What is PVD coating?

PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) is a technique used to treat steel jewelry to improve both the jewelry's durability and appearance. PVD treatment is created by subjecting the steel to high pressure and temperature, which creates a coating on another metal, such as stainless steel or titanium. In this way, we cover the surface of our jewelry.

The advantages of PVD coating are that the jewelery holds up better against wear and oxidation but also against impacts. The color also lasts better which means it won't fade or fade over time. The PVD coating is smooth and shiny, which makes the jewelry look more shiny and elegant.

What is the difference between gold plating and PVD coating

Gold plating and PVD treatment are two different methods of treating / gilding metals with important differences.

Gold plating involves covering a metal with a thin layer of gold. Often it is copper or nickel that is coated using an electrochemical process. Gold plating gives jewelry a beautiful gold color, but the coating is often thin and susceptible to damage, so it doesn't last forever.

PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) is another technique where, with the help of a vacuum process, the pressure and temperature of the gold is raised, which creates a layer on an underlying metal such as titanium or surgical steel. This method makes the jewelery durable against shocks, discoloration and oxidation, as well as giving it a shiny surface.

Overall, gold plating is a more traditional method of "gilding" jewelry with gold, while PVD is a more advanced technology that gives the jewelry a more durable surface with more color possibilities.

How does the pvd process work?

The PVD process, or Physical Vapor Deposition, is an advanced technology used to coat steel with a thin coating of another metal, such as stainless steel or titanium. The process works as follows:

• Preparation: The jewelry is cleaned and pre-treated to ensure that the coating has a smooth surface and holds well.
• Vacuum chamber: The jewelry is placed in a vacuum chamber that is sealed and the air is emptied to create a vacuum environment.
• Add metal powder: Another metal is put under high pressure and high temperature, causing it to break down into a powder form. This powder is applied to the surface of the jewelry.
• Plating: Once the powder has been placed on the piece of jewelry, the metal is heated again at a high temperature. The powder melts and settles as a thin film with an even surface.
• Finishing treatment: Once the coating has set, the jewelry is ready to wear. Sometimes it may need additional treatment, such as polishing, to improve its appearance and durability.

The PVD process is a complex technology that requires a vacuum environment with high temperatures and pressure to obtain a smooth and durable coating. The result is a piece of jewelery with a durable color and surface that withstands both rust and impacts.

Is a piece of jewelry with PVD gold the same quality as a gold-plated piece of jewelry?

It is difficult to compare the quality between a gold plated piece of jewelery and a piece of PVD gold jewelery as there are a variety of factors that affect the quality of each type of piece of jewellery.

Gold plating is a method where a thin layer of real gold is applied to the surface of another material, such as copper or silver. The gold plating can be thin and delicate, and it is not unusual for the plated gold to begin to flake or wear off over time, especially if the piece is used frequently or exposed to hard impacts.

PVD gold, on the other hand, is a process where a coating of gold is used to cover a surface. This coating is much more durable than a traditional gold plating, and more resistant to rust, discoloration and other forms of wear and tear. The PVD coating can also be made much thicker than a gold plating, meaning it has a longer lifespan.

So while a gold plating may have a similar appearance to PVD gold, it is rarely as durable or long-lasting. It is therefore important to think about the quality when choosing a gold-plated piece of jewelery or a piece of jewelery with PVD gold.