Andy Jensen
Director
Is Permanent Jewelry Safe? "Yes!" Say the Experts.
It's pretty. It's fashionable. And it's popular. But is it safe?
That's one of the most asked questions about permanent jewelry. And that's the question that I put to an expert panel of seasoned permanent jewelry artists from around the country to answer this and other questions (such as How Much Does It Cost, How Long Will It Last, and What Are The Basic Steps).
"Yeah, it is safe," says Kim Thompson of Love, Eros, a boutique in Chattanooga. But she adds there are aspects of permanent jewelry that can be troublesome. "If you're using quality welding machines, appropriate chain—I do think its safe. I don't think it's any different than any other piece of jewelry that you would have on you, if done properly."
"Lifestyle comes into play when you talk about safety," says Shari Tammietti, owner of Permanent Jewelry Training. "If you're telling me you're a firefighter and not allowed to wear a wedding ring, then permanent jewelry is not for you. But if your lifestyle allows, then it's totally safe."
Danielle Watt, proprietor of River Valley Designs adds, "Permanent jewelry is not for everyone, and its okay to say that. Instead, offer a clasp for those that can't wear something permanently. I find that 99.9 percent of the time, those that have a job or what have you that prohibits permanent jewelry, have the clasp that still allows them to experience the experience."
Shari Tammietti adds, "I've been at bridal showers when one of the bridesmaids was unable to participate with the others because, as a nurse, she can't wear jewelry to work. But with a clasp she was able to participate and still get that jewelry."
"Safety wise, specific to welding machines, like Kim says, 'do your research,'" Danielle cautions. "Know what you're buying and just don't go with the cheapest welding machine. That's when I've see some sketchy things happen, but I don't know anyone that has been gravely injured by a welding machine. But I use Sunstone welding machines exclusively and I know that I will never shock or otherwise injure my customers."
"Peace of mind," interjects Shari Tammietti.
The Basic Steps to Permanent Jewelry
1. Choose and Measure Chain. You'll choose a chain that jumps out at you. Once you choose a chain, the permanent jewelry artist or technician will measure your wrist or ankle and then cut the chain to that length.
2. Connect with a Jump Ring. Your artist will wrap the chain around your wrist and thenl connect both ends of the chain using a jump ring. The artist will use a pair of pliers to hold he jump ring. The pliers are usually ground and connected a permanent jewelry welder™, such as an Orion mPulse™, Orion PJ™, or Zapp™. The artist will use pliers to move the two ends of the jump ring together, so they are tight against each other.
3. Check for Safety. The permanent jewelry artist will place a small leather patch between your skin and the jump ring. You'll also be asked to either look away during the welding process or view the process while recording the experience with your smartphone. Remember what grandpa always said: Never watch someone weld without proper eye protection. Your permanent jewelry artist will protect their eyes using special glasses or an auto darkening lens (or ADL).
4. Weld the Jump Ring Closed. With the jump ring holding both ends of the chain and with safety assured, the permanent jewelry artist will weld the two ends of the jump ring together, so the chain can not be removed. Of course, you can always use a nail clipper to cut open the jump ring and remove the bracelet. The jump ring can be closed again at any time.
5. Polish the Chain. Your permanent jewelry artist will take a fiberglass brush to clean up the welded jump ring. Accomplished permanent jewelry artists will use argon gas to produce a cleaner, stronger weld. And that completes the process, which should take about 10 minutes from start to finish.
How Much is Permanent Jewelry
The price that a customer will pay for a permanent bracelet is primarily dependent upon location. In downtown Chattanooga, Kim Thompson charges a premium for her service as she only uses high quality silver of 14k gold chain. Pricing for her clientele start at $80 per bracelet. On the other hand, Shari Tammietti and Danielle Watt, who do business in a more rural setting, sell comparable bracelets for less. In the Boston area, Christine Coughlin says her average chain sells for about the same as it does in Chattanooga.
How Long Does Permanent Jewelry Last
Your permanent jewelry's durability is defined by how long it will stay around your wrist or ankle and how well the metal surface stands up to the elements. The durability of your permanent bracelet or anklet is dependent upon three factors:
1. Type of Metal. 14k gold is the "gold" standard when it comes to durability. A less-expensive alternative to 14k gold is gold-fill (not to be confused with gold plated). Avoid plated metals as they don't weld strongly and wear faster.
2. Permanent Jewelry Location. Bracelets are more likely than anklets to catch on something and break. Note that you should choose a chain that will break when caught, for safety reasons; avoid thick and heavy chains.
3. Skill Level. Like any artisan, you should expect your permanent jewelry artist to follow best practices, be knowledgeable about which metals weld best, and closely inspect their work to verify a strong, dependable weld. Ask your artist if they are using argon gas, as it produces a stronger weld. Ask your artist if the welder they are using is certified for safety. Ask your artist what permanent jewelry training they have completed or if they have attended events such as the Permanent Jewelry Expo or a member of the Permanent Jewelry Association.
Where You Can Get Permanent Jewelry
You can find the most accomplished permanent jewelry artists on directories such as the Permanent Jewelry Directory. Or, simply Google "permanent jewelry near me." Permanent jewelry artists can be booked online for private appointments. Soon-to-be brides will contract an artist to be present at a wedding part where all bridesmaids get matching bracelets. You'll also see artists hosted at permanent jewelry parties.
Permanent Jewelry FAQ's
Does Permanent Jewelry Interfere with TSA? No. Our fine TSA officers don't ask you to remove jewelry when going through airport security. Permanent jewelry is jewelry and doesn't have to come off.
What About X-rays, CAT scans, and MRI's? The quick answer is permanent jewelry can be easily removed for these procedures and then welded again. All you need is a pair of nail clippers to cut a jump ring or fine chain. For most of us, x-rays, CAT scans, and MRI's are not a usual occurrence. Don't let something that may happen discourage you from choosing to get permanent jewelry.
Will Permanent Jewelry Tarnish? Of course. Like all jewelry, you should clean your bracelet or anklet often. Chemicals you find in pools will tarnish your permanent jewelry. Gold is less likely to tarnish than any other metal.
What about Sports? Most contact sports prohibit you from wearing any type of jewelry, and that includes permanent jewelry.
How to Start a Permanent Jewelry Business
Starting your permanent jewelry business does not require much in upfront investment. The top permanent jewelry welders start at $999, come with 3-year warranties, and responsive customer service. You can also purchase a permanent jewelry starter kit to get all the tools you need, and then invest in what chain you feel will be most popular with your customers. While some permanent jewelry artists have reported over-the-weekend success in recouping their initial investment, you can estimate that you'll need to sell 50 to 80 chains to break even.
However large the margins and financial payback, most people will never even attempt. "Just start," says Kim Thompson. "If you want to get into the business, then just get started."
You'll find permanent jewelry artists at fairs, farmer's markets, and other events or within a salon or boutique. Wherever your target audience is that's where you'll want to set up shop. The majority of permanent jewelry artists only work remote events (which they call pop-up's), because the overhead is considerably low and the margins are much higher. Others pay rent for a spot in a salon or already own a salon or boutique.
To learn more about permanent jewelry, or to start your own permanent jewelry business, visit www.permanent.jewelry or call or text +1 801-658-0015.