Our PVD specification
Gold: generally 0.03–0.10 μm+
Default TiN: 0.5 μm. The agreed color, thickness and protection route are recorded in the quotation.
HonHo finishing guide
Jewelry Plating & Finish Guide
Choose a finish around your design, color and wear expectations. Explore our PVD, electroplating and protective coating options for stainless steel, brass and 925 sterling silver.
0.03–0.10 μm+PVD gold layer, quoted by color
0.5 μmOur default TiN support layer
Up to 5 μmCustom electroplated gold layer
0.03–0.20 μmOptional palladium underlayer
01 / Stainless steel PVD
More Than a Gold Surface
Our standard PVD route pairs a 0.5 μm titanium nitride (TiN) support layer with a gold layer generally specified at 0.03–0.10 μm. Higher gold thicknesses can be reviewed for suitable projects.
Gold-layer thickness and the coating recipe can be adjusted to the requested color and wear target. Send a physical color reference where possible; we confirm the layer build, sample and price together.
The gold layer and TiN layer are separate specifications. A single “total coating thickness” does not tell you how much gold is present.
0.03–0.10 μm+Gold layer, customized and quoted
0.5 μm TiNDefault support-layer specification
Look beneath the color
Compare the Complete Layer Build
Nominal gold thickness, measured gold thickness and the support coating should be compared separately. These figures describe the sample comparisons reported by HonHo, not every supplier’s production.
What lower-cost samples can show
In samples reviewed by HonHo, a nominal 0.03 μm gold layer has measured about 0.01–0.02 μm, with support coatings around 0.1–0.3 μm. These are sample-specific observations.
Ask what was measured
Confirm the gold layer separately from the support coating, including its chemistry, measurement method and test points. Similar-looking gold colors can conceal different coating specifications.
02 / Brass & 925 silver electroplating
Build the Finish Around Your Collection
For brass and 925 sterling silver, our conventional electroplating options cover 0.03–5 μm of gold. Choose the thickness around your target price, color retention and product positioning.
White-finish plating can be specified up to 0.1 μm. The exact plating metal and complete layer structure are confirmed in the quotation.
For longer color retention, we can add a palladium underlayer from 0.03 to 0.20 μm, then review a thicker clear e-coat. The final combination depends on the design and approved appearance.
0.03–5 μmGold electroplating range
Up to 0.1 μmWhite-finish plating
0.03–0.20 μmOptional palladium underlayer
Clear e-coatAdditional protection where suitable
03 / A finish designed as a complete system
Add Protection After Plating
Thickness is one part of the specification. Depending on the product, we can apply AF protection or a gold-protection treatment after PVD to help improve resistance to water, perspiration and everyday exposure.
For electroplated brass and silver, a palladium barrier and a suitable clear e-coat can be combined with the selected gold layer to support longer color retention.
We review appearance, adhesion, texture and product compatibility before approval. Water and sweat resistance should be checked against the agreed finished sample; protective treatments do not make every design permanently waterproof.
AF / gold protectionPost-PVD options by product
Barrier + e-coatProtection options for electroplating
04 / An alternative for suitable stone-free designs
PVD Is Also an Option for Brass & Silver
For customers who want the look and design flexibility of brass or 925 silver with PVD-style color retention, we can review a brass or 925 silver + PVD route.
Styles containing cubic zirconia are excluded from this offering. The base material, construction and surface preparation must be suitable for the process.
On suitable designs, this route can target color retention comparable to our conventional 0.03 μm gold PVD finish, while offering better value than a higher-cost conventional gold electroplating specification, such as 0.1 μm. The comparison is confirmed through the sample and project quotation.
Brass / 925 silverEligible base metals, reviewed by design
No cubic zirconiaCZ-set styles excluded
From specification to approval
Check the Finish Before Bulk Production
Agree the color reference, layer specification and relevant test requirements before production. Our experience on projects for international brands, including Fossil and Tory Burch, informs this approach to coating control; each collection still follows its own approved specification.
01Define the Layer Build
Confirm the base metal, support layer, gold or white finish, thickness and any extra protective treatment.
02Review Wear Performance
Agree the required water, perspiration and abrasion checks, then assess the completed finish against the approved sample.
03Approve the Result
Review color, surface consistency and the agreed inspection records before releasing the production batch.
Buyer questions
Choose a Finish With Clear Expectations
A few details make the quotation and sample comparison more useful.
Does a 0.5 μm TiN layer mean 0.5 μm of gold?
No. The TiN support coating and the gold layer are separate. Our default TiN layer is 0.5 μm; the PVD gold layer is generally 0.03–0.10 μm, with higher specifications reviewed and quoted where suitable.
Can you match our gold color?
Yes. Send a physical color reference, the base material and the intended wear requirements. We review the coating recipe and gold thickness, then quote and sample the agreed finish.
Can brass or 925 silver jewelry receive PVD?
Selected designs can. We review construction and surface preparation first. Our brass and 925 silver PVD offering excludes styles containing cubic zirconia.
Will a thicker coating guarantee permanent color?
No. The base metal, preparation, layer system, protective finish and exposure all affect performance. We agree sample checks and care guidance for the finished product rather than promise permanent color from thickness alone.
What should I send for a finish quotation?
Include the product image or drawing, base material, color reference, quantity, target wear requirements and any coating or testing specification. If the thickness is undecided, tell us the budget and intended use so we can compare suitable routes.
Specify it with HonHo
Your Color. Your Wear Target. A Clear Quotation.
Send your design, base metal and color reference. We’ll recommend the layer build, protection options and sampling route for your collection.