PVD Stainless Steel Jewelry

Stainless steel jewelry now comes in a variety of colors. A coating process far superior to gold or silver plating known as physical vapor deposition is used.

Physical vapor deposition (PVD) is a way of adding a thin layer of material to a surface. This method uses a vacuum to turn a solid material into a gas, which then sticks onto the surface to create a thin film. This can be done on a variety of materials, including metals, ceramics, glass, and polymers. When used on stainless steel, a variety of colors can be created depending on the solid material and the gas used. Gold, rose gold, brown, copper, black, blue, and dark gray are common. Or red as in the Jeff Koons Red Balloon Flower sculpture.

PVD extends the life of a piece of jewelry beyond the ordinary rust and corrosion resistance of stainless steel. It’s also scratch resistant. Ideal for wearing daily.

Image: New York - May 31, 2018: Red Balloon Flower by Jeff Koons at 7 World Trade Center, New York, across from where the Twin Towers stood. The Flower is an homage to 9/11 survivors. — Photo by AlenaKr