Water Plating vs Electroplating vs PVD

Gold-plated jewelry offers the luxurious look of gold without the high price tag. However, the plating method used affects durability, shine, and environmental impact. The three most common techniques are:

• Water Plating – A basic gold coating
• Electroplating – A widely used traditional method
• PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) – A modern, high-durability technique

What is Water Plating?

Water plating, also known as immersion plating, is a chemical process where a thin layer of gold is applied to jewelry without using electricity. The jewelry is dipped in a gold solution, where a chemical reaction deposits a microscopic layer of gold onto the surface.

Advantages of Water Plating

• ✔ Quick and inexpensive process
• ✔ Provides a temporary gold appearance
• ✔ Ideal for fashion jewelry that does not need long-term durability

Disadvantages of Water Plating

• ❌ Extremely thin gold layer that wears off quickly
• ❌ Not resistant to sweat, water, or daily wear
• ❌ Least durable of all gold-plating methods

What is Electroplating?

Electroplating is one of the most common methods for applying gold to jewelry. It uses an electric current to bond a thin layer of gold onto the surface of a base metal.

How Electroplating Works

1. The jewelry piece is placed in a solution containing gold ions.
2. An electric current passes through the solution, attracting gold particles to the jewelry’s surface.
3. A thin and smooth gold layer forms over time.

Advantages of Electroplating

• ✔ Affordable and widely used
• ✔ Provides a shiny, smooth finish
• ✔ Suitable for fashion jewelry and occasional wear

Disadvantages of Electroplating

• ❌ Gold layer is thin and wears off over time
• ❌ Can fade or tarnish with exposure to water, sweat, and chemicals
• ❌ Uses harsh chemicals that can be harmful to the environment

What is PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition)?

PVD is a cutting-edge coating technology that creates a stronger, longer-lasting gold finish. All MXW Jewellery stainless steel pieces use PVD plating for better quality and sustainability.

How PVD Plating Works

1. Jewelry is placed inside a vacuum chamber.
2. High-energy gas and heat break down gold into a vapor.
3. Gold particles bond at the atomic level, forming a thin but ultra-durable layer.

Advantages of PVD Plating

• ✔ Highly durable – More resistant to scratches, water, and sweat
• ✔ Long-lasting color – Gold finish does not fade or tarnish quickly
• ✔ Eco-friendly – No harsh chemicals used, making it a sustainable option
• ✔ More resistant to wear – Ideal for daily wear jewelry

Disadvantages of PVD Plating

• ❌ Slightly higher cost than electroplating due to the advanced technology
• ❌ Not commonly used on cheap base metals like brass

Comparison: Water Plating vs. Electroplating vs. PVD

Feature	Water Plating	Electroplating	PVD Plating
Durability	Low – fades quickly	Medium – wears off over time	High – scratch and tarnish-resistant
Thickness	Ultra-thin	0.5-2.5 microns	Thin but highly bonded
Water Resistance	Very low – not resistant to moisture	Low – fades with sweat and water	High – waterproof and sweatproof
Eco-Friendliness	Uses chemical immersion	Uses harsh chemicals	Environmentally friendly
Best For	Fashion jewelry, temporary use	Budget-friendly everyday jewelry	Long-lasting, high-quality jewelry

Which Gold-Plating Method is Best?

For temporary fashion jewelry, water plating is the cheapest option, but it fades quickly. Electroplating is a good balance of price and durability, especially with a thicker gold layer. For the most durable, long-lasting, and environmentally friendly gold-plated jewelry, PVD plating is the best choice.

At MXW Jewellery, we use PVD plating on all our stainless steel jewelry to ensure a durable, waterproof, and eco-friendly gold finish.

Explore our collection today and invest in jewelry that lasts!

🔗 Shop Gold-Plated Jewelry Now

📜 This article is an original publication by MXW Jewellery. All rights reserved. ✨