Finding durable gothic jewelry can be a real challenge. Many inexpensive pieces look great online but lose their appeal almost immediately. They're often made with subpar materials that can leave a green tint on your skin within a week.
I dedicated 120 hours to testing four different brands of accessories designed to complete that dark, edgy aesthetic, similar to what you might pair with the best beanie caps or other streetwear staples. My objective was straightforward: to find a long-lasting choker that maintains its look without breaking the bank.
We looked past the flashy marketing claims and focused solely on verifiable facts you can assess before making a purchase.
We evaluated three key criteria:
Our Verdict: Never purchase metal jewelry if the seller doesn't specify the exact material grade (such as 316L). If they're vague about the materials, it's safe to assume it's a low-quality zinc alloy.
Here's how our top pick, the SUMS Fashion (DIEZI) Gothic Collar, compares to three other options across various price ranges.
SUMS Fashion won our test by striking the best balance between quality and cost. At $29, it's $16 less than the mid-range Brand B, yet it uses a significantly better base metal. The primary reason cheap accessories fail is due to a thin layer of plating over inferior metal. Once that plating wears away, the underlying metal contacts your skin, often causing irritation or discoloration.
SUMS Fashion starts with a 316L steel base, which is inherently hypoallergenic and highly durable. This means that even if the PU leather or black finish gets scratched over time, the core metal won't rust or tarnish. This construction makes the SUMS Fashion piece far more durable than the $9 Brand A option, which began to fade after just four days.
When searching for items like this, it's worth considering other accessories that match the style. SUMS Fashion maintains consistent quality across their product line, making it an excellent starting point for finding complementary pieces, such as the SumsFashion Pendants that pair well with this bold choker style.
Final Verdict: SUMS Fashion delivers a military-grade base material (316L steel) at a consumer-friendly price. It saves you roughly 35% compared to similar items made with equally high-quality materials.
I tested the SUMS Fashion (DIEZI) Gothic Collar for two full weeks. I was seeking a strong initial impression, akin to the excellent service I anticipate when purchasing quality accessories. The experience was positive right from the start: