What is PVD Plated Jewellery?

If you’ve ever shopped for waterproof, tarnish-proof or hypoallergenic jewellery, you may have seen the term PVD plated and wondered what it really means. At Illuka Blue, many of our gold, silver and rose-gold pieces are made using this technique – and it’s one of the reasons our jewellery is so durable, skin-friendly, and perfect for everyday wear.

What does PVD mean?

PVD stands for Physical Vapour Deposition. It’s a modern coating process that bonds colour (like 18k gold or silver tones) onto stainless steel at a molecular level. Unlike traditional gold plating, which is usually dipped or electroplated, PVD creates a much harder, more durable finish that won’t easily fade, chip, or tarnish.

Think of it as an ultra-thin, protective shield that gives your jewellery both beauty and strength.

Why is PVD plating better than traditional plating?

Traditional gold plating looks gorgeous at first, but over time it can wear away, revealing the base metal underneath. PVD plating, on the other hand:

• Lasts longer – it’s highly resistant to scratches and everyday wear.
• Waterproof & sweatproof – you can swim, shower or work out without worrying about tarnish.
• Hypoallergenic – because it bonds to stainless steel, it’s gentle on sensitive skin.
• Eco-friendly – the process uses fewer harsh chemicals compared to traditional plating.

This makes PVD a game-changer for people who want jewellery they can wear all day, every day – without taking it off.

Is PVD plated jewellery really waterproof?

Yes! PVD plated jewellery is designed to withstand exposure to water, humidity, and even sweat. At Illuka Blue, we love that our pieces can be worn at the beach, in the shower, or during your daily routine. No more stressing about rings turning your fingers green or necklaces losing their shine.

How to care for PVD jewellery

While PVD plating is extremely durable, a little care goes a long way in keeping your pieces looking beautiful:

• Store your jewellery separately to avoid scratching.
• Wipe with a soft cloth if it comes into contact with sunscreen, perfume, or body oils.
• Avoid harsh cleaning chemicals, which can damage even PVD finishes.

Follow these steps and your jewellery will stay shiny and fresh for years to come.

Why Illuka Blue chooses PVD plating

At Illuka Blue, we believe jewellery should be stylish, affordable, and effortless. That’s why we choose PVD plating for our waterproof collections. It allows us to offer high-quality 18k gold, rose gold, and silver pieces that look stunning – while being tough enough for everyday life.

Whether you’re stacking delicate chains, slipping on classic hoops, or layering your favourite rings, you can feel confident knowing your jewellery is waterproof, tarnish-proof and hypoallergenic.

✨ In short: PVD plated jewellery combines beauty with durability, making it the perfect choice for everyday wearers who want worry-free shine.

At Illuka Blue, it’s one of the secrets behind our coastal-luxe, easy-to-wear style.