This research is focused on the microstructure and optical properties of an Al-O dielectric matrix incorporated with increasing Au contents up to 11 at.%. For the as-deposited coatings, the Au atoms appear to be alloyed into the amorphous oxide matrix, although a small fraction of Au atoms can also be incorporated in the form of very small nanoparticles (<1-2 nm). Precipitation of Au nanoparticles was found in the coatings after annealing at increasing temperatures. Au clustering in the dielectric matrix was able to promote the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect, a desirable effect for applications in decorative and sensors fields. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.