PVD Plating & 316L Surgical Steel

When choosing jewellery, the materials matter just as much as the design. The pieces in our collection are crafted using 316L surgical grade stainless steel and finished with 18K gold PVD plating. This combination means our jewellery looks beautiful whilst standing up to regular wear.

What is 316L Surgical Stainless Steel?

316L surgical stainless steel is a premium grade of stainless steel commonly used in medical tools, surgical equipment, and high-quality jewellery.

It is widely recognised for its strength, tarnish & corrosion resistance, and skin-friendly properties, making it ideal for jewellery designed to be worn regularly.

Benefits of 316L Stainless Steel

Highly Durable
316L steel is extremely strong and resistant to scratches, bending, and regular wear.

Corrosion Resistant
Unlike lower grades of steel, 316L resists rust and tarnishing, even with exposure to moisture.

Hypoallergenic
This material is considered safe for most people with sensitive skin because it contains very low levels of nickel release.

Long-Lasting Shine
316L stainless steel maintains its appearance over time without needing regular polishing.

Because of these properties, 316L steel is often referred to as “surgical steel”, reflecting the high standard of the material.

What is PVD Plating?

PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) is a modern plating process used to apply a coloured finish - such as gold, rose gold, or black - onto stainless steel jewellery.

Unlike traditional plating methods, PVD uses a vacuum coating process where the plating material is vaporised and bonded to the surface of the metal at a molecular level.

This results in a finish that is significantly more durable and resistant to wear.

Benefits of PVD Plating

Much More Durable Than Traditional Plating
PVD coatings are up to 10 times thicker than standard electroplating.

Scratch & Wear Resistant
The bonded coating is far less likely to fade, chip, or peel.

Tarnish Resistant
PVD plating helps maintain the jewellery’s colour and shine for longer.

Environmentally Friendly Process
PVD plating produces far less chemical waste than traditional plating methods.

Why We Use 316L Steel with PVD Plating

Combining 316L surgical stainless steel with PVD plating creates jewellery that offers the best of both worlds:

  • A strong, durable base metal
  • A beautiful long-lasting coloured finish
  • Comfortable wear for sensitive skin
  • Easy care

This means your jewellery can be worn regularly while still maintaining its colour and finish.

Care Tips

While these materials are extremely durable, a little care will help keep your jewellery looking its best:

• Avoid harsh chemicals such as perfumes, chlorine, and cleaning products
• Store each piece separately to prevent scratching
• Wipe with a soft cloth after wearing (a silver polishing cloth works exceptionally well!)

Jewellery Designed to Last

Ensuring we only supply jewellery made from 316L surgical stainless steel, with 18k gold PVD plating allows us to offer pieces that combine style, durability, and everyday practicality.

Pieces that look beautiful - and stay that way.