If you've shopped for demi-fine jewelry lately, you've probably seen "PVD" next to gold plating. The idea is simple: PVD bonds a thin, durable finish to metal so the gold colour holds up to everyday wear. Here's what 18K gold PVD plating means, how it differs from regular plating and vermeil, and what to look for when you buy.
What is PVD plating?
PVD stands for physical vapour deposition (also written physical vapor deposition). It's a vacuum process that deposits a very thin film onto a surface. That film bonds tightly to the base metal, which is why PVD finishes are widely used on tools, watches and jewelry meant for daily life. Wikipedia's overview of physical vapor deposition covers the main techniques and why vacuum deposition produces a dense, adherent coating.
On our jewelry, we use PVD to finish real 18K gold plating on a durable base, most often premium stainless steel (and, on a few pieces, copper or brass). The result is a warm gold look designed for everyday wear: waterproof, sweat-proof and tarnish-resistant.
18K gold plating: what the label means
"18K" (18 karat in the US; often written 18ct in the UK) describes the gold content of the plating layer: 18 parts gold out of 24, so about 75% gold. That gives a richer, warmer tone than thinner fashion finishes. Important honesty check: gold-plated jewelry is not solid gold. The plating sits on a base metal. We never call our pieces solid gold or vermeil.
In the United States, how gold terms may be used is set out in the Federal Trade Commission's Jewelry Guides. The FTC Jewelry Guides (16 CFR Part 23) explain when terms like "gold plated" and "vermeil" are appropriate. In the UK, plated items aren't hallmarked as gold; the Assay Office is a good starting point for hallmarking guidance. For plated pieces, clear wording such as "18ct gold plated" is what to look for (we say "18K gold plating" on our US-facing site; UK readers will recognise the same idea).
PVD vs regular plating vs vermeil
Regular electroplating
Traditional gold plating usually means electrodepositing a thin layer of gold onto a base metal. Quality varies a lot. Very thin fashion plating can wear or dull quickly with water, sweat or friction. Better plating is thicker and better finished, but without an extra protective step it still depends heavily on how the piece is worn and cared for.
PVD-finished gold plating
PVD doesn't replace a gold finish; it strengthens how that finish is applied and bonded. On our pieces, the 18K gold plating is finished with PVD for long-lasting radiance. Paired with a stainless steel base, that construction is why we describe our jewelry as waterproof, sweat-proof and tarnish-resistant. For everyday water (showers, gym, rain), see our waterproof jewelry guide.
Vermeil (and why we don't use that word for our pieces)
Under US FTC guidance, vermeil has a specific meaning: gold over a sterling silver base, with minimum karat and thickness rules. Gold-plated stainless steel is a different construction. It's durable, and it's honest to call it gold plated (with PVD) rather than vermeil. We never label our products as vermeil. For the broader category, read what demi-fine jewelry is.
| Typical base | Gold finish | Good to know | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular plating | Various alloys | Electroplated gold, thickness varies | Thin fashion plating may wear faster |
| PVD gold plating (ours) | Mostly stainless steel; some copper or brass | 18K gold plating finished with PVD | Built for everyday wear; waterproof and tarnish-resistant |
| Vermeil | Sterling silver (per US FTC definition) | Gold of defined karat/thickness | Not the same as gold-plated stainless steel |
Is PVD plating good for everyday jewelry?
For the way most people actually wear jewelry, yes. You want a finish that keeps its colour through hand-washing, commuting, the gym and the occasional rain shower. A stainless steel base plus 18K gold PVD plating is a strong everyday combination: sturdy, hypoallergenic and certified skin-safe on our stainless steel pieces, with a 1-year warranty on shine and quality.
A small number of our designs use copper or brass instead of stainless steel. Those pieces are also PVD-coated with 18K gold plating, waterproof and tarnish-resistant. Each product page lists the exact material under "Specifications".
Pieces that show off 18K gold PVD plating
These stainless steel examples make the warm gold finish easy to see:
Aurelia Oval Tennis Bracelet
The Aurelia Oval Tennis Bracelet pairs an 18K gold PVD-plated stainless steel setting with oval zircons. It's a polished everyday-to-evening bracelet built for real life.
Lena Puff Heart Huggie Earrings
The Lena Puff Heart Huggie Earrings are sculpted 18K gold PVD-plated stainless steel huggies with a puffed heart charm. Close-fitting earrings are a great place to appreciate a consistent gold tone.
Mira Herringbone Chain Necklace
The Mira Herringbone Chain Necklace is a gold-tone stainless steel herringbone that catches the light along a flat, fluid surface. Browse more chains in our necklace collection.
11:11 Gold Bar Necklace & Aria Marquise Crown Ring
The 11:11 Gold Bar Necklace is an easy everyday 18K gold PVD-plated stainless steel pendant. The Aria Marquise Crown Ring finishes a tiara-like row of marquise zircons in the same 18K gold PVD-plated stainless steel, with an open adjustable back. See also our bestsellers.
How to keep a PVD gold finish looking its best
- Last on, first off. Put jewelry on after perfume and lotion have dried. Sweat, chlorinated pool water and chemicals like perfume and lotions may reduce the life of any finish over time; treating these as shine tips keeps pieces looking brighter for longer.
- Rinse and pat dry after the beach, the pool or a sweaty workout.
- Use a soft cloth and skip abrasive polishes; store pieces separately so chains don't tangle.
Our FAQ covers materials, the 1-year shine-and-quality warranty, delivery times and our 30-day returns (including sale items), with refunds processed in 5–10 business days.
Frequently asked questions
Is PVD plating good?
For everyday jewelry, PVD is valued because the finish bonds tightly in a vacuum process. On our pieces, 18K gold plating finished with PVD sits on mostly stainless steel bases for waterproof, tarnish-resistant wear.
Is PVD the same as vermeil?
No. Vermeil (per US FTC guidance) is gold over sterling silver. Our pieces are gold-plated (with PVD), usually on stainless steel, and we don't call them vermeil.
Does 18K gold PVD plating mean solid gold?
No. It means an 18K gold plating layer finished with PVD over a base metal. Check each product's Specifications for the exact base.
Can I wear PVD gold jewelry in the shower?
Yes for our pieces: they're designed as waterproof everyday jewelry. See our waterproof guide for pools, the sea and care tips.
Do you ship to the US and UK?
We ship to the US, UK, Canada and Australia. Processing takes 1–2 business days. Standard delivery is about 6–10 business days to the US and UK (7–10 to Australia, 8–12 to Canada); Express is about 4–8 days to the US and 4–7 to the UK, Canada and Australia. US duties are prepaid; UK, CA and AU buyers pay local duties.
Ready to shop?
Right now there's 20% off sitewide, applied automatically in your cart, and free standard shipping to the US, UK, Canada and Australia on orders over $50 (after the discount; about £38). Standard shipping is $9.99 below that threshold. Every order ships with tracking. Questions? Our FAQ covers materials, delivery and returns. (UK readers: if you prefer the spelling jewellery, you'll find the same pieces and the same PVD finish either way.)