Are you tired of fumbling with clasps or losing your favourite bracelets? Well, you’re not alone. With permanent jewellery, these issues can be a thing of the past.
Permanent jewellery is the latest trend – the perfect combination of effortless style and meaningful commitment. But before you get “zapped,” know that it comes with pros and cons.
Permanent jewellery means no more lost pieces or struggles with clasps. It can be a beautiful way to symbolise special bonds, milestones, or even self-love. But at the same time, it’s a big commitment – you’ll need to visit a jeweller to get it removed.
Keep reading to explore if permanent jewellery is a worthwhile investment for you.
What is Permanent Jewellery?
To put it simply, permanent jewellery is a modern twist on traditional accessories.
Unlike regular bracelets, necklaces, anklets, or rings with clasps, permanent jewellery is welded shut directly onto your wrist, ankle, or neck. This eliminates the hassle of clasps and the risk of losing your favourite jewellery pieces.
For many, permanent jewellery symbolises commitment and connection. It can mark special occasions and friendships, but it’s also great for those who prefer effortless style. You won’t have to worry about accessorising your outfits every day.
While the name suggests it’s forever, you can have it removed by a jeweller using cutters if needed. So, they’re more like a semi-permanent option that can still offer flexibility if your needs change.
How Does Permanent Jewellery Work?
Of course, once you have it on, permanent jewellery works like any other type of jewellery, except you can’t take it off. The question is, how does the installation process work? Let’s break it down.
You’ll start by selecting the style and material of your permanent piece. Most people prefer delicate chains in 9K gold, sterling silver, or other durable precious metals. Since you’ll be wearing it every day, it’s best to go for simpler, classic pieces that will go with every outfit.
Next, the jeweller will carefully measure your wrist, ankle, or neck to determine the perfect chain length for a comfortable and secure fit. They’ll then temporarily attach the chain with a small jump ring to show you how tight or loose the chain will be. If you’re happy with the placement and sizing, they can move on.
Now, the welding or “zapping” is the key step! Using a specialised jewellery welding tool, the jeweller will apply a quick, precise spark of heat to the jump ring. This will fuse the ends of the chain together, making the jewellery permanent.
Don’t worry; the process is completely painless and usually takes just a few seconds.
Of course, you can’t forget the finishing touch. Your jeweller will clean up the welded area and give your permanent jewellery a final polish, and voila! You’re ready to show off your new, effortless accessory!
Types of Permanent Jewellery
Most people associate permanent jewellery with just a “forever bracelet,” but you can actually find permanent jewellery in any form – even rings! Let’s dive into some of the most popular types.
- Permanent Bracelet: Bracelets are easily the most popular choice when it comes to permanent jewellery. They typically come as delicate chains in various metals (9k gold, sterling silver, gold-filled) for a classic look that suits every type of outfit. Some jewellers offer thicker chains, charms, or even small diamonds for an added sparkle.
- Permanent Anklet: Permanent jewellery is perfect for anyone who wants a touch of summery charm or a year-round bohemian vibe. Similar to bracelets, they typically come as delicate chains. You can also add playful charms or beads for a personalised touch.
- Permanent Necklace: If you’re looking for a beautiful way to wear a meaningful design close to your heart, you need a permanent necklace. In this case, it’s wise to go for a looser fit to avoid tightness while sleeping. Permanent necklaces are great on their own for everyday looks and layered statement pieces for when you need to dress up.
- Permanent Ring: It may seem like permanent rings aren’t any different from traditional rings, but they’re custom-fitted to your finger during the zapping process. In some cases, they’re also attached to a permanent bracelet to create a connected hand chain.
Is Permanent Jewellery Safe?
Yes, permanent jewellery is completely safe. It’s typically made with high-quality, hypoallergenic materials like 9k gold or sterling silver. That eliminates the risk of skin irritation.
Don’t worry; the welding or “zapping” process is also quick and painless. The welding tool generates a small spark but doesn’t make direct contact with your skin. You won’t feel a thing!
Before you commit to permanent jewellery, keep all medical considerations in mind. While safe in most situations, it’s still wise to inform your doctor about permanent jewellery before any MRI or procedure involving magnets.
Lastly, if you ever start to feel iffy about the safety of your permanent jewellery, you can easily remove it. Despite the name, permanent jewellery isn’t truly permanent. A jeweller can easily remove it with specialised cutters if needed.
When and When Not to Wear Permanent Jewelry
Permanent jewellery is loved for its effortless, all-the-time wear, but there are a few scenarios where you can and can’t wear it.
- Showering: Yes, you can shower with permanent jewellery. But if your piece is plated or dipped (like gold-filled options), the repeated exposure to water, soaps, and lotions will wear down the finish faster. Remember to gently dry the jewellery and your skin afterwards to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to potential irritation.
