Questions you have before buying jewelry — and the real answers
You don't have time to search ten websites. We've gathered the most frequent questions about plated jewelry and answered them honestly, without hiding anything.
Does plated jewelry really last?
Not all plated jewelry is the same. The difference lies in the base metal and the plating technique. A layer of gold applied through PVD on 316L stainless steel lasts significantly longer than classic electroplating on copper or brass, which can wear out in a few months.
The right question isn't "does it last or not?" but "what is it made of and how was it plated?"
Why do some jewelry turn black and leave marks on the skin?
Gold itself does not oxidize or leave marks. The problem occurs when the base metal —unfortunately most often copper, zinc, or brass— reacts with sweat, perfume, or humidity. Oxidation migrates through the gold layer, especially when it is thin or worn, leaving the greenish or brownish marks you may have seen.
Jewelry with a 316L stainless steel base does not have this problem; it does not corrode or react with the skin.
Can I wear jewelry in the shower or at the beach?
Ordinary tap water is not a problem for 316L steel jewelry. If you get caught in the rain or have your bracelet on while washing your hands, it's not a catastrophe.
What causes long-term damage: chlorine from pools and salt from seawater in prolonged contact. Both accelerate the wear of the plating layer. The super simple rule: before swimming or going to the beach, take your jewelry off.
“The question isn't whether it's gold. It's what the base is made of, how it's plated, and whether it contains metals you don't want on your skin."
— the three questions worth asking before you buyIs plated jewelry safe for sensitive skin?
Allergic reactions to jewelry almost always come from free nickel present in cheap alloys — copper, brass, ordinary steel. 316L stainless steel is different in composition: it is stable, does not react with the skin, and is recommended even in the medical industry precisely for this reason.
The only real caveat: not all 316L is the same. The quality of the alloy varies between manufacturers, so where you buy from matters, not just what's on the label. If you have a diagnosed severe allergy, consult a dermatologist — but for sensitive skin in general, 316L is one of the safest choices you have.
What is PVD and why does it matter?
PVD — Physical Vapor Deposition — is a technique where gold is vaporized and fixed to the metal at a molecular level, not chemically deposited as in classic electroplating. The result is a denser, more uniform layer that is more resistant to wear, scratches, and oxidation.
The combination that truly lasts long-term: PVD on 316L stainless steel. The gold layer lasts longer, the base metal does not degrade, and the skin is in contact with stable materials.
How do I know if a piece of jewelry is worth the money?
1. What is the base metal made of? — 316L steel, copper, brass, zinc? This tells you how long it will last and how it will react with your skin.
2. What plating technique was used? — PVD or classic electroplating? The difference shows over time, not in pictures.
3. What metals does the alloy contain? — you don't want to wear things on your skin daily that you don't know about.
A reputable brand will have clear answers to all three. If they don't, the low price no longer compensates.
At RUA, we know what every piece is made of and we answer any question because transparency costs nothing, but its absence costs a lot.
Jewelry that is tough over time and gentle on the skin – that's the standard we uphold.
RUA — a good piece of jewelry is like a good friendship, with a little care, it lasts a lifetime. Discover the RUA collection