweaty night out, the metal ends still looked shiny. However, they felt slightly sticky against the skin after eight hours of wear, which is often an early indicator of plating breakdown.
Key Takeaway: This is fashion jewelry, not meant for daily use. Wearing it only for short periods will help it last longer.