How the process works
The cleaned parts are placed in a vacuum chamber. There, a coating material is evaporated or sputtered and deposited on the surface. Different colors are achieved through the choice of materials and process gases. A well-known variant is ion plating, often referred to in the trade as “IP plating.”
Benefits for your assortment
- Durability. PVD coatings are considered particularly abrasion-resistant and are well suited to jewelry that sees a lot of movement and contact, such as bracelets, rings and watch cases.
- Range of colors. In addition to gold and rose gold, black, gunmetal and other tones are possible.
- A good match for stainless steel. PVD and stainless steel complement each other well and make collections in a mid-range price point possible.
What you should know
- The base matters. PVD works best on hard, smooth base materials such as stainless steel and titanium. Scratches or pores in the base material remain visible under the coating.
- Color varies by batch. Shades can vary slightly between batches. You should therefore approve on the sample and compare reorders against the golden sample.
- Combinations. Two-tone models require masking or separately coated parts, which increases the effort.
How we handle this at Aviano
Stainless steel is one of the materials we use to produce custom collections of jewelry and watches. Which finish suits your model, intended use and target price point is decided based on the specific design. Shade and surface are checked in the sample and locked in for the series.
Frequently asked questions
Is PVD the same as gold plating?
No. Gold electroplating takes place in an electrolytic bath, PVD in a vacuum. Both produce gold tones but differ in process, base material and abrasion resistance.
Can PVD-coated jewelry be engraved?
Yes. Depending on the settings, laser engraving exposes the base material, which can be used as a deliberate contrast.
Is PVD also used for watches?
Yes. Stainless steel cases and bracelets are often finished with PVD in gold, rose or black tones.
Related terms
Planning your own jewelry collection? As a jewelry manufacturer for your brand, Aviano supports you from the first idea to delivery.