Gold plating or gold electroplating is a traditional finishing process where a thin layer of gold is applied over a base metal, like brass, copper, or silver. This is usually done by a process called electroplating, also known as water plating.

Here’s the irony: despite being called water plating, gold-plated earrings are not at all waterproof.

While gold plating, the base metal is cleaned thoroughly and prepared for plating. Then, a thin layer of either 14k or 18k gold polish is applied using an electric current or chemical process. This creates a piece that looks like solid gold, but it is only so on the surface.

The issue? Not surprisingly, gold-plated jewellery has a short lifespan. With regular wear, the gold plating wears off within months, especially when exposed to sweat, water, or humidity.

Most low-cost gold-plated jewellery uses brass as the base, which is not only inexpensive but also prone to tarnishing. Some mid-range pieces use silver, which is slightly better, but still not waterproof. The real problem is that you rarely know what you wear against your skin–many plated pieces contain nickel, a common allergen that can cause irritation or rashes with daily use.

Some brands try to make gold plating sound fancier by using terms like “Vermeil”, which refers to a slightly thicker layer of gold over a silver base. It might sound luxurious, but guess what – Vermeil wears off too! Despite the higher price tag, it’s just as vulnerable to water, sweat, and everyday wear.

Bottom line: Whether it’s called gold-plated, water-plated, or vermeil, it’s all temporary gold shine. And in most cases, customers end up overpaying for jewellery that won’t last.

Gold PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) coating is a cutting-edge process that creates an extremely durable gold finish on jewellery. Unlike gold plating, PVD coating doesn’t wear off over time because it bonds gold particles at a molecular level to metals like stainless steel.

Here’s what makes it different (and better!)
PVD can only be applied to stainless steel, one of the strongest and most durable metals used in jewellery. That’s because the PVD process involves extremely high temperatures in a vacuum environment, temperatures that would melt softer metals like silver or brass.

The process of gold plating involves many steps, starting with placing the jewellery in a vacuum chamber to remove any impurities. The gold is then heated until it turns into microscopic vaporized particles, which are then fused onto the metal surface. This creates a strong, scratch-resistant bond that’s up to 10 times more durable than gold plating.

Thanks to its durability, PVD-coated gold jewellery is perfect for everyday wear–no more worrying about taking off your jewellery before a shower or a swim! Additionally, since PVD doesn’t use nickel or other cheap base metals, it is considered to be super safe for sensitive skin.

While PVD-coated jewellery may cost a little more upfront, it’s a great investment—no need for re-plating at all. It’s truly low maintenance, built to stay beautiful without the upkeep.

At Divé, we don’t believe in jewellery that demands constant upkeep. We believe in jewellery that simply belongs–to you, to your life, to every moment!

That’s why we use gold PVD coating, not because it’s trendy, but because it’s the only option that keeps up with the everyday woman. Here are some more reasons why our 14k and 18k PVD-coated jewellery needs to be a part of your jewellery collection:

• Elegance shouldn’t come with limits. Our gold jewellery pieces are 100% waterproof so that you can wear them in the ocean, shower or pool without a second thought. 
• There’s no need to baby your Divé jewellery because it is highly scratch-resistant and designed to handle everyday life without losing its shine. 
• All our jewellery pieces are tarnish-free and fade resistant, and are made to last for years.
• And lastly, beauty shouldn’t come at the cost of the planet. Gold PVD coating is a cleaner, more responsible alternative to traditional gold plating.

At Divé, we don’t just make gold jewellery, we make jewellery that elevates your style, fits your lifestyle, and lasts for a lifetime!