PVD vs. Traditional Plating: Which Offers Better Longevity in Jewelry?

When it comes to jewelry, longevity matters. We all want our favorite pieces to sparkle for years without the drama of tarnishing, fading, or flaking. Whether you're someone who never takes off their jewelry (yes, even in the shower!) or you're just tired of polishing your pieces constantly, understanding the type of plating your jewelry has is key.

Today, we're diving into PVD plating vs. traditional plating and exploring which one stands the test of time. And yes, we’ll be talking about how we use both at STUDIYO Jewelry and which pieces feature each type.

What is Traditional Plating?

Traditional plating, sometimes referred to as electroplating, involves depositing a thin layer of gold, rhodium, or another metal over a base material like brass or sterling silver. It’s been around forever, and for good reason: it gives you the look of solid gold at a fraction of the cost.

Pros:

• Beautiful, shiny finish that mimics solid gold

• Affordable

• Works well for special occasion or low-impact wear

Cons:

• Usually plated super thin and prone to fading or rubbing off over time (especially with everyday wear)

• Can tarnish depending on base metal and exposure

• Requires extra care (no water, no harsh soaps, storage in a dry place)

At STUDIYO Jewelry, we use heavy gold plating over brass (2.5 microns thick!) for pieces like the Lite Necklace and the Perched Bird Earrings. That extra thickness means better durability than standard plating, but traditional care rules still apply.

What is PVD Plating?

PVD stands for Physical Vapor Deposition, which sounds like a sci-fi experiment but is actually a high-tech process that uses a vacuum chamber to vaporize a metal (like gold or titanium) and then deposit it atom by atom onto the jewelry’s surface. Unlike traditional electroplating, which relies on a liquid bath and electric current to plate a piece, PVD physically bonds the coating at a molecular level—resulting in a harder, more scratch-resistant surface. It’s most commonly used on stainless steel and is known for being more durable than traditional plating.

Pros:

• More long-lasting than standard electroplating

• Generally more scratch-resistant and tarnish-resistant

• Great for people who are hard on their jewelry

• Won’t flake or wear off as quickly as thinner traditional coatings

Cons:

• Can be slightly more expensive compared to standard gold-plated jewelry

• Not indestructible—PVD finishes can still fade over time, especially with heavy wear or abrasion

Our Cast in Steel Collection is made with 304 stainless steel and PVD coating. Pieces like the Adorn Cuffs and Starburst Studs are built for daily wear—just keep in mind that like any finish, some care goes a long way. To keep your PVD pieces looking fresh, we recommend rinsing them in warm water after heavy wear or exposure to lotions and sweat. Avoid abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals, and store them in a soft pouch when not in use to prevent scratching. While PVD is incredibly durable, a little love helps them last even longer!

Hypoallergenic Qualities: What You Need to Know

If you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergic reactions, the type of coating on your jewelry can make a big difference.

Traditional Gold or Rhodium Plating: Gold and rhodium themselves are considered hypoallergenic metals. However, traditional plating is typically a thin layer over a base metal like brass or silver. Once this outer layer begins to wear down, the base metal underneath can come into contact with the skin and potentially cause irritation—especially if it’s brass. That said, while the gold plating itself is unlikely to trigger a reaction, its effectiveness as a barrier depends on thickness and wear. At STUDIYO Jewelry, we use 2.5 microns of gold plating to give extra longevity and protection, and use sterling silver ear as a base metal for ear posts.

PVD Coating: PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) creates a highly durable finish that doesn’t just sit on the surface—it bonds tightly to the metal. As a coating, PVD is inert and hypoallergenic, meaning it’s unlikely to cause any skin reaction. On top of that, it acts as a strong, long-lasting barrier that keeps whatever base metal is underneath completely sealed off from your skin. So whether it’s on stainless steel or brass, PVD-coated jewelry is a solid option for anyone looking to minimize irritation. Rings like the Tile Ring are perfect if you want comfort without compromising on durability.

If you’re unsure, start with PVD-coated pieces and see how your skin reacts. Your fingers, wrists, and ears will thank you.

So, Which One Lasts Longer?

If you’re looking for a high-performance, low-maintenance piece, PVD-plated stainless steel wins hands down. It’s ideal for daily wear and tear and requires almost no upkeep. If you want the luxe look of gold and are okay with giving your jewelry a little TLC, traditional plating (especially heavy plating) still has a place in your collection.

At STUDIYO Jewelry, we offer both:

• Traditional heavy gold plating for a luxurious finish

• PVD stainless steel options for those who want a no-fuss, never-take-it-off kind of piece

TL;DR

Final Thoughts

Jewelry is personal, and so is how you wear it. Whether you're a "take it off every night" kind of person or someone who forgets they’re even wearing earrings, there's a STUDIYO piece for you. Explore our Cast in Steel Collection for stainless steel staples or browse our gold-plated favorites.

Let your jewelry match your lifestyle—not the other way around.