Everything You Should Know About the Permanent Bracelet Trend (Before Welding One to Your Wrist)
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If Steve Jobs wore bracelets, he might opt for a permanent one. Maybe even Albert Einstein and Barack Obama. C'mon—we've all heard the stories of these visionaries sticking to a uniform look, just to minimize the decisions they'd need to make before their day got started. And, beyond making for a cool Instagram Reel or TikTok, welded or "permanent bracelets"—as the internet has come to refer to them—are bracelets that don't have a clasp. They're fitted to your wrist with the ends welded together, so you don't have to take them on and off—and thus, you're always accessorized. Or, at least, for as long as the jewelry lasts.
While the actual service of having a permanent bracelet put on has been around for quite a while, the trend resurfaced last summer and is becoming increasingly popular.
Stores like Astrid & Miyu and Stone and Strand in New York City have ushered the trend into the mainstream, so we tapped their experts to learn Stores like Astrid & Miyu and Stone and Strand in New York City have ushered the trend into the mainstream, so we tapped their experts to learn all about permanent bracelets—and get one firsthand.
Catbird
20 Minimalist Jewelry Brands We Love
Meet the Experts:
Candace Davison
How Are Permanent Bracelets Put On?
The process of having a permanent bracelet applied is three-fold: Pick your bracelet, decide on the fit (meaning how loose or tight you want it) and get it welded onto your wrist.
The technician will size your wrist and you can decide how you want it to sit on your skin so it’s as comfy as possible since, ya know, it’s on you until it falls off (or you break out the shears). The two ends of the bracelet are welded together and there is no pain involved. The process typically takes about ten to 20 minutes.
Oh, by the way, if you ever decide you want to take it off, it’s super easy to do so. According to Catbird, you can just cut it right off with a sharp pair of scissors.
How Much Does a Permanent Bracelet Cost?
The price of a permanent bracelet varies based on where you get it done—some places charge by the design and material of the bracelet, some by the material and length of chain required to fit your wrist. At Astrid & Miyu, for example, all of the chains are solid gold, and they start at $120. Catbird's styles, which are available in yellow, white and rose gold, range from $98 to $348. At Alexandra Marks Jewelry in Chicago, prices for a silver bracelet start at $40. Stone and Strand's Bound bracelets range from $50 to $215. They also can add charms to your desired pick with prices of charms that span in range from $25 to $125.
How Long Does a Permanent Bracelet Last?
With good care, they can last for years, Costello says. In our experience, the bracelet lasted just under three weeks before it snapped off while changing. (To be fair, it endured three trips to the beach, two days at the pool—which some jewelry makers say should be avoided—and 18 yoga classes, beyond day-to-day wear and tear.)
To that end, it's worth looking into the company's warranty and replacement policy (some will re-weld your bracelet for free for six months to a year after you get it), as well as what the chain is made of, before you book an appointment. "The higher the karat of gold, the more likely it will stretch, so we use 9-karat to prevent this," Costello says. "We also offer thicker chains and clasps for anyone who is particularly worried about the durability."
In our case, we could share our receipt with the store to get the bracelet re-welded for free.
Kahane also mentions that, "On the rare occasion that a Bound bracelet falls off we can definitely re-weld. To keep the chain safe until you can back to your welder, we recommend storing the chain in a small zip lock bag with a short tail zipped in place."
Astrid & Miyu
What Are the Risks and Considerations to Take Into Account When Getting a Permanent Bracelet?
There are a couple of things that you might that to take into consideration when deciding to get permanent jewelry put on. As we know, a permanent bracelet can typically be removed with a sharp pair of kitchen or craft scissors, but if you know you may be going in for surgery, an MRI or other medical treatment that may require the removal of all jewelry, you'll want to hold off on getting a bracelet put on until after the procedure to avoid a trip back to the welders for reattachment.
If you're worried about getting your bracelet wet when showering or swimming, you're in luck. "We only weld with solid gold and sterling silver chains," Kahane says of the Bound bracelets at Stone and Strand. "Both are safe for swimming and airport security! A common myth is sterling silver tarnishes from wear. The truth is in fact the opposite. Silver will tarnish from oxygen but always wearing your silver naturally polishes the jewelry and keeps it from turning black." So long as your permanent jewelry is made of a metal that's resistant to tarnishing, you should be good to rinse off or take a dip.
So Why Do People Get Permanent Bracelets Anyway?
For us, part of the intrigue was having one less thing to do to get ready in the morning (and be free of fussing with clasps). But it's even more popular as a sentimental gift or way to mark a milestone, especially when it comes to relationships—a lot of couples and friends will get them together. And, as one person told us, it's a way to "test drive something semi-permanent, without the commitment of, say, a tattoo."
Kahane explains, "It’s the ultimate friend group activity! There is always the bold friend who can’t get enough, the minimalist friend who declines piercing parties but loves a simple gold chain and the conservative girlie who wants to do something a little rebellious but a tattoo is still TBD." The bracelets sold at Strand and Stone are also fairly customizable, offering a variety of different charm add-ons like a pavé diamond initial or dainty gold talismans. And they just might be working on some one-of-a-kind charms for the upcoming holiday season.
Yeah. We're sold.
OK, I'm Intrigued—Where Can I Get One?
At the moment, permanent bracelets are primarily available in major cities like New York, Chicago, San Francisco and the like, though they're becoming more widespread. Here are some studios we recommend:
Shop Permanent Bracelets
Stone and Strand
Bound Bracelet
https://go.skimresources.com?id=27667X859343&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stoneandstrand.com%2Fpages%2Fstore&xcust=permanent-bracelet
From $50
BUY IT
Catbird
Forever Bracelets
https://go.skimresources.com?id=27667X859343&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catbirdnyc.com%2Fpermanent-jewelry&xcust=permanent-bracelet
From $98
BUY IT
Astrid & Miyu
Welded Bracelets
https://go.skimresources.com?id=27667X859343&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fus.astridandmiyu.com%2Fpages%2Fwelding-studio&xcust=permanent%20bracelets%205%2F2023
From $120
BUY IT
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