Finding a special piece of jewelry you love is like finding, well, true love. You never want to let it go. So why not make it official and truly commit to that beloved piece? Free of clasps and closures, permanent jewelry offers a forever accessory that goes through life with you. New York's Catbird is home to the original Forever Bracelet, a slinky piece that is custom fit to your wrist via zapping. The process is a few quick zaps that welds the chain onto your wrist without a clasp, guaranteeing a perfect fit. The result? A no-maintenance custom piece of jewelry you'll wear and cherish forever.
"For many years, we had been experimenting with the concept of permanent jewelry. Our in-house jewelers would solder chains in the studio using the 14k gold materials we had on hand. Once we acquired our first set of arc welders for the studio, we started to test the concept with 'one night only' events for customers," explains Catbird founder, Rony Vardi. "After a few record turnouts, we knew it was a service meant to be offered in the shops. We love the community it’s created—there’s countless photos we’re sent of sisters, daughters and moms, couples, and friends all commemorating something with the Forever Bracelet."
Meet the Expert
Rony Vardi is the founder of Catbird, a demi-fine jewelry brand..
If you want to educate yourself on permanent jewelry, or are unfamiliar with the new and buzzworthy trend, we have you covered. Keep scrolling to read all about the jewelry, have your lingering questions answered, and a list of additional brands that offer the service.
What Is Permanent Jewelry?
Permanent jewelry pieces are items that are secured to your body and cannot be taken off or switched out by merely undoing a clasp. In most cases, necklaces or bracelets are welded on so there is no clasp or closure to undo. To remove the item, you would need to cut it off completely.
Byrdie Tip
Note that this is different from dermal piercings (and any kind of piercing for that matter), as the jewelry is not anchored into the skin. Permanent jewelry is never attached to the body so much as secured around it like any other jewelry item, save for the absence of a closure or clasp.
What to Expect During the Application Process
"You’ll sit with one of Catbird’s trained in-house jewelers to review your chain and charm options. Our jeweler will then snip to size that speaks to you and custom fit it to your wrist at different lengths so that you can decided on the fit that is best for the look you’d like," Vardi shares. "Most of our customers will go for a slightly tighter fit as the 14k chain will very lightly stretch over time."
Being that there are so many other brands offering permanent jewelry now, the process may differ from place to place. Some won't actually use welding to solder the metal together, but rather will "link" the chain together with pliers in such a way that won't come undone.
What Is "Zapping" and Does It Hurt?
"Zapping is Catbird’s method for creating our signature Forever Bracelet, a ritual to commemorate milestones and celebrate the small thrill of permanency," says Vardi. "We offer several signature 14k solid gold chains, help you custom fit it to your wrist, and zap it into a permanent, seamless loop."
The welding process is similar throughout some other brands that offer the service as well. The process itself is completely painless and only takes about a minute.
How to Take Off Permanent Jewelry
To remove your permanent bracelet, simply take a pair of scissors and snip it off. If it happens to break off, you can save the chain and get it re-Zapped at one of Catbird's shops.
How Long Does Permanent Jewelry Last?
Ultimately, it will depend on where you get your jewelry and what materials they use. If you get your bracelet from Catbird, they guarantee that your bracelet will stay sparkly for as long as you keep it on. "Because we work in 14k solid gold, you can truly sweat, sleep, swim and live life in your Forever Bracelet without worrying about fade and tarnish," says Vardi. "Essentially you wake up everyday to an unfussy but shimmering jewelry look built in."
The Cost
You will want to check ahead of time at the shop you plan on getting your jewelry to confirm prices. At Catbird, prices start at $98 for the Sweet Nothing chain and go up to $348 for the Lover's Chain. You can also add a diamond for an additional $118 and a star charm for an extra $48.
The Downside of Permanent Jewelry
The negatives of committing to forever jewelry come from the inability to remove the item at will. If your tastes change or you simply need to go jewelry-free for an occasion, you will need to cut off the piece and risk the possibility of damaging the item. To put it back on, you would need to sit for the application process all over again.
Depending on the material the jewelry is made of, going through metal detectors may become arduous as you may need to inform the authorities of the permanent jewelry before going through the machine. (This is the same for anyone who has metal surgical implants.) Keep in mind that metal also conducts heat. If you're cooking or close to a heat source, the jewelry may heat up and burn the skin it comes into contact with. These scenarios, as well as other medical emergencies (allergic reactions, swelling, etc.) that would require urgently removing jewelry may be impeded.
What Type of Jewelry Does Catbird Offer?
"Our Forever Bracelets are made with 100% recycled gold, and our wider Catbird line is made with over 95% recycled gold," shares Vardi. "It’s a sustainability benchmark we are so proud to have reached, after a lot of internal work to ensure that as we grow we maintain sourcing standards that meet our commitment to our people and the planet. More so, wearing a piece of solid gold that is made well means you are shopping consciously, choosing to buy that which lasts." You can also add charms or ethical diamonds to your Forever Bracelet at an additional cost.
Other Permanent Jewelry Brands
Link x Lou: Link x Lou offers custom-sized permanent welded necklaces, bracelets, anklets, or rings. Additionally, each month the brand donates a portion of sales to local organizations.
Astrid & Miyu: Beloved brand Astrid & Miyu offers a variety of solid gold seamless welded bracelets available in 9ct white and yellow Gold. Bracelet pricing starts from $100, rings start from $55, and anklets start from $185.
Marisa Mason: Marisa Mason offers either a permanent bracelet or anklet. For a fun addition, you can add a vintage or contemporary charm to your custom piece. Chain prices are between $22 and $50 per inch while charms start around $30.
Love Weld: Love Weld describes its concept as a "sophisticated 14k gold friendship bracelet." Visit one of their many locations across the US.
The Alkemistry: The Alkemistry London offers three gold hues to choose from: Yellow, white, or rose. The brand also donates five pounds from every permanent jewelry sale to the charity Women for Women.
The Takeaway
Trends come and go, but timeless fashion is forever. If you're a jewelry aficionado looking to invest in a piece, you'll want to focus of CPW—or cost per wear—to really decide if it's worth your money. Permanent jewelry may be your best investment. The pieces are welded onto you, meaning they won't come off without some concerted effort and a pair of scissors.
FAQ
What is the point of permanent jewelry?
People have many reasons for purchasing a piece of permanent jewelry. It could strictly be for looks, or something sentimental between two friends. Many couples get zapped prior to their wedding together to signify the special occasion.
How long does permanent jewelry look good for?
The longevity of permanent jewelry depends on the materials used in the piece and your lifestyle. Solid gold pieces won't tarnish or fade, but they are subject to scratches and dents.
Can you take off permanent jewelry?
Permanent jewelry is usually welded on and free of any clasps or closures. To remove, the item must be cut off.
