What Is PVD Coating on Jewelry? Everything You Need to Know

November 24, 2025 Livia Fedorova

In this article, I will explain what PVD coating is, how it works, and why it makes jewelry last much longer.

What Is PVD Coating?

PVD stands for Physical Vapor Deposition. It is a modern technology that applies a thin layer of metal onto jewelry in a special vacuum chamber. Here is how it works in simple terms:

The jewelry is placed inside a vacuum chamber.
The coating material (like titanium nitride for gold color) is heated until it becomes vapor.
The vapor travels through the chamber and bonds to the jewelry at a molecular level.
The result is an ultra-thin but extremely strong coating. This process happens at high temperatures (between 150°C and 500°C), which creates a very strong bond between the coating and the metal underneath.

PVD Coating vs Gold Plating: What Is the Difference?

Traditional gold plating and PVD coating may look similar, but they are very different in quality and durability.

Traditional Gold Plating - uses a process called electroplating. The jewelry is placed in a chemical solution, and electricity is used to deposit a thin layer of gold onto the surface. The problem: The gold layer is incredibly thin — often thinner than a human hair. It wears off quickly with daily use. Most gold-plated jewelry starts to fade or tarnish within 6 to 12 months.
PVD Coating - creates a much stronger bond. The coating molecules actually fuse with the jewelry surface at a molecular level. This makes the coating much harder to scratch or wear off.

Key Differences between Traditional Gold Plating vs. PVD coating

Durability: PVD coating is up to 10 times more durable than traditional gold plating.
Hardness: PVD coatings have a hardness of 2000-3000 Vickers. Gold plating has only 100-200 Vickers. That means PVD is about 10-20 times harder.
Lifespan: Gold plating lasts about 1 year. PVD coating can last 3-5 years or more with proper care.
Scratch resistance: PVD is 4-5 times more scratch-resistant than electroplated finishes.
Corrosion resistance: PVD-treated surfaces can endure up to 1000 hours in salt spray tests. Gold plating may start to corrode within 24-48 hours.

Benefits of PVD Coating on Jewelry

Superior Durability - PVD coating creates an ultra-hard surface that resists scratches, chips, and everyday wear. Your jewelry will look new for years, not months.
Waterproof - Unlike gold plating, PVD coating does not react with water or sweat. You can wear your PVD-coated jewelry in the shower, at the gym, or even swimming.
No Green Skin - When PVD coating is applied over stainless steel, your skin will never turn green. Stainless steel does not contain copper (the metal that causes green discoloration), and the PVD layer provides extra protection.
Hypoallergenic - PVD coating is safe for sensitive skin. It is also used in medical implants and surgical instruments, which shows how safe it is for your body.
Eco-Friendly - Traditional gold plating uses chemicals like cyanide, which are harmful to the environment. PVD is a physical process that produces no toxic waste.
Low Maintenance - PVD-coated jewelry requires minimal care. No frequent polishing or re-plating needed. Just wipe with a soft cloth occasionally.

How Long Does PVD Coating Last?

With normal daily wear and basic care, PVD-coated jewelry typically lasts 2 to 5 years. With occasional wear and proper storage, it can last 10 years or even longer.

Several factors affect how long your PVD jewelry will last:

Coating thickness: Thicker coatings last longer.
Base material: Stainless steel provides the best foundation for PVD coating.
How often you wear it: Daily wear causes more friction than occasional use.
Exposure to chemicals: Harsh chemicals can damage any coating over time.

How to Care for PVD-Coated Jewelry?

PVD jewelry is easy to maintain. Here are some simple tips to keep it looking perfect:

Clean gently: Use a soft microfiber cloth with mild soap and water.
Dry completely: Always dry your jewelry after cleaning to prevent water spots.
Store separately: Keep your jewelry in a soft pouch or separate compartment to prevent scratches.
Avoid harsh chemicals: Remove jewelry before using strong cleaning products or swimming in chlorinated pools.

Why Rosabrillo Uses PVD Coating?

At Rosabrillo, we believe jewelry should be beautiful AND durable. That is why every piece in our collection uses PVD coating on premium stainless steel.

Our bracelets combine premium Preciosa Czech glass beads with PVD-coated stainless steel. This means:

Your jewelry stays beautiful for years, not months
No green skin — ever
100% waterproof design
Safe for sensitive skin
No frequent re-plating needed

We want you to wear your Rosabrillo jewelry every day — in the shower, at the gym, on vacation. Life is too short for jewelry you have to take off.

Conclusion: Is PVD Coating Worth It?

Yes, absolutely. PVD coating is the best choice for jewelry that you want to wear every day without worry.

While PVD-coated jewelry may cost a bit more than cheap gold-plated pieces, you save money in the long run. No more replacing tarnished jewelry every few months. No more green fingers. No more disappointment.

When you choose PVD-coated jewelry on stainless steel, you choose quality that lasts.