Jewelry Materials and Finish Guide
Materials, explained clearly
Know what a jewelry claim actually means
Terms such as gold-plated, PVD, stainless steel, anti-tarnish, waterproof and hypoallergenic are not interchangeable. A reliable product page should identify the base metal, finish and any limits that apply to wear, water or skin sensitivity.
The short version
Six common jewelry terms
Gold-plated
A layer of gold or gold-colored finish applied over a base metal. It is not solid gold. Wear depends on the base, process, thickness, coating and use.
PVD
Physical vapour deposition is a coating process. PVD can create a durable finish, but performance still depends on preparation, coating thickness, base metal and testing.
Stainless steel
A family of iron-based alloys valued for corrosion resistance. Grades and finishes differ, so “stainless steel” alone does not establish plating quality or skin suitability.
Anti-tarnish
A performance claim suggesting reduced discoloration under stated conditions. It should not mean that a finish can never change or wear.
Waterproof
A strong claim that should be supported by test conditions. Water-resistant is also limited: chlorine, salt water, heat, soap and repeated wetting can affect finishes differently.