Is Permanent Jewelry Right For You? All About The New Linked Trend

Permanent jewelry has been around for a while, but within the past year, forever bracelets have skyrocketed to a new level. I’ve been seeing people with different chain-style bracelets everywhere, and love how they can spark a conversation.

I currently have three permanent bracelets (two in gold and one in rose gold) and will review all the pros and cons here. If you’re deciding whether a welded piece is worth it, read on for everything you need to know.

What Makes Permanent Bracelets Special?

First off, what makes permanent jewelry special is, yes, the permanence factor. It’s a big deal, or at least for overthinkers like me. 

The first time I considered getting a welded bracelet was at the Astrid & Miyu store opening in the West Village, New York. To celebrate, they had a private party with a station where guests could get a dainty chain bracelet. While on the line to get one, I contemplated getting it with a clasp or welded.

Concerns went through my head, like if I get the bracelet welded on, will it last through workouts? How about showers? Is it safe for the skin? Will it be too clunky as I type on the computer keyboard? I didn’t know much about permanent jewelry then, so I opted for the clasp. To test it out, I wore the clasp bracelet the same way as I would a forever one (by not taking it off) to see how it would feel.

Overall, the bracelet held up during my daily activities and didn’t bother me one bit. It’s something I didn’t know I needed and brings me joy to see it every day. So, from there, I was all in to try the clasp-free style and ended up getting two more.

My most recent one is from Catbird, the first ever brand to create permanent bracelets in 2017, and coined the terms “forever bracelet” and “zapped” to describe the welding process.

Is A Permanent Bracelet Right For You?

What Does Permanent Jewelry Cost?

Just like any other jewelry, prices range depending on various styles, materials, and brands. Below are a few from some of my favorites:

Average Cost of Permanent Jewelry

Here are the ranges for the average cost of permanent jewelry from the brands mentioned:

• Love Weld: Between $100 to $2,200
• Catbird: Between $98 to $358
• Astrid & Miyu: Between $100 to $230

Everything You Need To Know About Permanent Jewelry

Why It Can Be Worth It

Whether it’s a locket from your grandmother or a friendship bracelet, jewelry can remind you of a story. Permanent jewelry does that on a deeper level since it’s a piece you generally wouldn’t take off. In a way, it’s like a tattoo. You can get a matching one with your significant other, mom, sister, or get it as a gift to yourself. 

What would make it more special? Setting an intention so you’ll think of it every time you look at it.

Sarah Sides, the CEO and founder of Love Weld, notes her company’s namesake is all about celebrating the connections and bonds we make.

“I wanted to create a brand that was hyper-focused on the idea of love,” says Sides, whose brick-and-mortar locations don’t look like a traditional jewelry store. Stepping inside Love Weld feels like going to a close friend’s home where you can sit, hang out, and sip a glass of bubbly, all while shopping for jewelry. “We need safe havens to gather and celebrate the good in this world, especially today.”

How It Works: Permanent Jewelry

1) Go To Your Chosen Jewelry Store

When you get to your permanent bracelet appointment, you’ll meet with a professional-grade welder. Some jewelry brands are also available to set up shop at various locations for a special occasion like a corporate event, bridal shower, or any other larger group gathering.

2) Choose A Chain Type

Decide between solid gold chains, sterling silver chains, or any chain of your choice.

3) Add Charms, If You’d Like

Some brands, like Catbird, also offer the option of adding charms. This is where you can make it more personal with an item such as a letter, disco ball, and even a penne pasta.

3) Measure For A Custom Fit

Fitting-wise, a couple of centimeters of wiggle room is best for comfort but the overall fit is up to you whether you want it to be tighter or looser. When I had mine done, the welder let me try it at a few lengths before finalizing the fit. Since a permanent bracelet is something you’ll have on your wrist for a long time, make sure you spend enough time to get the perfect fit — not too tight where you can’t bend your wrist and not too loose where it’s on the verge of falling off. 

When I got my second bracelet, I realized I didn’t want the chain length of both bracelets to be the same size. If they are, they will keep getting twisted together and look like one thicker bracelet. So, I decided to make one bracelet slightly longer than the other. This way, they don’t get tangled together as easily.

4) Time To Weld

Here’s where things get official. The welder starts by putting a piece of leather between your wrist and the bracelet. On one hand, they’ll hold part of the welding machine (which looks like an oversized ballpoint pen that lights a spark) and on the other hand, they’ll hold a pair of pliers. 

The sparks would ignite, sealing the “jump ring” to set your custom bracelet. Remember to ask additional questions for the welder during your appointment slot if you have any specific concerns.

How Long Does It Take To Weld A Permanent Bracelet?

Between the fitting and the welding, the process usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Overall, it’s a painless process.

Does Permanent Jewelry Last Forever?

