Gold Earrings | 18k Gold PVD Hoops, Studs & Drops

In terms of durability, yes — significantly. Standard gold plating uses an electrochemical process that deposits a thin gold layer (typically 0.5–1.5 microns) onto a base metal. This layer wears through within months of regular use, especially at high-friction points like earring posts and hinges. PVD coating bonds gold to the surface using vacuum technology, creating a much stronger adhesion that lasts years rather than months. The colour is also richer with PVD — closer to solid gold in warmth and depth.

Standard gold-plated earrings can, because the base metal underneath (usually brass or copper) reacts with moisture and skin acidity once the plating wears through. Our gold earrings won't cause this because the base is 316L stainless steel — a non-reactive, nickel-free alloy that doesn't produce the copper salts responsible for green discolouration. Even if the PVD gold finish were to wear down after years of use, the steel underneath is inert against skin. See our full guide on why jewellery turns skin green.

Yes. PVD coating is specifically resistant to water, chlorine, saltwater, soap, and sweat. Unlike standard gold plating, which gradually degrades with repeated water exposure, the vacuum-bonded PVD finish doesn't thin or break down in wet conditions. Most of our customers wear their earrings 24/7, including in the shower and pool.

With daily wear, you can expect years of consistent colour and finish. We offer a two-year colour guarantee on all PVD-coated pieces. Many customers report their earrings looking as good as new well beyond that. For comparison, standard gold-plated earrings typically show visible wear within 3–6 months of daily use, and gold vermeil lasts roughly 1–2 years before the finish noticeably thins.

Yes. The base metal is 316L surgical-grade stainless steel — the same alloy used in medical implants and body piercings, chosen specifically because it's nickel-free and biocompatible. The PVD gold coating itself is also non-reactive. This applies to every component, including posts and backs, which is where most earring-related skin reactions originate.

Solid gold earrings are made entirely from a gold alloy (mixed with other metals for strength), making them more valuable as a material but also softer, scratchable, and significantly more expensive. Our 18k gold PVD earrings have a stainless steel core with a gold surface bonded through vacuum deposition. They're harder, more scratch-resistant, fully waterproof, and hypoallergenic — at a fraction of the price. The trade-off is that PVD is a surface treatment rather than solid gold throughout, so it doesn't carry the same resale or melt value. For everyday earrings you want to wear without worrying, PVD over stainless steel is the more practical choice.