What is PVD Coating? The Science Behind Priskel's Waterproof Jewellery
What is PVD Coating?
PVD coating — Physical Vapor Deposition — is a vacuum-based process that bonds a thin layer of metal to a base material at a molecular level. In jewellery, PVD is used to apply 18K gold to stainless steel, creating a finish that is genuinely waterproof, tarnish-free, and durable for life. Priskel uses a 3-micron 18K PVD coating on every piece — 10 times thicker than standard gold plating.
How does PVD coating work?
In PVD coating, the jewellery piece is placed inside a vacuum chamber. Gold atoms are vaporised using high-energy plasma and then deposited onto the surface of the stainless steel piece at a molecular level. Because the bonding happens in a vacuum at the atomic scale, the gold layer adheres far more strongly than chemical gold plating — which simply deposits gold onto the surface using an electrical current.
The result is a coating that does not peel, chip, or fade under normal wear conditions — including daily exposure to water, sweat, soap, and humidity.
PVD coating vs standard gold plating
| Feature | Standard Gold Plating | Priskel PVD Coating |
|---|---|---|
| Coating thickness | 0.3 microns | 3 microns (10× thicker) |
| Bonding method | Chemical electroplating | Vacuum molecular bonding |
| Waterproof | No — fades with water exposure | Yes — shower, swim, sweat |
| Tarnish-free | Fades within weeks to months | Lifetime |
| Skin safe | May cause reactions (nickel) | 100% hypoallergenic |
| Durability | Peels and chips over time | Does not peel or chip |
| Guarantee | None | Lifetime Colour Guarantee |
Why is PVD coating better for Indian conditions?
India's climate is one of the most demanding for jewellery — high humidity, monsoon seasons, coastal salt air, and extreme summer temperatures. Standard gold-plated jewellery breaks down rapidly in these conditions because the chemical bond between the gold layer and the base metal weakens when exposed to moisture and heat.
PVD coating was specifically chosen by Priskel because the molecular-level bond between 18K gold and 316L surgical stainless steel does not weaken in humid or wet conditions. The coating performs identically whether you are in a Chennai monsoon, a Goa ocean, or a Delhi summer — which is why every Priskel piece comes with a Lifetime Colour Guarantee.
Is PVD coating safe for sensitive skin?
Yes. PVD coating is used in medical implants, surgical instruments, and aerospace components because of its biocompatibility. In jewellery, PVD coating over 316L surgical stainless steel creates a surface that is 100% nickel-free and lead-free — making it hypoallergenic and safe for people with metal allergies or sensitive skin. Unlike standard gold plating which may contain nickel in the base metal or binding agents, Priskel's PVD process uses only skin-safe materials throughout.
What is 316L surgical stainless steel?
316L surgical stainless steel is the base metal used in all Priskel jewellery. It is the same grade of steel used in medical implants, bone screws, and surgical instruments — chosen for its corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, and strength. The "L" designation means low carbon content, which further reduces the risk of corrosion and skin reactions. Combined with a 3-micron PVD coating, 316L steel provides a jewellery base that is safe, durable, and genuinely waterproof.
How thick is 3 microns?
One micron is one thousandth of a millimetre. Priskel's 3-micron PVD coating is thicker than a human red blood cell (approximately 2 microns in thickness). Standard gold plating is typically 0.3 microns — thin enough that a single scratch or prolonged water exposure can break through to the base metal. At 3 microns, Priskel's coating provides a meaningful barrier that withstands daily wear conditions without breaking down.
Frequently asked questions about PVD coating
Does PVD coating scratch?
PVD coating is significantly more scratch-resistant than standard gold plating due to its molecular bonding process. However, no surface coating is completely scratch-proof. Priskel recommends storing jewellery separately to avoid contact scratches, and avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals such as bleach, acetone, and cleaning agents.
Can PVD coated jewellery be worn in a swimming pool?
Yes. Priskel's PVD coating is resistant to chlorinated water. You can wear Priskel jewellery in swimming pools without colour loss or tarnishing. This is one of the key advantages of PVD over standard gold plating, which breaks down rapidly in chlorinated water.
Does PVD coating contain real gold?
Yes. Priskel uses 18K gold in the PVD process. The gold vaporised and deposited onto the stainless steel is genuine 18K gold — the same gold content as 18K solid gold jewellery. The difference is that it is applied as a coating rather than as a solid material, which makes it significantly more affordable while maintaining the same gold colour and quality.
How long does PVD coating last?
PVD coating on jewellery is designed to last the lifetime of the piece under normal wear conditions. Priskel backs this with a Lifetime Colour Guarantee — if the colour ever fades or tarnishes under normal wear, we replace the piece at no cost with no expiry date on the guarantee.
Is PVD coating the same as gold vermeil or gold filled?
No. Gold vermeil is a thick layer of gold electroplated over sterling silver — it is thicker than standard plating but still uses a chemical bonding process. Gold filled is a layer of gold mechanically bonded to a base metal under heat and pressure. PVD coating uses a vacuum-based molecular bonding process that creates a stronger, more waterproof bond than either vermeil or gold filled — and is applied over surgical stainless steel rather than silver, making it more resistant to corrosion and skin reactions.
