The durability of plating - an explainer

The question customers ask most often is whether our jewellery will sustain everyday-usage.

Will it go black? Can it sustain salt-water, sweat and other elements?

Short answer - wear your jewellery everyday, everywhere. The plating will endure.

We give 1 year warranty on plating to reassure you of the quality of your Foramour jewels. Here is, additionally, an explainer on our plating process/methods.

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, providing an additional waterproof barrier against sweat and salt water.

While gold/rhodium layer is very thin, the process/volume we use ensures that it is durable. 

    1. PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) / Ion-plating
      Inside a vacuum chamber, at a high temperature, solid gold is blasted with electricity until it turns into a plasma (a cloud of atoms). These atoms are then 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, that doesn't come off easily. A thickness of 0.5-1 micron (1/1000 mm) is sufficient to create durable plating that lasts for over a year. 

      PVD is the Titanium of plating. It is highly resistant to sweat, salt, and friction. It doesn't flake because it is physically embedded into the surface.
        
    2. Electroplating (The Liquid Bath)
      This is the traditional 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; it is more prone to wearing down over time from friction. Which is why - the thickness of the plating becomes critical. A thickness of 1.5-2.5 microns is often necessary for the plating, to sustain for a long period of time.

     

    The plating process/methods we use:

    Feature/Process PVD / IP Plating Electroplating 
    Typical Thickness 0.5 microns to 1.0 microns 1.0 micron to 3.0 micron
    Why it works Though thinner, the layer is extremely dense and hard. Doesn't come off easily. It relies on volume. You want to put a thick slab of gold on the piece so it takes a long time to rub away.
    Base metal used Stainless Steel  Brass or Copper
    Sweat/Salt/Water Highly durable. The PVD/IP vacuum seal is airtight. Resistant, but may require an e-Coating (ceramic seal) to ensure durability across years.

     

    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.

    Maintenance guide for lasting shine -

    Lastly, even the best plating process, and thickest of coats, can succumb to constant attack from chemicals, like chlorinated water, or perfumes. Taking care of your jewellery always adds months to their life.

    To keep your warranty-backed pieces looking good as new:

    1. Rinse with fresh water after swimming in the ocean or a chlorinated pool to remove salt and chemicals.
    2. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.
    3. Apply lotions and perfumes before putting on your jewelry.