Physical vapor deposition (PVD) has proved to be a durable, cost effective, and environmentally clean alternative to electroplating in the jewelry industry. The characteristics of PVD decorative coatings include excellent resistance to wear and good resistance to tarnish. This paper examines the use of cathodic arc evaporation and sputtering technologies to provide decorative coatings for jewelry. The deposition of nonprecious coatings such as titanium nitride and the deposition of precious metals such as gold are discussed. Coating attributes such as color and durability are examined and compared to electroplating processes. Suitable substrates and surface preparation for PVD processes are reviewed. Examples of successfully coated jewelry items are presented, and the economics of utilizing this technology is discussed.

Author: David A. Goodrich