The Difference Between Gold PVD Coating and Gold Plating

When it comes to jewelry, there are several different processes and materials that can be used to achieve a gold look. From rings to watches and everything else in between, the two most common ways to get that iconic gold look comes from gold PVD coating and gold plating.

What’s the difference between gold PVD coating and gold plating?

Physical Vapor Deposition, or PVD, is a vacuum coating process that produces a brilliant decorative and functional finish. PVD utilizes a titanium nitride that provides an extremely durable coating. PVD coatings are more resistant to corrosion from sweat and regular wear than gold plating.

Gold plating occurs when a thin layer of real gold is plated onto another metal, such as stainless steel. Gold plating is often done to give the look of real gold at a fraction of the cost of having a piece of jewelry that is solid gold. One of the advantages of gold-plating is that it gives the product the look of real gold. On the other hand, gold plating doesn’t offer the durability of gold PVD coating and when scratched can reveal the base material.

Advantages of Gold PVD Coating

• Durability
• Corrosion resistant
• Longer lifetime
• Gold plated pieces can discolor within a short time period
• Gold PVD coatings can be 10 times thicker than standard gold plating

Choosing between gold PVD coating and gold plating comes down to preference and budget, as well as a variety of the factors mentioned above. If you’re producing jewelry that generally will be less expensive, gold plating may be the best option. Higher-end jewelry requires a coating that’s more durable, is longer lasting and is resistant to corrosion. In this instance, gold PVD coating shines as the right choice. Gold PVD coatings can be done using real gold, or other elements that have a gold-look to them.