The durability of Foramour Plating - an explainer

by Nitika K on Apr 17 2026
Table of Contents

    The question customers ask us the most is "will the jewellery go black? Can it sustain salt-water, sweat and other elements?"

    Short answer - The plating on your Foramour jewellery will endure. Wear it everyday, everywhere. 

    We give 1 year warranty on plating to put your mind at ease. Here is, additionally, an explainer on the plating process/methods we use.

    Foramour jewellery is 18K gold-plated or rhodium-plated, with layers that have thickness in microns (1 micron = .001 mm). There may also be an additional coating of a clear, organic, polymer layer that further seals the metal from external elements.

    While the plating layer is very thin, the methods we use ensure that it is durable. 

      1. PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) / Ion-plating
        This is the plating process used also in luxury watches and bath fittings etc.

        Inside a vacuum chamber, at a high temperature, a plasma of gold atoms are fired at the jewellery at high speeds. The layer of gold fuses at a molecular/ionic level, creating a very strong bond with the base metal.  

        PVD is the Titanium of plating. It is highly resistant to sweat, salt, and friction. A thickness of 0.5-1 micron (1/1000 mm) is sufficient to create durable plating that lasts for over a year.
          
      2. Electroplating 
        This is the traditional Liquid Chemical Dip. The jewellery is submerged in a liquid solution containing gold ions. An electric current is passed through the tank, causing the gold to stick to the jewellery.

        Electroplating is less durable than PVD. Therefore, a thickness of 1.5-2.5 microns is applied to sustain for a longer period of time.


      Different jewellery pieces, different friction points: 

      Why Rings/Bracelets wear off faster than earrings/necklaces/pendants

      Earrings & Necklaces (Low Friction)

      • These pieces rarely touch hard surfaces. Their primary enemies are perfume, hairspray, and sweat.
      • Because they experience very little rubbing, a quality plating of 1.0 micron can easily last over a year.

      Rings & Bracelets (High Friction)

      • These are high-contact items. They rub against table tops, your pockets, and even other jewellery. They are also exposed to hand soaps, sanitizers, and constant skin oils.
      • For longevity, these require a much thicker armor - typically 2.5 microns of electroplating (with e-coating, if required), or 1 micron of PVD. With this thickness, they can handle daily wear for 12 to 24 months before showing any signs of the base metal.
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