When it comes to gold jewelry, the finish determines everything—how long it shines, how well it wears, and whether it irritates your skin. If you’ve ever had jewelry that faded, scratched easily, or left green marks on your skin, chances are it was simply gold plated.
That’s the problem with traditional plating—it looks good at first, but it’s not built to last. And jewelry shouldn’t be something you “baby.” It should fit your life, not the other way around.
This is exactly why we use PVD gold coating—a superior finishing process that makes your jewelry waterproof, tarnish-free, and everyday-proof. But let’s break down the difference so you can see why it matters.
What is Gold Plating?
Gold plating (or electroplating) is a process where a thin layer of gold is applied over a base metal like brass, copper, or silver. The result? A piece that looks like solid gold but is only gold on the surface.
The downside?
The gold layer is extremely thin, so it wears off fast—sometimes within months.
Sweat, water, and humidity speed up tarnishing.
Base metals like brass often cause allergic reactions or turn skin green.
Even vermeil (a thicker plating over silver) looks luxurious at first but fades with daily use.
Bottom line: gold plating is temporary shine. Cheap upfront, but expensive in the long run because you’ll keep replacing it.
What is PVD Gold Plating?
PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) is a modern coating technique that fuses gold particles onto stainless steel in a vacuum chamber. Unlike plating, it doesn’t just “sit” on the surface—it bonds at a molecular level.
Here’s why it’s different (and better):
Durable: Up to 10x more resistant to wear than traditional plating.
Waterproof: Safe for showers, swimming, and daily wear.
Hypoallergenic: No nickel, no irritation.
Scratch-Resistant: Made to handle everyday life.
Eco-friendly: Uses fewer chemicals, making it a cleaner process.
Because it’s bonded to stainless steel—one of the strongest metals—it lasts for years without fading. No re-plating. No constant upkeep. Just lasting shine.
Why We Chose PVD for All Our Jewelry
At Haute Haus, we believe jewelry should be beautiful without limits. That’s why all our gold pieces are PVD-coated.
- Waterproof & tarnish-free: Wear them in the shower, ocean, or gym—your shine stays.
- Low-maintenance: No polishing, no babying—just wear and go.
- Skin-safe: Perfect for sensitive skin, irritation-free.
- Sustainable luxury: PVD is a cleaner process than traditional plating.
Our jewelry is made to move with you—from brunch to the boardroom, from workouts to weddings.
The Verdict: PVD vs. Gold Plating
If you want jewelry that’s only for “special occasions” and needs constant replacing, go for gold plating.
But if you want jewelry that’s built for everyday life—durable, waterproof, hypoallergenic, and timeless—PVD gold plating wins every time.
Don’t just buy jewelry. Invest in pieces that last.
