Permanent Jewelry: How Does It Work? The Ultimate Guide

The permanent jewelry trend is on fire! Thanks to TikTok and other social media platforms, it's grown by something like 124% in recent years.

Permanent jewelry can be anything from a permanent necklace, a permanent bracelet, or a permanent anklet. They’re made from gold or silver chains of different-sized links and weights.

Permanent jewelry is designed to be lived in and worn daily. Instead of using a clasp, the links are welded together. The piece is custom-fitted, but can be removed if needed, then reattached by a jeweler.

The point of permanent jewelry is typically to mark special moments, like a bachelorette party where everyone gets the same piece to mark their friendship, or a special connection between family members or other loved ones in your life.

Some wear permanent jewelry as a reminder of a personal goal or achievement, or as a form of self-expression.

Permanent jewelry services like Forever Golden will guide you in choosing the style and materials that will make something like your permanent bracelet or ankle chain perfect for your life.

The Process of Getting Permanent Jewelry

Forever Golden offers permanent jewelry in New Jersey and makes the process of getting it simple. Common styles include bracelets, earrings, an ankle chain, or a necklace.

First, you browse through the selection of chains. Like other kinds of fine jewelry, we offer metals, including silver or gold-filled chains in different weights. You can select anything from a dainty chain to bolder links. Some of our customers mix it up, wearing two or more chains. 

Another way to make your permanent jewelry piece unique is to add a special charm to reflect your personal style.

Once you’ve settled on the details, our professional makes sure the fit works for you and then securely welds the links shut for a secure fit.

Materials Used in Permanent Jewelry

Like other fine jewelry, our permanent jewelry is made from either quality 14K gold-filled chains or sterling silver. The same goes for the charms that are available to customize your piece.

Is permanent jewelry safe? Both materials are typically hypoallergenic, but we’ll check to see if there’s any skin reaction before it gets applied.

The Welding Technique

After ensuring that the jewelry is positioned perfectly and custom-fitted, that’s when it’s applied to the body. Instead of a clasp, a micro-welding tool is used to connect the links in permanent jewelry to each other and close them.

The welding process for permanent jewelry is quick and completely painless, and performed by a skilled professional. It won’t hurt or burn. The device gives off a quick burst of energy that melts the metal at the desired connection point, creating a seamless look.

In case you ever need to remove permanent jewelry (like for surgery or an MRI), it can be done by most jewelers – and later reconnected in the same way for a small fee. The same goes if your jewelry breaks.

Fitting the Jewelry to Your Body

Because it’s meant to be worn for life, a good, comfortable fit is essential. The jeweler will take time to ensure that your permanent necklace, anklet, or bracelet fits exactly the way you want it.

Another important element is that you don’t have any skin reaction. Our gold and silver jewelry is hypoallergenic for most, but we always like to check first to be completely safe. If there ever is a reaction, most jewelers offer easy removal.

What Happens After the Welding?

Your permanent jewelry is designed to be worn for life. That means it can be part of everyday activities like working out, gardening, swimming, and the like. It just needs a few basic care steps to maintain its beauty.

• Rinse jewelry with clean water after exposure to chlorine or salt water, and wipe it dry.
• Avoid harsh chemicals, like those used in cleaners or industrial applications. Wear gloves.
• Gently wipe jewelry with a soft cloth to remove excess body oil or lotions.

Jewelry Removal and Modification

There may be instances when your permanent jewelry needs to be removed, like if you’re undergoing a surgical procedure. In that case, it can be cut at the “jump ring” – then re-welded later on.

You may want to switch up the look of your permanent jewelry to add charms or a new chain. In that case, it’s a simple process to make those changes.

Risks and Safety Considerations

Allergic reactions. We use pure 14K gold and sterling silver in our pieces, so most people will be fine. However, some gold contains traces of nickel, which, for some wearers, may irritate the skin.

• Breakage. A delicate chain can get snagged and break. When considering your jewelry piece, it’s important to factor in your lifestyle and your work. Will it interfere in any way? Does your job allow it?
• Tarnish. Over time, exposure to everything from chlorine to household chemicals can result in a bit of tarnish. That can be mitigated by simple care tips, like rinsing your jewelry with clean water and some mild soap, and then drying it with a soft cloth.

Who Can Get Permanent Jewelry?

There are age requirements. Most permanent jewelry providers require a minimum age of 18. For anyone younger, a parent or guardian may need to approve it.

If you have a pacemaker, permanent jewelry isn’t recommended because of the welding process. Also, if you need regular medical treatments (like MRIs), the piece will need to be removed and then re-welded. The same goes for frequent travelers who may have issues with airport security or those who need to regularly pass through metal detectors.

You should also take into consideration your lifestyle and the work you do. Will the piece get caught or snagged on anything? Will it be exposed to harsh chemicals? On that note, are there any jewelry restrictions by your employer?

Pros and Cons of Permanent Jewelry

When it comes to permanent jewelry, here's how it breaks down.

Pros:

• Convenience. You don’t have to worry about it. There’s no traditional clasp, so it won’t get lost. And it's low-maintenance.
• Durability. The high-quality materials we use in our permanent jewelry help it to last and look beautiful for years to come.
• Symbolism: Many use permanent jewelry to honor a special relationship, commitment, or personal goal.

Cons:

• Limited options: If you like to switch up your style, permanent jewelry doesn’t allow you to change pieces.
• Commitment: How long does permanent jewelry last? It's designed to hold up for years with a little care and attention. Are you up for that commitment?
• Hard to remove: If you need to take it off for something like an X-ray, it’s best to have a professional do it. However, depending on the chain type, it can be cut at the jump ring using sturdy scissors.
• Adjustability issues: A piece of jewelry, like a bracelet, can’t be resized after application, so it’s important to get the right fit from the start. Just any old local jeweler may not have the specific skill set needed for permanent jewelry work

Conclusion

Permanent jewelry is a great way to honor a special relationship or life event. Not every jeweler has the pieces or equipment to provide it. When you want to get permanent jewelry in New Jersey, Forever Golden is a skilled, affordable option for your permanent solid gold bracelets and much more.

We invite you to shop our selection and our many options. We offer permanent bracelets and other pieces to leave a beautiful mark on your life.