What is PVD coating?
PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) is a vacuum-based process that bonds 18K gold to 316L surgical steel at a molecular level. Every Priskel piece carries a 3-micron 18K PVD coating, ten times thicker than standard gold plating: genuinely waterproof, tarnish-free and made to last.
How does PVD coating work?
The piece is placed inside a vacuum chamber. Gold atoms are vaporised using high-energy plasma and deposited onto the stainless steel at a molecular level. Because the bonding happens in a vacuum at the atomic scale, the gold 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, including daily exposure to water, sweat, soap and humidity.
Why is PVD better for Indian conditions?
India's climate is one of the most demanding for jewellery: high humidity, monsoon seasons, coastal salt air and extreme summers. Standard gold-plated jewellery breaks down quickly here because the chemical bond between the gold and the base metal weakens with moisture and heat.
The molecular bond between 18K gold and 316L surgical steel does not weaken in humid or wet conditions. It performs the same in a Chennai monsoon, a Goa ocean or a Delhi summer, which is why every everyday piece carries a Lifetime Colour Guarantee.
Is PVD coating safe for sensitive skin?
Yes. PVD is used in medical implants, surgical instruments and aerospace components because of its biocompatibility. Over 316L surgical steel it creates a surface that is 100% nickel-free and lead-free: hypoallergenic and safe for people with metal allergies. Unlike standard plating, which may contain nickel in the base metal or binding agents, our process uses only skin-safe materials throughout.
What is 316L surgical stainless steel?
316L is the base metal in all Priskel jewellery: the same grade used in medical implants, bone screws and surgical instruments, chosen for its corrosion resistance, biocompatibility and strength. The "L" means low carbon, which further reduces the risk of corrosion and skin reactions.
How thick is 3 microns?
One micron is one thousandth of a millimetre. Our 3-micron coating is thicker than a human red blood cell (about 2 microns). Standard gold plating is typically 0.3 microns, thin enough that a single scratch or long water exposure can break through to the base metal. At 3 microns, the coating is a meaningful barrier that holds up to daily wear.
PVD coating vs
standard gold plating.
The same 18K gold colour, bonded in a completely different way.
| Feature | Standard gold plating | Priskel PVD |
|---|---|---|
| Coating thickness | 0.3 microns | 3 microns (10× thicker) |
| Bonding | Chemical electroplating | Vacuum molecular bonding |
| Waterproof | No, fades with water | Yes: shower, swim, sweat |
| Tarnish-free | Fades within weeks to months | For life |
| Skin safe | May cause reactions (nickel) | 100% hypoallergenic |
| Durability | Peels and chips over time | Does not peel or chip |
| Guarantee | None | Lifetime Colour Guarantee |
- 3 μm
- 18K gold layer, thicker than a red blood cell
- 10×
- thicker than standard gold plating
- 316L
- surgical steel, the grade used in medical implants
Wear it in the
shower tomorrow.
Our most-loved piece, in 3-micron 18K PVD over 316L surgical steel.
You might also wonder
Does PVD coating scratch?
PVD is significantly more scratch-resistant than standard gold plating thanks to its molecular bond, but no surface coating is completely scratch-proof. Store pieces separately to avoid contact scratches, and keep them away from bleach, acetone and cleaning agents.
Can PVD jewellery be worn in a swimming pool?
Yes. Our PVD coating is resistant to chlorinated water, so you can swim without colour loss or tarnishing, one of its key advantages over standard plating.
Does PVD coating contain real gold?
Yes. We use genuine 18K gold in the PVD process, the same gold content as 18K solid gold. It is applied as a coating rather than a solid, which keeps it affordable with the same colour and quality.
How long does PVD coating last?
It is designed to last the lifetime of the piece under normal wear, and we back that with our Lifetime Colour Guarantee.
Is PVD the same as gold vermeil or gold filled?
No. Vermeil is thick gold electroplated over sterling silver, still a chemical bond. Gold filled is gold mechanically bonded under heat and pressure. PVD uses a vacuum-based molecular bond that is stronger and more waterproof than either, applied over surgical steel rather than silver, so it resists corrosion and skin reactions.
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