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FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What “Waterproof” Actually Means — And When It Is Being Misused
Before any comparison can be meaningful, the word itself needs defining — because “waterproof” is one of the most abused terms in the jewelry industry.
Walk into any fast fashion accessory store and you will find necklaces described as “water-resistant,” “tarnish-free,” or “waterproof” that begin discolouring within weeks of regular wear. This is not exaggeration — it is the experience of a significant percentage of women who have purchased jewelry on the basis of these claims and been disappointed.
The language is chosen to suggest durability without legally committing to it. “Water-resistant” is not waterproof. “Tarnish-free” is a finish description, not a durability guarantee. “Shower-safe” is meaningfully different from “pool-safe” and dramatically different from “swim-in-it-every-day-for-two-years-safe.”
Genuine waterproof jewelry requires three verifiable things:
A base metal that does not corrode. 316L surgical-grade stainless steel — the same material used in surgical implants — is chemically stable in water, sweat, chlorine, saltwater, and all the environments of an active daily life.
A coating that is molecularly bonded, not chemically deposited. 18K gold PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) creates a bond 5 to 10 times harder than standard electroplating.
EU safety certification. EU-certified, hypoallergenic, nickel-free, lead-free, and cadmium-free — confirming that the materials meet the most rigorous jewelry safety standards in the world.
When a brand can confirm all three — base metal, coating quality, and certification — the word waterproof is earned. When it cannot, the claim should be treated with scepticism regardless of how it is presented.
Every Raline Bergemann piece confirms all three. As we have explored throughout this 30-day series — from our guide to what PVD jewelry actually is to our detailed piece on 316L stainless steel — the science is specific, verifiable, and holds up under scrutiny.
What is the difference between PVD vs Gold Plated?
Gold plated: A thin layer of gold (typically 0.5–2.5 microns) bonded to a base metal through an electrochemical process. Begins degrading under regular exposure to sweat, water, and friction. Typically shows visible wear within 3–12 months of daily active use. Cannot be effectively repaired — must be re-plated or replaced.
18K gold PVD: Gold bonded at a molecular level in a vacuum chamber to 316L surgical steel. The resulting bond is 5–10 times harder than standard plating. Resists sweat, chlorine, saltwater, and daily friction. Maintains its finish for years under the same conditions that destroy conventional plating.
Verdict: PVD is dramatically more durable. For a woman who swims, trains, and wears her jewelry daily — the comparison is not close.
Is PVD premium piece more affordable than conventional gold-plated one?
This is the metric that changes the entire conversation.
A conventional gold-plated piece at CHF 30 that requires replacement after 6 months of active daily wear costs CHF 60 per year. A Raline Bergemann PVD piece at CHF 65 that maintains its finish for 3 years under the same conditions costs approximately CHF 22 per year.
The premium piece is, by this calculation, significantly less expensive than the budget alternative — and produces zero waste in the process.
As we explored in our piece on 316L stainless steel as the most sustainable jewelry material, the most sustainable piece of jewelry is always the one you never have to replace. The Swiss cultural understanding of quality — that the well-made thing is always the smarter long-term investment — applies here with mathematical precision.
Is 18k gold PVD on 316L surgical steel safer to skin than other gold-plated?
Gold plated: The thin gold layer eventually wears through, exposing the base metal — which in most fast-fashion pieces is brass or copper, both of which can cause skin reactions, green discolouration, and in some cases allergic responses.
18K gold PVD on 316L surgical steel: 316L surgical steel is hypoallergenic by definition — the same material used in surgical implants and body piercings for sensitive skin. The PVD gold layer above it adds an additional barrier. Both layers are EU-certified, nickel-free, lead-free, and cadmium-free.
Verdict: For sensitive skin — or simply for the woman who wants to know her jewelry is safe — PVD on 316L is significantly superior.
How can stainless steel jewelry more responsible on environmental impact?
Gold plated: Requires more frequent replacement, generating more waste. The base metals in fast-fashion pieces are often lower-grade alloys with higher environmental production costs. Short product lifespan means higher cumulative consumption.
