Not All Gold Jewelry is Created Equal
If you've ever bought a gold-toned piece of jewelry only to watch it fade, tarnish, or turn your skin green after a few wears, you're not alone. The difference between jewelry that lasts and jewelry that doesn't often comes down to one thing: how it's made.
At Solumar, our Aura Collection is built on a foundation of stainless steel with 18K gold PVD plating — and there's a reason we chose this over traditional gold plating. Here's what you need to know.
What is Traditional Gold Plating?
Traditional gold plating involves applying a thin layer of gold over a base metal (often brass or copper) using an electroplating process. While it looks beautiful at first, the gold layer is typically very thin — sometimes just 0.5 microns — which means it wears off quickly with everyday use, exposure to water, sweat, and skincare products.
The result? Fading, discoloration, and that dreaded green tint on your skin.
What is 18K Gold PVD?
PVD stands for Physical Vapor Deposition — a cutting-edge coating technology used in industries from aerospace to medical devices. In jewelry, PVD applies a layer of 18K gold to a stainless steel base in a vacuum chamber at the molecular level, creating a bond that is significantly harder and more durable than traditional electroplating.
The result is a finish that is:
- Tarnish-resistant — it holds its color far longer than standard gold plating
- Water-friendly — safe for swimming, showering, and sweating
- Hypoallergenic — the stainless steel base is gentle on sensitive skin
- Scratch-resistant — the PVD bond is harder and more durable
Why Solumar Chose 18K Gold PVD for the Aura Collection
We designed the Aura Collection for real life — for beach days, resort trips, everyday wear, and everything in between. We wanted pieces that could keep up with your lifestyle without requiring constant care or replacement.
From the Liquid Teardrop Open Ring to the Palma Emerald Statement Pendant and the Golden Tide Bracelet, every Aura piece is crafted to maintain its brilliance wear after wear.
The Bottom Line
When you invest in jewelry, you deserve pieces that last. 18K gold PVD on stainless steel gives you the look of luxury with the durability of fine jewelry — at a fraction of the price of solid gold.
That's the Solumar promise. Explore the full Aura Collection and find your forever pieces.