Gold Necklaces | 18k Gold PVD Chains, Pendants & Chokers

For necklaces specifically, the difference is significant. Necklace chains create constant link-on-link friction that wears through standard electroplated gold within months — often unevenly, leaving some sections faded while others still look bright. PVD coating is bonded through vacuum technology at a molecular level, making it far more resistant to this kind of mechanical wear. The colour is also richer and warmer with PVD, closer to solid gold than standard plating achieves.

Standard gold-plated necklaces can, because the base metal (usually brass or copper) reacts with sweat and skin oils once the plating wears through. The neck is especially prone to this because sweat collects there and the chain is in constant contact. Our gold necklaces use 316L stainless steel underneath the PVD coating — a non-reactive, nickel-free alloy that doesn't produce the copper salts responsible for green discolouration. See our full guide on why jewellery turns skin green.

Yes. PVD coating is resistant to water, chlorine, saltwater, soap, and sweat. Unlike standard gold plating which softens and thins with repeated water exposure, the vacuum-bonded PVD finish maintains its integrity through daily showers and regular swimming. Most of our customers wear their gold necklaces 24/7 without removing them for any water activity.

With daily wear, you can expect years of consistent colour. We guarantee the PVD finish for two years, though many customers report their necklaces looking identical to the day they purchased well beyond that. For comparison, standard gold-plated necklaces typically show visible wear within 3–6 months of daily use, and gold vermeil lasts roughly 1–2 years. The 316L stainless steel base itself is essentially permanent.

Solid gold necklaces are made from a gold alloy throughout, giving them inherent material value and a softer feel. They're also significantly more expensive — typically £200+ for a simple chain. Our 18k gold PVD necklaces have a stainless steel core with gold bonded to the surface 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, so it doesn't carry resale or melt value. For a necklace you want to wear every day without concern, PVD over stainless steel is the more practical choice.

Yes. The base metal is 316L surgical-grade stainless steel — nickel-free and the same alloy used in medical implants. The 18k gold PVD coating is also non-reactive. This applies to every component: chain links, clasp, jump rings, and pendant settings. If standard gold necklaces cause itching, redness, or green marks on your neck, our PVD-coated collection eliminates all three problems.