Gold in Piercing Jewelry – PVD Coating or Testing?

Piercing jewelry is a unique way to express your individuality. Of the various options available on the market, gold earrings are the most popular. However, real gold isn't easy on the wallet... so in this article, we'll take a closer look at alternative options! Can titanium earrings also be dyed gold? What exactly is PVD coating? Finally, we'll also tell you how to recognize real gold!

Besides the obvious, which is the production of real 14-karat gold earrings, this noble color can also be achieved on titanium earrings. Two alternative methods of coloring the metal are used for this purpose.

What is PVD coating?

PVD coating, or Physical Vapor Deposition , is an innovative method of applying metallic coatings to jewelry. This process involves creating a coating structure by condensing metal vapor on the surface, guaranteeing durability and abrasion resistance. Titanium earrings with a PVD coating are characterized by excellent durability and an exceptionally aesthetic gold finish. Sometimes it's even difficult to tell the difference between gold earrings and gold titanium earrings with a PVD coating!

Anodizing piercing jewelry

Anodization is a chemical process that imparts a colorful appearance to jewelry through controlled oxidation of the surface. In the case of titanium earrings, anodization can produce a variety of gold tones, creating unique patterns and visual effects. However, it's worth noting that the color of piercing jewelry obtained by anodization is more likely to resemble shades of yellow than actual, lustrous gold.

To ensure that the piercing jewelry you're purchasing is made of gold, it's worth checking the gold purity markings. Standard markings include:

• "585" for 14 karat gold,
• "750" for 18 karat,
• "916" for 22 carat.

Gold piercing earrings are most often made of 585 fine gold, but engravings aren't always available. Therefore, reputable piercing jewelry manufacturers provide certificates of authenticity confirming the quality and composition of the metal.

Gold is considered a low-reactive metal, meaning it rarely causes allergies. However, people with sensitive skin, prone to irritation and allergies, may experience adverse reactions to other ingredients present in the gold alloy. Therefore, it's advisable to choose jewelry with a high purity to minimize the risk of an allergic reaction.

An alternative to gold in this case would be an anodized earring, as titanium earrings are completely hypoallergenic. Anodization changes the structure of the metal itself, unlike a PVD coating applied to the earring, making it the safest solution for allergy sufferers.

In short, the choice between gold earrings and PVD-coated jewelry depends on individual aesthetic preferences and your budget. Regardless of your choice, it's important to consider the quality of the materials and their impact on the skin. That's why we offer titanium earrings, gold earrings, and PVD-coated earrings in our store—all to meet the needs of every customer!