Everything You Should Know About the Permanent Bracelet Trend (Before Welding One to Your Wrist)

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 thestories of these visionariessticking 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 it 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 likeAstrid & Miyuin New York City have ushered the trend into the mainstream, so we tapped their experts to learn all about the trend—and try it firsthand.

Meet the Expert:

• Laura Costello, Head of Design atAstrid & Miyu, a fine jewelry brand that was founded in 2012 and has been offering welding services in its New York store for the past few years

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 10 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 toCatbird,you can just cut it right off with a sharp pair of scissors.

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. AtAstrid & 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. AtAlexandra Marks Jewelryin Chicago, prices for a silver bracelet start at $40.

良好的护理,他们可以持续数年,科斯特洛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—whichsome jewelry makers sayshould 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.

For us, part of the intrigue was feeling like you had 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."

For right now, permanent bracelets are primarily available in major cities like New York, Chicago, San Fransisco and the like, though they're becoming more widespread. Here are some studios we recommend:

• A Simple Peace: Tampa Bay, FL
• Astrid & Miyu: New York City
• Catbird: New York City
• Love Weld: Locations in Austin, San Antonio, New York City, Denver, Albuquerque, Denton and Plano
• Alexandra Marks: Chicago
• Lackadazee: Louisville, KY
• Link X Lou: Locations in Portland, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Nashville, Charleston, St. Louis, Las Vegas, Miami and more
• TLJ Jewelry: San Diego
• Susumi Studio: Los Angeles

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