If you've ever shopped for jewellery, you've probably come across the term PVD plating. But what does it actually mean, and why is it becoming the gold standard for everyday jewellery?
At Recreation Jewels, almost all of our gold jewellery is crafted using 18k gold PVD plating over 316L medical-grade stainless steel. We chose this combination because we wanted to create jewellery that looks beautiful, lasts longer and can keep up with everyday life.
Here's everything you need to know about PVD plating and why we believe it's one of the best choices for waterproof jewellery.
What Does PVD Stand For?
PVD stands for Physical Vapour Deposition.
It's an advanced coating process that bonds a thin layer of real gold to the surface of stainless steel using a vacuum chamber. Rather than simply dipping jewellery into liquid gold, PVD plating uses high temperatures and specialised technology to create an incredibly strong bond between the gold and the base metal.
The result is a finish that is significantly more durable than traditional gold plating.
Why Is PVD Plating Better Than Traditional Gold Plating?
The biggest advantage of PVD plating is its durability.
Traditional gold-plated jewellery is usually created through electroplating, where a thin layer of gold is applied using an electrical current. While this creates a beautiful finish, it can wear away more quickly with regular exposure to water, sweat, perfume and everyday life.
PVD plating forms a much stronger bond with the metal underneath, making it far more resistant to everyday wear.
This means your jewellery stays looking beautiful for longer.
Why We Use PVD Plating at Recreation Jewels
When we designed Recreation Jewels, we wanted jewellery that people could genuinely wear every day.
We didn't want pieces that had to be taken off before washing your hands, heading to the gym or going on holiday.
That's why we chose 18k gold PVD plating over 316L medical-grade stainless steel.
This combination creates jewellery that's designed to fit effortlessly into everyday life, whether you're swimming in the sea, travelling, working, exercising or simply getting on with your day.
Our goal has always been to create jewellery you don't have to think twice about wearing.
Is PVD Jewellery Waterproof?
One of the questions we get asked most is whether our jewellery can get wet.
The answer is yes.
Our PVD-plated stainless steel jewellery is designed to be waterproof, meaning you can confidently wear it while washing your hands, showering, swimming or enjoying a beach holiday.
Because the gold coating is much more durable than traditional plating, it's far better suited to everyday wear.
While no plated jewellery lasts forever, PVD technology significantly improves durability compared to standard gold-plated jewellery.
Is PVD Jewellery Hypoallergenic?
Yes.
Our jewellery is made using 316L medical-grade stainless steel, which is well known for being suitable for most people with sensitive skin.
Unlike some cheaper base metals, medical-grade stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion and is much less likely to cause irritation.
That's why our jewellery is both waterproof and hypoallergenic, making it ideal for everyday wear.
Why 316L Medical-Grade Stainless Steel?
The material underneath your jewellery is just as important as the plating itself.
316L stainless steel is commonly used because it offers exceptional durability, excellent resistance to rust and corrosion, and is gentle on sensitive skin.
Combined with 18k gold PVD plating, it creates jewellery that's made to be worn—not left sitting in a jewellery box.
How to Care for PVD Jewellery
One of the best things about PVD jewellery is how low maintenance it is.
To keep your pieces looking their best, we recommend storing them safely when you're not wearing them and avoiding unnecessary contact with harsh chemicals such as bleach or abrasive cleaning products.
Apart from that, your jewellery is designed to be lived in.
Wear it to the beach.
Wear it on holiday.
Wear it every day.
That's exactly what it was made for.
Why We Believe PVD Is Worth It
We believe jewellery should fit around your lifestyle, not the other way around.
That's why we chose materials that are designed to last longer, feel comfortable to wear and require very little maintenance.
By combining 18k gold PVD plating with 316L medical-grade stainless steel, we've created jewellery that's durable, waterproof, hypoallergenic and made for everyday adventures.
Whether you're heading to work, going to the gym, swimming in the sea or travelling somewhere sunny, your jewellery should be able to come with you.
That's the beauty of PVD plating.
Shop Waterproof PVD Jewellery
At Recreation Jewels, we design colourful, everyday jewellery that's made to be worn from morning to night.
Explore our collection of waterproof necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets, all crafted using 18k gold PVD plating over 316L medical-grade stainless steel, so you can spend less time worrying about your jewellery and more time making memories wearing it.
