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Gold-plated stainless steel owes its color to a PVD (physical vapor deposition) treatment, which gives it excellent resistance to water, sweat, and everyday wear and tear. Compared to gold-plated, Gold Filled, or gold-plated brass, it offers the best balance of durability and price for everyday wear. It’s also a hypoallergenic option (especially 316L), ideal if you have sensitive skin.
It’s hard to miss this trend: gold-plated stainless steel jewelry is taking over collections, from delicate chains to charm bracelets, as well as statement rings and colorful hoop earrings. And this success is no coincidence.
Unlike many other gold-plated metals, stainless steel is highly resistant to water, sweat, and everyday wear and tear, making it the perfect choice for summer. Swimming, the beach, heat—your jewelry stays just as shiny even when you don’t take it off.
But how is this golden hue achieved on a metal that’s naturally silver-gray? Does it really last over time? And how does it compare to gold-plated or Gold Filled jewelry in terms of cost? Let’s take a closer look.
Stainless steel is naturally gray. To give it its golden color, a surface coating is applied, typically through a process called PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition).
PVD is a physical vapor deposition metallization method that reinforces your jewelry with a thin, highly durable layer. In the case of a steel base, the applied layer is titanium nitride (TiN).
The result is durable, gold-plated stainless steel that is cleaner and more environmentally friendly than electroplating. The gold finish will not flake off over time, although it may fade slightly.
Note that there is generally no difference in color between the various types of steel.
This is THE question everyone asks before investing in a new material. Good news: thanks to PVD, gold-plated stainless steel is among the most durable gold finishes on the market.
Generally, even though the shine fades slightly over time, the jewelry does not turn gray or silvery, as can happen with brass plating.
A few simple steps can extend its lifespan:
For daily care, our guide on how to clean stainless steel jewelry details all the best practices.
Gold-plated stainless steel (PVD) | 3-micron gold-plated | Gold Filled | Gold-plated brass | |
Process | Vacuum deposition (PVD): a layer of titanium nitride (TiN) coated with a layer of precious metal, such as gold, or metal alloys | An alloy of base metals, typically brass, plated with gold (between 12 and 18 karats) using an electroplating or chemical process, with a layer thickness of at least 3 microns | A treatment applied to a metal (often a brass base) involving the mechanical application of a layer of gold alloy. The weight of the gold alloy corresponds to 1/20 of the product’s total weight | A copper-zinc alloy with a naturally golden hue, sometimes coated with a gold flash or a protective varnish |
Hue of the gold finish | A gold tone slightly different from traditional gold plating; the color is stable and may lighten very slightly without turning silvery | Classic, warm yellow gold | Rich yellow gold, very close to solid gold | Gold that is often slightly lighter |
Durability | Excellent: TiN provides effective protection | Good, but wears down over time (friction, sweat) | Very good to excellent | Average to low: the gold finish (flash or varnish) can fade quickly |
Water/sweat resistance | Good | Average: not recommended for use in the shower or at the pool | Good | Low: Turns black or green easily when exposed to moisture |
Approximate price | 💵💵 | 💵💵💵 | 💵💵💵💵 | 💵 |
Hypoallergenic | Yes, 316 and 316L stainless steel | Varies depending on the base metal (brass = risk of reaction) | Generally well tolerated | Risk of reaction (nickel, oxidation) depending on the alloy |
Recommended use | Daily wear, jewelry meant to last | Occasional or special-occasion jewelry | High-end jewelry, frequent wear | Fashion jewelry, tight budget, occasional use |
Gold-plated stainless steel lends itself to all creative styles, from minimalist pieces to more statement-making designs:
Yes. Stainless steel can be hypoallergenic, particularly 316 and 316L stainless steel. The PVD coating does not affect this property.
Occasional use won't damage the jewelry, but, as with any type of jewelry, prolonged contact with chlorine or salt water accelerates wear on the gold plating. It's best to remove your jewelry before going for a long swim. We recommend using 316L stainless steel if you wear your jewelry underwater regularly. It is the most durable type of stainless steel.
No, regardless of the type of steel (316, 304L, 303, etc.), the gold finish generally remains the same. So, for example, you can pair a gold-plated 304 stainless steel chain with a gold-plated 316L stainless steel charm.
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