How to Wear Your Jewelry Forever (Well, Almost)

Recently we’ve been getting a lot of questions about Permanent Jewelry. What is it you might ask? You might hear about getting “zapped” or “fused”, which refers to the process of welding both ends of a necklace, bracelet, or anklet into place without a clasp. It’s jewelry that cannot be removed, that is worn day and night, and the only way to remove it is to have it carefully cut off or removed by a jeweler.

Why Permanent?
Whether it’s s statement or style, people have worn permanent jewelry for centuries. You may even remember your childhood friendship bracelet - your very first piece of permanent jewelry, which your wore until it fell off!

It also is a great symbol to many as something long-lasting and bonded. Maybe you simply love your jewelry, and having it welded on feels amazing! Rings might be considered semi-permanent because most individuals wear them night and day and do not take off (like a fitted toe ring or wedding ring).

The Pros: You get to wear your favorite jewelry all the time! It doesn’t get misplaced or grow dusty in the bottom of the jewelry box. You can also make a lasting memory with your partner, friend, or family member by fusing chains taken from a favorite heirloom necklace and making two or three bracelets (bracelets are a favorite for this process). Another pro is that you can continue to wear your other jewelry layered over your other pieces which makes for a great stylish look.

The Cons: Do you get tired of wearing the same jewelry all the time? Wish you could wear silver with your elegant evening dress instead of gold? Maybe this isn’t for you. Also anytime you need to remove your jewelry might be a bit of an issue. Most fine metals, the best for welding, will not set off alarms at the airport TSA, but you might occasionally be sent for a pat down. Most importantly, if you have a medical emergency, such as surgery or a CT scan, they will definitely ask you to remove all your jewelry and the only way to accomplish this would be to have it clipped off. Usually, this can be done with a pair of sharp scissors or jewelry pliers. (They will also ask you to remove your toe rings!)

How does it work?
Typically the retailer or jewelry will size a chain to fit your neck, ankle, or wrist, cut it, and weld both ends together while you have it on. It should be done by an expert familiar with the process, as the weld can be hot and burn! It only takes a couple of minutes to make your jewelry permanent. Prices vary depending on what type of metal you are bonding, adding charms, length of chain, and location.

Where do you buy it?
There are a lot of pop-up stores and boutiques everywhere this year, as well as places online such as Love Weld and Lovely and Lux.
Your best bet is to contact a local jewelry store and ask if they weld permanent jewelry. If you are thinking about starting your own Permanent Jewelry business do a lot of research! Here's a great You Tube video by Sarah Brithinee called "Everything You Need to Know About Starting Your Own Permanent Jewelry Business. You can buy your welding supplies from a reputable jewelry supplier such as Rio Grande Jewelry and find thousands of chain options on Etsy. If you already have a small business, we do offer wholesale pricing and would be happy to talk to you about adding fitted toe rings to your offering!

Whatever you decide about this fresh idea in jewelry, it's always fun to see the new trends, and we are liking this one!