ION vs PVD Plating: What Is the Difference for Gold Jewellery?
The short answer: ION plating is not an alternative to PVD – it is a PVD method. PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) is the family of vacuum coating processes, and ion plating is one of them. The real comparison is between ION plating and traditional gold plating (electroplating). DANSK Copenhagen, founded in Copenhagen in 1971, uses 18K ION plating on 316L stainless steel for all gold-tone steel designs.
- Is ION plating the same as PVD? Ion plating is one type of PVD.
- What does DANSK Copenhagen use? 18K ION plated gold on a 316L steel base.
- Can I shower in it? Yes. Our 316L jewellery is designed to be waterproof.
- Does it tarnish? 18K ION plated gold is tarnish-resistant. Silver-tone steel has no plating, so it is tarnish-free.
What Is PVD Plating?
PVD is a group of coating methods that take place in a vacuum chamber. The coating metal is turned into vapour and settles on the surface of the jewellery as a thin, even layer. No liquid bath is involved.
What Is ION Plating?
ION plating is a PVD method in which the vaporised metal particles carry an electric charge as they settle on the surface. At DANSK Copenhagen we use it to apply 18K gold to 316L stainless steel, designed for a finish that holds up better to daily wear.
ION plating is a dry vacuum process. Unlike traditional electroplating, it doesn't use liquid plating baths, so it doesn't produce the chemical wastewater that electroplating does.
ION Plating vs Traditional Gold Plating
| 18K ION plating (PVD) | Traditional gold plating (electroplating) | |
|---|---|---|
| Process | Vacuum chamber, metal applied as vapour | Liquid bath with an electric current |
| Base metal | 316L stainless steel (our gold-tone steel designs) | Varies – often brass or silver |
| Daily wear | Designed for a finish that holds up better to daily wear | Depends on layer thickness and base metal |
| Water | Designed to be waterproof on 316L steel | Depends on the product |
Gold or Silver: How Our Colours Are Made
- Silver-tone: the natural colour of the 316L steel, solid all the way through. There is no plating, so it is tarnish-free.
- Gold-tone: 18K ION plated on the steel for lasting colour. Tarnish-resistant.
- Skin: 316L is hypoallergenic at material level – confirmed on each product page. Read about hypoallergenic jewellery.
How to Care for 18K ION Plated Jewellery
Rinse in fresh water after the sea or the pool and dry with a soft cloth. Wash with a little mild soap when needed. Store designs separately so they do not rub against each other, and take them off for heavy work with tools or abrasive surfaces. More tips on caring for waterproof jewellery.
ION Plating Questions
Is ION plating better than PVD?
They are not opposites. Ion plating is a PVD method, so the useful comparison is with traditional electroplating.
Why does DANSK Copenhagen use ION plating?
It lets us apply 18K gold to 316L steel in a vacuum, designed for a finish that holds up better to daily wear.
Will 18K ION plated gold fade?
It is tarnish-resistant. Like any surface finish, it can show wear over time from friction, so following the care tips helps it keep its colour.
Can I shower and swim with it?
Yes. Our 316L jewellery is designed to be waterproof. Rinse in fresh water after salt or chlorinated water.
Is all your gold jewellery ION plated?
All gold-tone 316L steel designs are 18K ION plated. Some designs in our Fashion Jewellery category are gold-plated brass. Each product page states the material and finish.
Shop gold jewellery · Read the Jewellery Guide
Made with Love. Designed to Last.