18k PVD Gold Plating FAQ - Complete Care Guide

What is 18k PVD Gold Plating?

Q: What does PVD stand for, and how does it work? A: PVD stands for Physical Vapor Deposition. It's an advanced coating process where 18k gold is vaporized in a vacuum chamber and then deposited onto the surface of jewellery or other items at the molecular level, creating an extremely durable and uniform coating.

Q: How is 18k PVD gold plating different from traditional gold plating? A: Unlike traditional electroplating, PVD creates a much stronger molecular bond with the base material. The coating is applied in a vacuum environment, resulting in superior adhesion, durability, and resistance to wear, tarnishing, and fading.

Benefits of 18k PVD Gold Plating

Q: What are the main durability benefits? A: 18k PVD gold plating offers exceptional durability benefits, including:

• Superior scratch resistance
  • up to 10 times more resistant than traditional plating
• Fade resistance
  • maintains color and luster for years
• Wear resistance
  • withstands daily use without showing signs of wear
• Corrosion protection
  • excellent resistance to tarnishing and oxidation

Q: How does PVD plating benefit sensitive skin? A: 18k PVD gold plating is hypoallergenic and biocompatible, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin or metal allergies. The dense, non-porous coating prevents base metals from coming into contact with skin.

Q: What are the aesthetic advantages? A: The aesthetic benefits include:

• Rich, luxurious 18k gold appearance at a fraction of solid gold cost
• Uniform coating thickness for consistent color and finish
• Brilliant shine that lasts longer than traditional plating
• Color consistency that won't fade or change over time

 

Complete Care Guide for 18k PVD Gold Plated Jewelry

Daily Care

Q: How should I wear my 18k PVD gold plated jewellery? A:

• Put jewellery on last
  • after applying perfumes, lotions, and makeup
• Remove first
  • Take off jewellery before washing hands, showering, or cleaning
• Avoid contact with harsh chemicals, chlorine, and cleaning products
• Remove during activities like exercising, swimming, or gardening

Q: What should I avoid to protect the plating? A: Avoid exposure to:

• Perfumes and cosmetics
  • Apply these before putting on jewellery
• Chlorinated water
  • pools, hot tubs, and some tap water
• Harsh chemicals
  • cleaning products, bleach, ammonia
• Excessive moisture
  • Remove before showering or swimming
• Abrasive surfaces
  • rough fabrics or materials that could scratch

Cleaning Instructions

Q: How do I properly clean 18k PVD gold-plated jewellery? A: Follow these steps:

1. Prepare cleaning solution
   • Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap
2. Gentle cleaning
   • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a cloth to gently clean
3. Rinse thoroughly
   • Use clean, lukewarm water to remove all soap residue
4. Dry completely
   • Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth
5. Air dry
   • allow to air dry completely before storing

Q: What cleaning products are safe to use? A: Safe options:

• Mild dish soap and warm water
• Specialized jewellery cleaning cloths
• Soft-bristled toothbrush for detailed areas
• Microfiber or cotton cloths

Q: What cleaning products should I never use? A: Avoid these:

• Ultrasonic cleaners
• Steam cleaners
• Abrasive polishing compounds
• Toothpaste or baking soda
• Harsh chemicals or bleach
• Paper towels (can scratch)

Storage Guidelines

Q: How should I store my 18k PVD gold plated jewellery? A: Proper storage includes:

• Individual storage
  • Keep pieces separated to prevent scratching
• Soft pouches
  • Use fabric pouches or lined jewellery boxes
• Dry environment
  • Store in a cool, dry place away from humidity
• Anti-tarnish strips
  • Consider using these in storage areas
• Avoid plastic bags
  • these can trap moisture

Q: Can I store different types of jewellery together? A: No, store PVD-plated jewelry separately from:

• Harder metals that could scratch the plating
• Sterling silver which can tarnish and affect other pieces
• Costume jewelry that may contain reactive metals

Long-term Maintenance

Q: How often should I clean my 18k PVD gold plated jewellery? A:

• Regular wear pieces
  • clean weekly or bi-weekly
• Occasional wear pieces
  • Clean before and after wearing
• After exposure
  • clean immediately after contact with chemicals or excessive moisture

Q: How can I maintain the shine and luster? 

Regular gentle polishing with a jewellery cloth

• Proper storage to prevent oxidation
• Immediate cleaning after exposure to substances that could dull the finish
• Professional inspection annually for high-value pieces

Q: When should I seek professional care? Contact a professional jeweller if you notice:

• Significant scratching or wear patterns
• Color changes or discoloration
• Loose settings or structural issues
• Persistent tarnishing despite proper care

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Q: My jewellery looks dull - what should I do? A:

• Clean gently with mild soap and water
• Polish with a jewellery cloth
• Ensure you're storing properly in a dry environment
• Avoid over-cleaning, which can wear down the plating

Q: I see small scratches - can they be removed? A: Minor scratches may be minimized with gentle polishing using a jewellery cloth. However, avoid abrasive polishing compounds as these can damage the PVD coating.

Q: How long will my 18k PVD gold-plated jewellery last with proper care? A: With proper care and maintenance, 18k PVD gold-plated jewellery can maintain its appearance and quality for 5-10 years or more, significantly longer than traditional gold plating.

Care Instructions for Customers

Q: What care card should I provide to customers? Include these essential points:

• Remove before swimming, showering, or exercising
• Clean weekly with mild soap and water
• Store in individual soft pouches
• Avoid contact with perfumes and chemicals
• Polish gently with  A jewellery cloth
• Professional cleaning recommended annually

This comprehensive care guide will help your customers maintain their 18k PVD gold-plated jewellery in excellent condition, ensuring long-lasting beauty and customer satisfaction.