PVD Jewellery vs Plated Jewellery
Victoria Rodas 19 August 2025
When shopping for ear and body jewellery, you may have come across the terms PVD and plating, but what do they really mean? We’re here to explain the difference and show how understanding these terms can help you make smarter choices. Ultimately, you’ll see why PVD comes out on top: it’s stronger, more durable, and waterproof, making it a better long-term investment for your jewellery collection.
What is PVD Coating?
PVD, or Physical Vapor Deposition, is a high-quality process where materials like titanium are vaporized in a vacuum chamber and permanently bonded to jewellery at a molecular level. This creates a thin yet incredibly durable coating that resists scratches, fading, tarnishing, and everyday wear. The result is jewellery that keeps its colour and shine for years, even with regular use.
This coating is perfect for those who want jewellery that is both stylish and long-lasting. PVD is also considered hypoallergenic when applied to metals like titanium and surgical steel, making it a safe choice for people with sensitive skin or for new piercings where irritation is more likely.
At Essential Beauty Shop, we offer PVD-coated jewellery in beautiful 24K gold, rose gold, and black finishes, with a wide variety of designs to suit every style. Our PVD coating is three times thicker than most on the market, making it exceptionally durable and long-lasting. It’s designed to withstand daily wear, including showering, swimming, and activities that involve heavy sweating.
What is Plating?
Plating is one of the most common and traditional methods used to change the colour of jewellery. The process involves dipping the piece into a solution containing metal ions, such as gold or silver. These ions bond to the surface, forming a thin, shiny layer that enhances the jewellery’s appearance and gives it a polished, high-end look.
While plated jewellery can look stunning when first purchased, it generally lacks the long-lasting durability of PVD-coated pieces. Because the plated layer is quite thin, it is more prone to fading, chipping, and wearing away over time, especially with frequent wear or exposure to water, sweat, and chemicals. Once this layer wears off, the base metal underneath becomes visible, which can affect both the appearance and value of the piece.
Another important consideration is that plated jewellery is typically not hypoallergenic. This means that individuals with sensitive skin or metal allergies may experience irritation or discomfort if the base metal contains allergens such as nickel. For those looking for both beauty and longevity in their jewellery, it’s worth weighing these factors before choosing plated pieces.
Why does PVD or Plating matter for Ear & Body Jewellery?
Ear and body jewellery is more than just an accessory, it’s something you wear daily, becoming a natural part of your style and routine. That’s why it’s important to choose pieces that are durable, stylish, and comfortable to wear.
PVD-coated jewellery is an excellent choice for piercings that experience constant movement or friction. This includes ear piercings like daith, rook, tragus, and other cartilage placements, as well as body piercings such as belly, facial, and oral piercings like the tongue. Its durability makes it ideal for areas that need both style and long-lasting wear.
Plated jewellery can work well for pieces that are worn occasionally or can be easily swapped out, such as fashion accessories. However, it’s not ideal for areas exposed to moisture, like mouth or tongue piercings, as the plating can wear away more quickly in these conditions.
What is the better choice?
For most body piercings, PVD-coated jewellery comes out on top. It offers superior durability, is safer for sensitive skin, and withstands the constant movement and exposure that piercings face. Plus, its vibrant colours stay bright for longer, keeping your jewellery looking fresh and eye-catching.
How to Spot PVD Coated Jewellery?
High-quality PVD-coated pieces are clearly labelled as such in the product description or on the packaging. These markings indicate jewellery designed to last and perform well in piercings. If you’re ever unsure, check the listing details or contact the retailer to confirm.
Here at Essential Beauty Shop, we always use PVD coated jewellery to ensure that every piece of jewellery you buy is high-quality and durable. Check out our online pieces here or contact your local Essential Beauty to see if your favourite piece is in stock!
