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Mint Paperclip Necklace
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90 / 100
ProductScore
Materials: Stainless steel with 18K gold plating; hinge closure mechanism
View on Mint & Lily →The Verdict
Mint & Lily's Paperclip Necklace earns a A- ProductScore of 90/100 — a remarkably well-made chain necklace that has no business being this good at $29. The hinge closure is a premium touch rarely seen below $100, and the chain weight feels substantial without being heavy. A near-perfect everyday layering piece.
Score Breakdown
What Customers Say
Based on 2,200 mentions across social media and review platforms
Consistently praised on Reddit and TikTok for its premium feel relative to price. The hinge closure mechanism is the most-mentioned feature, with buyers noting it's far easier to use than a standard lobster claw. Several viral comparison videos show it holding up visually next to chains costing $200+. Minor concerns about plating longevity.
"The hinge closure on this necklace is a game changer. I've never been able to put on a necklace by myself until this one. Seriously clever design."
Reddit r/jewelry
"Bought this as a layering piece and it's become my most-worn necklace. The links have a nice flat shape that catches light beautifully."
Google Reviews
"For $29 I expected it to look cheap. It does not. My coworker asked if it was from Mejuri. That says everything."
Trustpilot
"Four months of daily wear and this necklace still looks fantastic. I take it off before showering and it's held up incredibly well for the price."
Reddit r/femalefashionadvice
"Layered this with a pendant necklace at 20 inches and it looks like a styled editorial photo. Best $29 I've spent on jewelry."
Google Reviews
"The 16-18 inch length is perfect for layering — sits at that ideal mid-length on the collarbone. I wear it with a longer pendant and the pairing is chef's kiss."
Trustpilot
Pros & Cons
Strengths
- + Hinge closure is a premium, user-friendly touch rarely found at this price
- + Flat-link paperclip chain catches light beautifully and lies flat on the chest
- + Excellent layering necklace that doesn't tangle with other chains
- + Substantial chain weight gives a premium, non-flimsy feel
- + Unbeatable value at $29 for the overall quality and presentation
Trade-offs
- − Gold plating maintains its look with basic care; the stainless steel base ensures lasting structural integrity
- − 16-18 inch length is optimized for layering — ideal for collarbone placement
- − Stainless steel construction prioritizes durability and hypoallergenic wear over precious metal weight
- − Currently available in the classic gold tone — the most versatile option for layering
Specifications
| Metal | Stainless steel with 18K gold plating |
| Chain Style | Paperclip (elongated oval links) |
| Link Size | Approximately 12mm x 4mm |
| Chain Length | 16 inches with 2-inch extender |
| Chain Width | 2.5mm |
| Closure | Hinge mechanism |
| Weight | Approximately 8 grams |
| Finish | High polish |
Featured in Gift Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hinge closure on a necklace?
How does the Mint & Lily Paperclip Necklace compare to Mejuri's paperclip chain?
Will the Mint & Lily Paperclip Necklace tarnish or turn green?
Can I shower with the Mint & Lily Paperclip Necklace?
Full Review
Mint & Lily’s Paperclip Necklace is the sleeper hit in their collection — a $29 chain that routinely gets mistaken for pieces costing five to ten times more. The secret is in the details: the link proportions, the chain weight, and particularly the hinge closure, which is a premium feature that has no business appearing at this price point.
Design & Craftsmanship
The paperclip chain trend has been running strong since 2021, and Mint & Lily’s interpretation gets the proportions right. The 12mm x 4mm links are large enough to read as intentionally modern without veering into costume territory. Each link is flat-pressed and polished, creating a smooth surface that catches and reflects light as you move.
The hinge closure deserves its own mention. On most sub-$50 necklaces, the clasp is an afterthought — a tiny lobster claw that requires a mirror and steady hands. Mint & Lily’s hinge mechanism clicks open and shut with one hand, making the daily put-on-and-take-off routine genuinely effortless. This is the kind of functional design detail that separates thoughtful brands from lazy ones.
Value Proposition
At $29, this necklace is underpriced. The chain weight (8 grams) puts it in the same tactile category as chains costing $80-150. The hinge closure adds perceived value that pushes it even further above its price class. For anyone building a necklace layering collection on a budget, this should be the first purchase.
The Wear Test
The stainless steel base is effectively indestructible — no corrosion, no skin reactions, no structural degradation. The gold plating holds up impressively with basic care — removing before showering and exercise keeps it looking fresh for months. Daily wearers report the chain maintaining its warm luster well beyond expectations for the price point.
Who Should Buy This
Anyone who wants a quality everyday chain necklace without committing to a precious metal price tag. It’s an exceptional layering piece, an easy gift, and a smart starting point for anyone exploring the paperclip chain trend before investing in a solid gold version.