FAQs on Permanent Jewelry
FAQs
What is permanent jewelry?
Permanent jewelry goes by many names. If you've ever heard the terms forever jewelry, infinity bracelet, clasp-less anklet, or getting zapped they're all referring to the same process!
We love permanent jewelry for two reasons. One, it's exactly the right size (YOUR size)! Because we measure you to fit, it's like having a totally custom piece created just for you.
Second, there's no clasp to worry about! we join the ends of your chain together with spark technology (with our micro-welder). It's safe, painless, and perfect for a low-maintenance lifestyle!
The beauty of permanent jewelry is that you don’t really need to worry about it. Our Forever Jewelry is designed for long-lasting wear, which means you can live your daily life without much thought, including traveling, bathing, swimming, and other activities.
Can permanent jewelry be removed?
Yes! Your jewelry can simply be removed with snips at the welding point.
If your permanent jewelry breaks , simply grab the chain, come on back and we can re-weld it. If your permanent jewelry becomes stretched at any time, we can resize your chain and re-weld it.
*re-sizing or re-welding is an additional $10 charge
How long will my permanent jewelry last?
Because the bracelet is welded on, it does not have a clasp and, therefore, will "permanently" stay on (until you decide to remove it or until it breaks off). Bear in mind, that nothing in life is truly permanent! Lighter weight, delicate chains need to be treated for what they are: fine, delicate jewelry,. For some people, permanent jewelry lasts a lifetime but for many, a repair or re-weld might be in order. It depends on how hard you are on your jewelry.
Please be mindful when changing clothes or putting on coats or other jewelry.
What if I have to have an MRI?
Your jewelry will most likely need to be removed before your MRI. You can cut your piece with scissors or snips at the welding point. Your piece can be re-welded at ObscurO Jewelry on at a later date for a $10 fee.
Is there an age
requirement ?
Our minimum age requirement for permanent jewelry is 12.
Anyone under the age of 16 will need to be accompanied by an adult and needs to be able to sit still long enough for us to be able to weld.
Children grow rapidly and are usually hard on their jewelry so Permanent Jewelry is not recommended.
We will gladly create a piece with a clasp for children 5-12 years of age.
*Children under 5 are not recommended for any of our jewelry .
Will TSA make me remove my permanent jewelry ?
Nope! TSA does not ask you to remove jewelry when going through airport security.
*at least we've never had a problem while traveling and have never heard about anyone having to remove their permanent jewelry while going through TSA.
What if my permanent jewelry stretches out?
Though durable, jewelry is not indestructible — so if your piece stretches or breaks, please hang onto the chain and contact us to schedule a repair.
We offer 1 complimentary repair within 30 days of your initial appointment. Any additional repairs beyond 30 days may have a small fee of $10
Please note: if your chain is stretched out beyond repair or contains multiple breaks (for example, if it was caught on something), a new chain may need to be purchased. We will work with you to find the most cost-effective solution!
Can I host a Permanent Jewelry Party?
Yes, of course! Private parties are an incredible and fun experience with your best friends, your bridesmaids and all your loved ones!
We'd love to bring the ObscurO Permanent Jewelry experience to you! Please message us with what you have in mind. We usually offer the host 1/2 off (sterling silver or gold-filled) permanent bracelet or anklet as long as we have at least 5 people getting welded!
*We require a minimum of 5 people for parties. Setup and travel fees may apply depending on your party size, location, and date.
How do I care for my Permanent Jewelry ?
We recommend mixing lukewarm water and a touch of mild Dawn dish soap to clean your permanent jewelry. Gently scrub your chain for a few seconds and rinse thoroughly with warm water, then pat dry with a soft towel.
If you use perfume or lotions this may affect your permanent jewelry so please use sparingly. Also, a person's PH may cause a chemical reaction (especially with sterling Silver), so we recommend people with sensitive skin to purchase solid 14k gold at avoid any issues.
Also, (for sterling silver only) a little secret in the jewelry world, is the use of soft toothpaste mixed with water and rinse thoroughly to shine up your sterling silver pieces!
Do you offer Permanent Jewelry for men?
Of course! Doesn't matter who you are, ANYONE can wear our jewelry! We offer a wide range of chain options. If you'd like a thicker chain, we may not recommend getting the piece welded as it probably has enough staying power on its own. You want your jewelry to have a breaking point as to not cause injury if snagged.
If you have a specific chain in mind and we don't carry it, we can more than likely order it for you.
Does ObscurO Jewelry offer gift cards for Permanent Jewelry ?
YES! A gift card is the PERFECT way to gift permanent jewelry to a loved one. Gift cards for Permanent Jewelry start at $56 which is the base price for a sterling silver Permanent Jewelry bracelet.
Can I reschedule or cancel my appointment ?
Rescheduling and cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before your appointment.
Please text us at 804.833.1890 for any adjustments to your appointment .
What to avoid to help my Permanent Jewelry last a lifetime
Bleach, Ammonia, Chlorinated water, Hot Tubs, Sunscreen, lotions and Cleaning agents will affect your jewelry (especially sterling silver).
We recommend avoiding direct contact with these products to ensure a long life to the jewelry.
Also, snagging of any sort may stretch or break the chain. The chains we carry are delicate and made to break if snagged as to lessen the chance of injury. If this happens, please hold on to the chain and contact us to get the piece re-welded or re-fitted for a $10 welding fee.
*If the chain is lost, you will need to purchase another chain.
What is the difference between Solid Gold, 14/20 Gold and Gold Plated Jewelry?
With so many terms to describe gold jewelry, it can be confusing to know exactly what you’re buying, the value of your pieces and how to look after them.
Solid Gold (AKA 'real gold') is the most valuable form of jewelry you can buy.
You'll often see solid gold jewelry denoted as a number followed by 'k' .
This refers to the 'purity' of gold, which is expressed as karats. The purest form of gold you can get is 24k gold which is 100% pure gold. 24k gold is very yellow in color and soft in texture. As it's too soft to practically use in jewelry, pure gold is often mixed (aka ‘alloyed’) with other metals to make it more durable. These gold alloys are what we refer to as 'solid gold' in jewelry.
The higher the proportion of pure gold to other metals, the higher the number of karats the gold is.
Gold is one of the most valuable resources in the world and and will last a lifetime if cared for properly. It will not wear away like plated jewelry and can be easily melted down and re-used/recycled to create new pieces.
14/20 Gold (aka gold-filled) is a fraction of the cost of Solid Gold and is made by bonding a layer of gold to a base metal to give it the appearance of solid gold.
The process involves a high amount of heat and pressure and the resultant gold filled piece is much more durable than a gold plated piece. 14/20 Gold jewelry can last 10 or more years with proper care. 14/20 Gold jewelry has a thick layer of gold, which makes it last much longer than gold plated jewelry. It can be worn daily without fading or rubbing off.
Gold Plated jewelry consists of a very thin layer of gold being electrically charged onto a base metal or sterling silver.
If gold is plated over sterling silver, this is also known as “Vermeil” (pronounced ver-may).
Although it is a layer of real gold used in plating, it is only about 0.5 microns on average, or up to 5 microns for heavy gold plating that is used.
To give some context, 1 micron = 1 millionth of a meter, and the average human hair is 70 microns thick! So it is only a microscopic level of gold which does not compare in volume to a Solid Gold piece of jewelry.
Gold Plated jewelry is the cheapest and lowest quality of these three metal types.
It has an average lifespan of less than a year (with minimal exposure to moisture).