PVD Gold-Colour Jewellery: Finishes and Care
PVD stands for Physical Vapour Deposition, a process used to apply a thin coating in a vacuum. For jewellery buyers, the useful details are the base material, the stated finish and the care instructions for the particular piece. The word PVD alone does not establish how many years a finish will last.
What happens during PVD coating?
In PVD, a coating material is evaporated or sputtered in a vacuum system and deposited on a surface. Different materials and process conditions produce different coatings. This brief explanation follows Oerlikon Balzers' description of PVD processes; it is general process information, not a test report for Qimati jewellery.
Qimati buys and resells finished goods. We do not operate a factory or apply the coatings ourselves. Use the finish stated on the individual listing and contact us if you need clarification before ordering.
What does 18kt gold colour mean?
Where a listing uses “18kt gold colour”, “18kt gold-colour PVD” or “18KT Gold Tone”, it describes the appearance of the finish. It does not mean the jewellery is solid 18kt gold. Keep the colour or tone qualification when writing your own product descriptions.
What a coating name can and cannot tell you
| Information | What to check |
|---|---|
| Base metal | The individual listing's material, such as 316L stainless steel, 304 stainless steel or brass. |
| Coating process | The product's stated finish. A photograph cannot reliably identify the process. |
| Thickness and hardness | Product-specific documentation or test results. We do not apply a general micron or hardness figure to the catalogue. |
| Service life | The conditions of use and care. We do not promise a fixed number of months or years for every piece. |
| Skin suitability | Evidence for the particular item. A PVD or stainless-steel label alone does not establish hypoallergenic or nickel-free status. |
Does a PVD finish wear with use?
A coated finish can change or wear with use. Rubbing, handling, storage and chemical exposure matter, alongside the individual product's material and finish. A process label is not a guarantee against scratches, colour changes or wear.
We do not describe PVD jewellery as universally ten times harder than other plating or promise “years versus months”. Those comparisons require suitable evidence for the particular products being compared.
Can I shower or swim in it?
Follow Qimati's care instructions: remove jewellery before bathing, swimming, cleaning, physical activity and sleeping. Keep it away from perfume, lotion, hair products and harsh chemicals. Wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth and store pieces separately in a cool, dry place.
Do not treat continuous showering, sweating or deliberate scratching as a recommended wear test. See the full jewellery care guide and pass the same advice on to your customers.
Questions to ask before a wholesale order
- What is the material of this product code?
- What finish and colour are stated for this particular design?
- What care instructions should I give my customer?
- Is there documentation to support any technical claim I intend to advertise?
- What should I check when the parcel arrives, and how do I report a problem?
Check the damage-reporting policy before delivery, including its continuous unboxing video requirement. Contact the Qimati team for product questions. A supplier's wording or a brief visual inspection should not be presented as a laboratory test.
Frequently asked questions
Is every Qimati item made from the same material?
No. Our jewellery range includes 316L stainless steel, 304 stainless steel and brass. Accessories have their own specifications. Check each product listing.
Does PVD mean waterproof or scratch-proof?
No. We do not make those promises. Follow the care instructions for the jewellery and avoid describing the coating as permanent.
Can I tell whether a piece is PVD from a photo?
No. Check the product description and request clarification or relevant documentation if needed.
Where can I see wholesale prices?
Browse the current catalogue. Qimati is wholesale only, with a ₹1,000 minimum order and prepaid payment. Applicable taxes and delivery charges are separate.