Like its name suggests, permanent jewelry is meant to last forever. But it’s likely that’ll come off unexpectedly after some time, because, well, life happens. After wearing my permanent bracelets for a few months, one of them recently came off when I was at home doing everyday things. I’m glad I didn’t lose it and can take it back to the store to get it welded again. 

Can You Take Off Permanent Jewelry?

The point of permanent jewelry is to have it forever but if you want to take it off for any reason, you can with a pair of scissors.

Just keep in mind to cut it where the “jump ring” was welded — this is usually a larger circle than the rest of the chain links. You can weld it again at the store for an additional cost after booking a new appointment. (For example, Love Weld offers a re-welding service for a small fee of $20 + tax.) 

Is Permanent Jewelry Safe?

From my experience, yes. The welding did ignite sparks from the heat of the machine but the leather placed on my wrist protected it and I didn’t feel a thing. 

For everyday wear, the bracelets are comfortable on my wrist and feel as light as a feather.

But everyone’s skin is different and some may be more sensitive than others. Also, from wearing them for a while, I’ve learned to be extra careful when cooking to avoid the chains from getting hot from the stove heat.

“Risks include allergic reaction to the metal, as well as irritation from it being too tight, or causing friction or trapping water on your skin,” Deanne Mraz, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Modern Dermatology in Connecticut, tells Style Meets Story. “One of the most common allergic reactions is to nickel, which can lead to red, itchy, blisters or dry patches of skin.”

Safety Advice, According To A Dermatologist

Dr. Mraz says, “If you’ve had a reaction to other metals in the past, be sure to do your research.” Gold dipped, gold plated, and gold vermeil is not pure gold and she notes that as it wears off, the metal underneath might cause you an issue.

Her tip: “Be sure that the jewelry is fitted comfortably and that the person attaching it uses proper safety equipment while welding it so that you don’t get burned.”

The permanent bracelets I’ve been wearing (the Catbird and Astrid & Miyu ones above) are made of 14-karat solid gold. Personally, I feel that the material is durable, doesn’t show any signs of tarnish through wear, and I haven’t experienced any skin reactions.

There are other options such as 18-karat which typically contains a smaller amount of nickel or, better yet, 24-karat gold (pure gold). Again, everyone is different, and if not sure, you can have a patch test done by your doctor. 

When You Can (And Cannot) Wear Permanent Jewelry

Since permanent jewelry is meant to be worn forever, you might be wondering, well, can it be worn during certain activities?

Dr. Mraz advises:

• Shower: “Yes, but if it’s dipped/plated, exposure to water will wear it down more quickly. Also, be sure to carefully dry your skin afterward so that water isn’t trapped between the jewelry and your skin, which can irritate.”
  
  
• Pregnancy: “It’s not a great idea, between increased skin sensitivity and the natural growing and swelling that occur within the body.”
  
  
• Surgery: “Your surgeon will prefer it to be removed, but it’s something you can discuss ahead of your procedure. They might be able to tape it so that it doesn’t interfere.”
  
  
• X-Ray: “This should be fine.”
  
  
• MRI: “No, it should be removed.”
  
  
• Airport Security TSA: Yes. Every airport may be different, but I have not had any issues and did not have to remove my permanent jewelry before boarding the plane.
  
  
• Swimming Pool: I’ve worn my permanent bracelets in a swimming pool before and nothing changed which is great. But keep in mind it depends on what your jewelry is made of. If possible, keep pieces out of heavily chlorinated pools as much as possible as it can weaken the material.

How To Care For Permanent Jewelry

Now that I have a collection of permanent bracelets on my wrists, I can say it’s pretty easy to take good care of them. I just try to avoid getting lotions and perfumes on it and stay away from heavy chlorine as much as possible.

For most materials, you can clean them with mild soap and water then finish with using a polishing cloth. If you want to get your permanent jewelry extra sparkling clean, use a jewelry wash like this one from Shinery.

Overall Thoughts

After several months of wearing permanent bracelets, I can say this: I would feel naked without them. I love not having the hassle of putting them on and taking them off. Even if I want to wear more bracelets, it layers nicely with other styles since it’s so versatile.

Another perk: you won’t have to worry about constantly losing the pieces since they’ll always be by your side.

The Sentimental Value Of Jewelry

Jewelry is more than just wearable art. It can be an emblem of whatever message you want to hold close. 

“I wanted my initial jewelry assortment to speak to a variety of clients,” says Sides. “My three sisters — Hannah, Emily, and Caroline — are VERY different. I felt like if I could select styles that embodied their personalities, it would be able to appeal to a number of people.” 

Sides adds, “Weeks later, each one of them selected their namesake to get welded (not knowing I had named them after them). Four years later, they are still wearing their chains. I’m surrounded by chains that, in some way, remind me of ones I love.”

Permanent jewelry also makes for a thoughtful present, but since the personalized piece requires a custom fitting and is final sale, it’s best to give your loved ones gift cards for them to choose their new chains. Or better yet, go to the store together and create new memories!

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