How We Check Plating Durability (and What We Do Not Claim)
Updated November 2026 · 4 min read · Reviewed by the VenusGem production team
Short answer: we rely on the material supplier's test reports, we compare reports across suppliers at the purchasing stage, and we commission third-party testing only when a customer requires it for their market. We do not run salt-spray or sweat testing on every finished style, because the durability of a finished piece depends on the combination of components rather than on one material tested in isolation.
Why we do not test every finished style
A finished piece is a combination: plating on a base metal, a stone or pearl, stringing or findings, and sometimes glue. A pass result for the plated chain does not describe the finished bracelet, because the failure usually happens where components meet, not in the plating alone. Testing one material and presenting it as a finished-product result would be misleading.
What we actually do
| Stage | What happens | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Purchasing | We compare test reports from different suppliers for the same material | Material selection based on reported performance, not on price alone |
| Incoming | We test and compare supplier batches when results look inconsistent | A supplier whose reported performance does not hold up is not used again |
| On request | Third-party testing of the finished style for your market | A report in the format your marketplace or retailer requires |
What this means for your product copy
Because we do not hold a salt-spray report for every style, we do not write "48h salt spray tested" on your packaging unless that test was actually run for that style. If you need the claim, order the test — we will arrange it and quote the cost.
When you should request third-party testing
- Your marketplace requires a test report before the listing goes live.
- Your retailer contract specifies a nickel-release or plating-thickness standard.
- You plan to make a durability claim in your marketing or on packaging.
- The piece is high value, and a failed batch would be expensive to replace.
For nickel release and plating thickness the usual references are EN 1811 / EN 12472 (nickel release) and ASTM B117 (salt spray). Which one applies depends on your market and your channel, so tell us the requirement and we confirm it before sampling rather than after.
How to reduce durability risk without testing
- Choose the finish for the use case: rhodium when water and sweat are constant.
- Keep metal and plating consistent within a batch — mixing suppliers is where results drift.
- Design out failure points: fewer glued components, fewer contact surfaces.
- Write claims that match the spec. "18K gold plated, 0.04–0.1 μm" is a fact; "never fades" is a claim you would have to prove.
Questions buyers ask
Do you provide salt-spray test reports for every product?
No. We use supplier reports for materials and commission testing of the finished style when a customer requires it.
Can I get a report for my market?
Yes. Tell us the standard your marketplace or retailer requires, and we arrange third-party testing of the finished style and quote the cost.
Why not just test everything?
Because testing every finished style adds cost to every unit without changing the result for styles where the specification already matches the use case. For brands that need the report as a condition of sale, we test on request.
What standards are commonly referenced?
EN 1811 and EN 12472 for nickel release, ASTM B117 for salt spray. The applicable one depends on your market and channel.
Need a test report for your marketplace?
Tell us the standard and the market. We will confirm whether the style can meet it, and quote the testing cost before you commit.
Ask about testing
