Why We Use 18K PVD Stainless Steel Jewellery | Monserene
- Monserene
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Why We Chose 18K PVD Stainless Steel Jewellery (And Why We Never Looked Back)
If you've ever owned gold plated jewellery, you've probably experienced the same disappointment we did.
You find the perfect necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings. You wear it constantly because you love it. Then one day, you notice the gold isn't as vibrant anymore. The edges begin to fade, the shine dulls, and suddenly it no longer looks like the piece you fell in love with.
We've been there.
When we first started Monserene, we explored different materials commonly used in fashion jewellery, including traditional gold plated brass. While these pieces looked beautiful at first, we found ourselves frustrated by how quickly some of them showed signs of everyday wear.
As jewellery lovers ourselves, we wanted something different. We wanted jewellery that could become part of our daily routine instead of something we constantly had to protect.
That search led us to Stainless Steel and specifically 18K PVD Gold Plated Stainless Steel – it completely changed the way we approached our collections.
Today, it's the material we trust for the majority of our jewellery because we believe beautiful jewellery should be made to last.
What Is 18K PVD Stainless Steel?
Let's break it down.
PVD stands for Physical Vapor Deposition, an advanced coating process that applies an ultra-thin layer of 18K gold onto stainless steel using high-temperature vacuum technology.
Unlike traditional electroplating, where the gold coating sits on the surface, PVD bonds the coating much more securely to the metal. The result is a finish that's significantly more durable and resistant to everyday wear.
Combined with 316L surgical-grade stainless steel, it creates jewellery that looks luxurious while being strong enough for everyday life.
Why We Chose 18K PVD Stainless Steel
Jewellery Should Be Worn, Not Hidden Away
One of the biggest reasons we switched to PVD stainless steel was simple.
We actually wanted to wear our jewellery.
We didn't want to take it off every time we washed our hands. We didn't want to worry about Singapore's humidity. We didn't want to save our favourite pieces only for special occasions because we were afraid of ruining them.
Jewellery should fit into your lifestyle, not interrupt it.
That's exactly what inspired the direction of Monserene.
Built for Everyday Wear
Life happens.
You get caught in the rain.
You wash your hands.
You spend the day running errands.
You head to the office, the gym, dinner with friends, and everything in between.
Our 18K PVD stainless steel jewellery is designed with real life in mind.
While we still recommend avoiding prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals and chlorinated pools, our pieces are made to withstand everyday wear far better than traditional gold plated jewellery.
That's why so many of our customers tell us they hardly take their jewellery off.
Tarnish Resistant, So You Can Love It Longer
One of the most common questions we receive is:
"Will it tarnish?"
The short answer is that 18K PVD stainless steel is highly tarnish resistant.
No jewellery is completely indestructible, but PVD technology offers a much more durable finish compared to traditional gold plating.
With proper care, your jewellery will maintain its beautiful finish significantly longer, allowing you to enjoy your favourite pieces for years instead of months.
Waterproof for Everyday Moments
We believe jewellery should be made for everyday memories.
Our PVD stainless steel jewellery is water resistant, meaning it can handle everyday contact with water such as washing your hands or getting caught in the rain.
While we still recommend removing your jewellery before swimming in chlorinated pools, soaking in hot springs, or using harsh cleaning products, you won't need to panic over every splash of water.
It's one less thing to worry about.
Hypoallergenic for Most Sensitive Skin
Comfort matters just as much as appearance.
That's why our jewellery uses a 316L stainless steel base, a material known for being hypoallergenic for most people.
If you've experienced irritation from lower-quality fashion jewellery in the past, stainless steel is often a much more comfortable alternative.
Luxury Without the Luxury Price
Solid gold jewellery is beautiful, but it's also a significant investment.
We wanted to create jewellery that looked luxurious without making everyday jewellery feel out of reach.
18K PVD Gold Plated Stainless Steel gives you the rich warmth of gold with exceptional durability at a much more accessible price point.
It's the perfect balance between quality, beauty, and practicality.
18K PVD Stainless Steel vs Traditional Gold Plated Jewellery
Traditional Gold Plated Jewellery | 18K PVD Stainless Steel |
Thinner plated coating | Advanced PVD bonded coating |
More prone to fading | Highly tarnish resistant |
Can scratch more easily | Greater scratch resistance |
Often uses brass or alloy bases | 316L surgical-grade stainless steel |
Less suited for everyday wear | Designed for everyday wear |
May cause irritation for some | Hypoallergenic for most wearers |
Why We Believe Material Matters
At Monserene, every design starts with one question:
Would we wear this ourselves every day?
If the answer is no, we don't make it.
We believe jewellery should become part of your life. The necklace you wear every morning before work. The bracelet you bring on holiday. The earrings you reach for without thinking because you know they'll go with everything.
That's why we continue to choose 18K PVD stainless steel for the majority of our collections.
Because jewellery should be something you wear often, not something you worry about.
How to Care for Your PVD Jewellery
Although PVD jewellery is incredibly durable, a little care goes a long way.
To keep your jewellery looking its best:
Store each piece separately to prevent scratches.
Wipe it with a soft cloth after wearing.
Avoid prolonged exposure to perfumes, lotions, bleach, and harsh chemicals.
Remove before swimming in chlorinated pools or soaking in hot springs.
Store in a dry place when not in use.
Following these simple steps will help your jewellery stay beautiful for years to come.
Read a more in-depth care instruction here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 18K PVD stainless steel waterproof?
Our jewellery is water resistant and designed for everyday wear. It can handle occasional exposure to water, but we recommend avoiding prolonged contact with chlorinated pools, hot springs, and harsh chemicals to maximise its lifespan.
Does PVD jewellery tarnish?
18K PVD Gold Plated Stainless Steel is highly tarnish resistant compared to traditional gold plated jewellery. With proper care, it maintains its colour and shine significantly longer.
Is stainless steel jewellery safe for sensitive skin?
Yes. We use 316L stainless steel, which is hypoallergenic for most people and commonly recommended for sensitive skin.
Why doesn't Monserene use traditional brass jewellery?
We wanted jewellery that better reflects our philosophy of everyday wear. After testing different materials ourselves, we found that 18K PVD Gold Plated Stainless Steel offered the durability, comfort, and longevity we were looking for, making it the perfect choice for the majority of our collections.
Jewellery Made for Everyday Moments
Monserene was built on the belief that jewellery shouldn't just look beautiful on the day you buy it. It should continue to be part of your everyday moments, whether you're celebrating something special or simply enjoying an ordinary Tuesday.
That's why we've chosen 18K PVD Gold Plated Stainless Steel for the majority of our collections.
Because timeless jewellery deserves timeless quality.
We hope every piece you choose becomes one you'll reach for again and again.
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