Jewelry and permanent accessories have been around for thousands of years, with the art and styles evolving to match the culture and society of the time. (Though we do love a good dinosaur tattoo).
Even tattoos, which have gone from being seen as tribal symbols to sailor symbols to punk symbols, have become a commonplace part of society, and we’re a lot less likely to hear our moms fussing over how we won’t be able to get jobs with all that ink.
Another option for a long-lasting accessory is the rising fad of permanent jewelry, which gets welded to stay in place on the body. Learn about the benefits, drawbacks, and care tips for getting a permanent anklet, bracelet, or necklace today.
What Is Permanent Jewelry?
The name pretty much says it all. Permanent jewelry looks and feels a lot like your favorite classic jewelry. The only difference is that you don’t take it off at the end of the day. If you’re the kind of person who wants to wear something special from someone special, or you simply don’t want to have to worry about picking out the right accessories every day, permanent jewelry might be the right option for you.
It’s a relatively new process, so you will need to find a practitioner in your area who can do the job right — and it’s worth doing your research.
Permanent jewelry application doesn’t hurt, but it does require the use of welding tools, and for that, you’ll want someone with expertise — especially because the pieces are so small. In just a few minutes, the piece will be welded into place, and you’ll be able to walk out in the world with a little extra shine.
What To Know Before Getting Permanent Jewelry
There are definitely benefits to consider when it comes to getting your jewelry applied, but there are also a few things you’ll want to keep in mind throughout the process. Consider some of the following details and tips if you’re interested in taking the first step in your permanent jewelry journey.
1. Plan Ahead
Listen, we all got our ears pierced at the mall when we were 15 (for better or for worse), but it’s a little more complex to get permanent jewelry applied. The process requires an expert welder, and because it’s a relatively new trend, there aren’t as many places to get it done as traditional jewelry applications.
That said, if you do your research, read reviews, and plan ahead, you’ll be able to find a really great team you can trust. You also want to make sure you schedule a reservation for the process, as most places aren’t able to accommodate walk-ins, and you want to make sure you’ll be seen for your appointment.
2. Pick the Right Spot
You have a few different places where you can get permanent jewelry applied, and they’re pretty much the usual suspects. The most common positions for permanent jewelry are around the neck, wrists, and ankles. You can also get a version of permanent jewelry around the finger, but it functions much in the same way as a ring, and it may still be removed.
You want to consider the position for your permanent jewelry carefully. Even if you wear jewelry all the time, you likely still remove it to do the dishes or when you get messy in the garden. If there’s a position that might be more exposed to potential damage, consider another spot for your permanent jewelry application.
3. It Can be Removed
Obviously, the point of permanent jewelry is to be, well, permanent. However, permanent jewelry can be removed if need be. Because it’s typically made out of fine but high-quality metals, you can often use the scissors or tools you have at home or in a medical facility in order to remove it. If you take good care of the piece, you’ll be able to get it reapplied when you return.
This is another reason you want to take care when deciding where to get your jewelry applied. Because the jewelry is typically quite thin and fine, it’s more than possible for it to snag, catch, or tear, and that definitely isn’t the vibe.
If your job or hobby is a little more high-pressure or intense than most, make sure to pick a spot for your jewelry where it’s less likely to get removed by accident.
4. Think About How You Accessorize
One of the benefits of getting permanent jewelry is that you don’t have to worry about picking out the perfect pieces every day. But keep in mind that permanent jewelry will definitely limit the options you have available to you.
For instance, if you’re a gold girlie, you’ll never be able to wear silver jewelry again without running the risk of clashing with your permanent pieces. If you’re really sure that it’s all about the ease of wearing a single piece, then more power to you, but take the extra beat to consider the pieces you currently own and love, and make sure the process won’t conflict with your current wardrobe.
5. Get the Right Metals
Most of the time, permanent jewelry is made out of high-quality gold or white gold, which is why it can become quite costly when you get larger pieces. It allows the products to look nice and to be removed easily and gives the crafters more capacity for sculpting and shaping. Before you get your jewelry applied, however, you want to be especially sure that you don’t have any sensitivities or allergies to the type of metal that is being used.
One of the best ways to manage mild sensitivities with jewelry is by removing it at the end of the day, which obviously isn’t an option when it comes to permanent jewelry.
If you’re worried about the type of metal causing a rash or irritation, it may be worth it to speak to your medical provider or simply stick to the type of jewelry that can be taken off if it causes any bother.
6. It Can be a Little Pricey
Typically, permanent jewelry application is a little on the pricier side — and that’s to be expected. After all, a professional will literally need to weld right beside your skin in order to get the piece into the right spot, and you definitely want them to be the right person for the job.
In most cases, the cost of permanent jewelry application will vary depending on the size of the jewelry and is calculated by the length of the pieces. If you’re looking to save money by getting the process done, consider comparing the cost against that of your regular jewelry purchases to make sure you’re not busting open the piggy bank without cause.
7. You May Need to Take it Out
It’s a good thing that permanent jewelry can be removed because there are some pretty important instances when it will need to be — MRIs, X-rays, and surgeries. In most cases, you’ll need to remove any jewelry on your person for these processes, which you won’t be able to do as easily with permanent jewelry.
In order to get the medical care you need, you’ll have to remove the piece using scissors or another tool, and then it will need to be reapplied by an expert, so it’s something to keep in mind if you need regular medical support. The good news is that permanent jewelry won’t cause an issue when you’re going through security at the airport.
Get Your Permanent Jewelry Applied Today
When it comes to trends, permanent jewelry is simply the latest evolution in a long line of accessorizing and standing out. It’s a natural combination of tattooing and piercing and can give you a little extra edginess without anything too permanent. Like, it’s permanent, but mom and dad probably won’t freak out the same way as they would if you get your new BF’s name tatted on your shoulder.
Permanent jewelry can be unique, elegant, and quite beautiful. It’s typically dainty and can be accessorized with charms and jewels so that it really stands out as your own. It’s also easy to manage and maintain and perfect for those of us who just don’t want to have to worry about picking out our accessories every day.
There are many benefits to getting permanent jewelry, and it may be the right option for your lifestyle and your needs. It’s important to be aware that it may need to be removed during medical procedures and that the cost can start to get a little high, but if this feels like the process for you, don’t hold back. After all, we all deserve to walk through the world with a little extra shimmer.
Sources:
What is Permanent Jewelry and Why Is It All the Rage? | TIME Stamped
Piercings: How to prevent complications | Mayo Clinic