- Pregnancy: It’s best not to wear permanent jewellery during pregnancy. Natural swelling and fluctuations in body size can put stress on the chain and increase the risk of breakage or discomfort. Plus, your skin sensitivity might change throughout pregnancy.
- Surgery: Most surgeons will require you to remove all jewellery prior to procedures. Remember to discuss this in advance with your doctor or surgical team. In some cases, the jewellery may be taped down securely to avoid hindering the surgical area.
- X-rays: Permanent jewellery typically won’t interfere with X-rays as the imaging passes through metal.
- MRIs: Research shows that permanent jewellery must be removed before an MRI. The powerful magnets used in MRI scans can interact with metals and can be a great safety hazard.
How Much is Permanent Jewellery?
The cost of permanent jewellery depends on the type of piece you get and any charms you may choose to add.
Permanent bracelets tend to start at £80 for a basic gold chain and go up over £250 for the thickest woven chains or those with embedded diamonds. Charms are typically available at an additional cost, ranging from £30 to £100.
Meanwhile, permanent rings cost between £45 and £50. Meanwhile, anklets and necklaces tend to be slightly higher than bracelets since the chains are longer.
How Long Does Permanent Jewellery Last?
The durability of permanent jewellery depends on several factors, but either way, it’s designed to be a long-lasting accessory. Let’s break it down:
- Material: Permanent jewellery is typically made from high-quality materials like 9k or 18k gold and sterling silver, which are exceptionally durable. With proper care, these permanent pieces can last for years, if not decades.
- Chain Thickness: Of course, delicate chains are more prone to breakage than thicker ones, especially if you have an active lifestyle. Choose a chain thickness that aligns with how you plan to wear the piece.
- Lifestyle: If you have a lifestyle full of activities that’ll put stress on your jewelry, such as heavy lifting, sports, there’s definitely a higher chance of breakage.
If you care for it well, a high-quality permanent jewellery piece can theoretically last a lifetime. Just make sure you pick the piece based on your lifestyle and intended use.
The Downsides of Permanent Jewellery
Permanent jewellery can be a great investment for anyone willing to commit. They’re especially great for anyone who doesn’t want to put on different accessories every day. Still, permanent jewellery can come with some downsides, including:
- Lack of Flexibility: The biggest downside is the inability to easily remove your jewellery. This means you can’t switch it out to match different outfits or occasions. If your style preferences change, you’re committed until you choose to have it removed professionally.
- Potential Lifestyle Restrictions: Permanent jewellery may not be suitable for everyone’s profession or lifestyle. Those who work with machinery or in jobs where jewellery might get caught may consider it a safety hazard. Plus, certain medical procedures like MRIs require you to remove all metal objects.
- Maintenance & Breakage: While they’re built to be durable, permanent jewellery with delicate chains is still susceptible to breakage, especially if you have an active lifestyle. Plus, it may be inconvenient to repair them often since you’ll need to visit a jeweller.
- Limited Design Options: Compared to traditional jewelry, permanent jewelry don’t come with as many style options and and customizability. In most cases, you’ll be limited to simple chains with the option of minimal charms or embellishments.
- Commitment Factor: For some, the “permanent” aspect of this jewellery is understandably intimidating. Before getting permanent jewellery, make sure you’re comfortable wearing the same piece for a long time and if the style aligns with your long-term preferences.
How to Remove Permanent Jewellery
Permanent jewellery may sound like a lifelong commitment, but the good news is that’s not entirely true! Sure, they’re designed to be worn forever, but you can still get them removed if needed. Here’s how it works:
- First, you’ll need to visit a jeweller. It’s wise to have a professional jeweller remove your permanent jewellery since they have the right tools and expertise for a safe and quick removal.
- The jeweller will use specialised jewellery cutters for delicate chains. They’ll carefully locate the weld point, which typically has a slightly thicker jump ring where the chain ends are fused together.
- Don’t worry! The cutting tool doesn’t come into contact with your skin. The jewellery might use a small cloth or shield for added protection. With a quick and precise snip, the jeweller will cut through the jump ring and separate the chain.
- Once removed, the jeweller might smooth out any rough edges on the remaining chain segment if you plan to keep it. If you think you might want to have your permanent jewellery reattached in the future, keep the removed chain segment with the jump ring intact. A jeweller can then re-weld it for you.
Conclusion
So, is permanent jewellery worth it?
At the end of the day, it depends on how much value you place on convenience, symbolism, and personal style. If you want to show your commitment in a tangible way, it might be a perfect fit.
But, if flexibility and the ability to change up your jewellery frequently are important to you, you might want to stick to traditional jewellery.