18K gold PVD on 316L steel: 316L stainless steel has a global recycling rate exceeding 85%. The product lifespan measured in years rather than months dramatically reduces the consumption cycle.
Verdict: PVD on surgical steel is the more responsible environmental choice, by significant margin.
How does 18k gold PVD jewelry have more aesthetic quality?
Gold plated: Produces a warm, rich colour initially. The visual difference emerges over time — conventional plating dulls, develops patchy areas, and eventually loses its colour consistency.
18K gold PVD: Creates a finish of exceptional colour density and consistency — 18K gold at full saturation, maintained evenly because the molecular bonding does not create surface variations. Under the particular quality of Swiss outdoor light — the difference is visible and significant.
Verdict: Initial appearance is comparable. Sustained appearance over time is dramatically different.
Where to use gold-filled, solid gold and 18k gold PVD jewelry?
Gold-filled jewelry uses a thicker gold layer than standard plating — typically 5% gold by weight, bonded under heat and pressure. More durable than standard plating and better suited to occasional water exposure — but still not recommended for daily lake swimming and intensive gym use. It occupies a middle tier: more durable than plated, less durable than PVD.
Solid gold (14K or 18K) is the luxury benchmark. It has intrinsic value, does not have a coating that can wear, and ages beautifully over decades. Its limitations for active Swiss wear: solid gold scratches more easily, bends under pressure, and requires more careful maintenance during intense physical activity. Also significantly more expensive.
18K gold PVD on 316L surgical steel sits in a specific and genuinely advantageous position: it offers the visual richness of 18K solid gold, the durability advantages of industrial-grade steel, the skin safety of surgical materials, and the price point of accessible premium jewelry. For the active Swiss woman who lives fully in her jewelry, this combination outperforms every alternative for sustained daily active wear.
Is it a fashion jewelry brand or imitation jewelry?
Raline Bergemann jewelry is a fashion brand that positioned itself as an accessible premium waterproof jewelry. Our stainless steel, 18 karat gold finish, pearls, and gemstones are real material, not plastic one.
We are a new bud of sustainable jewelry that supports a cleaner world. While our main material is the most sustainable material for jewelry, our jewelry design is modern classic to keep up with the latest trends to match your best dress and your signature style on your most active days.
Subscribe to our Sparkle Letter or regularly check our website for our new drops.
How to take care of waterproof jewelry?
Raline Bergemann GLOW Clean & Care
Your jewelry is built to last your most active days. A regular little care keeps it radiant for years. Make sure to do these following G · L · O · W clean and care everytime, after you take your jewelry to an active day activity trip.
G — Gently rinse under lukewarm clean water, after swimming, sweating, or salt exposure. Your PVD coating is waterproof — a quick rinse is all it ever needs. For jewelry with gemstones, pearls, or enamel, do it once and make sure the drain is closed or use a bowl.
L — Let only 1-2 drops of the mildest soap, after a longer active day. Perfume, sunscreen, hairspray, and harsh chemicals are the only things your jewelry asks you to keep at a distance.
O — Only let it dry naturally, after patting softly with a clean, lint-free cloth (included in your order). Do not use chemical polishing cloth. Never rub. Never rush. Clean gently every hidden detail with a cotton ball.
W — When resting, store each piece individually in a cool, dry place in its soft pouch or the original gift box. Your jewelry deserves the same intentional care you give yourself.
How can I securely pay?
You can securely pay on your most trusted payment methods, such as American Express, Apple Pay, GPay, Klarna, Mastercard, Paypal, Shop, Twint, and Visa.
How fast do you deliver?
- At the moment we only sell in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. All orders are processed on the day you order. Most orders before 09:00 arrive the next day. Orders are not shipped or delivered on weekends or holidays.
- In a peak season like busy holidays or an extreme bad weather that is out of our control, please give us a business day more.
- Free Shipping for all orders to Switzerland and Liechtenstein over CHF 100.
How to track my order or return the item?
Click "Track My Order" on the last part of our website, highlighted in blue color. There you can also find other things, such as Contact, Shipping Policy, Refund Policy, Founder, Impressum, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.
To get to know about us, please read "Our Blogs" above that blue section.