FAQs

- WHAT IS THE DIFFERENT BETWEEN GOLD PLATING, PVD AND GOLD VERMEIL?

There are a number of gold plating processes, including Physical Vapour Deposition ('PVD'). This is a process than can be used for numerous materials but is often used as a way to apply one metal (in our case, 18k gold) with another metal (in our case, stainless steel, brass unless stated) to bond them together.

PVD is a vacuum coating process that utilises a titanium nitride that produces a brilliant decorative and functional finish. PVD is an extremely durable coating which is more resistant to corrosion from sweat and regular wear than gold plating.

Gold Plating occurs when a thin layer of real gold is plated onto another metal. Gold plating is often done to give the look of real gold at a fraction of the cost of having a piece of jewellery that is solid gold. Gold plating doesn’t offer the durability of gold PVD coating and when scratched can reveal the base material. We use the highest quality PVD process so that you get the aesthetic and durability. 

Gold Vermeil (pronounced vehr-may) is a term to describe jewellery that has a Sterling Silver base with gold plating at least 2.5 microns thick. Gold Plating is usually 1.0 micron so Gold Vermeil can last many years longer than standard Gold Plating.

- WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY WATER - RESISTANT ?

Our jewellery is plated using 18k Gold PVD Plating or 18k Gold Vermeil (see above). This means that our jewellery can withstand more exposure to moisture. With proper jewellery care, your jewels will last much longer than standard coated jewellery. However, we still advise to not wear your jewellery in water to maintain its shine.

It’s important to remember that all metal is susceptible to natural wear and will eventually oxidise, fade or require expert maintenance in its lifetime. Maintaining your gold plated pieces is a simple task and if you follow our jewellery care advice (which is included in all orders).

- IS YOUR JEWELLERY HYPO-ALLERGENIC?

Hypoallergenic jewellery is made from materials less likely to cause a reaction.

If you have an allergy to some jewellery, most of the time it's due to either Nickel and Copper. Brass is a Copper and Zinc alloy but our Stainless Steel pieces do not contain Nickel, Chronium or Lead which are common irritants for people who are sensitive to some jewellery.

The main concern would be if the plating wore thin, your skin would be exposed to the base metal. However, our pieces are coated using the PVD process (see above) with 18k (the higher the karat, the lesser the risk of reaction).

Please contact us directly at contact@aleksandrh.com in regards to any warranty claims or care instructions.