A new trend is circulating on social media that could well rival body modifications like piercings and tattoos.
The painless form of self-expressionism is called enduring jewelry—and has become popular with those who want a customized accessory.
Sarah Sides, CEO and Founder of Love Weld has worked in the jewelry industry for over a decade.
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After working in trend and market research for one of the largest fair trade jewelry companies, Sides said she discovered the beginnings of durable jewelry with Hannah Keefe — a durable jewelry artist who used a blowtorch to create durable bracelets .
Love Weld is the first jewelry store dedicated to permanent jewelry. (love sweat)
Catbird NYC, one of Sides’ inspirations, coined the term “Zapping” for his line of permanent jewelry.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Catbird NYC for comment.
“The idea kind of consumed me. I was obsessed with it,” Sides told Fox News Digital.
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Bracelets are the lowest-selling category in jewelry because of their fit, Sides noted.
“As adults, it kind of took us back to middle school when you made friendship bracelets, and you really feel like you’re part of something special.”
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“Bracelets are like shoes, you need the right size for your wrist,” explains Sides.
Sides saw this design as more than just a trend, but more of a “brand that could stand on its own,” she said.
After playing around with early welding technology in 2019, Sides launched the company from her garage in 2020 with a “Galentine’s Day” event for her close friends.
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“It was magical. As adults, it kind of took us back to middle school when you made friendship bracelets, and you really feel like you’re part of something special,” Sides said.
Alayna Sepic got a permanent bracelet with her best friend from Brave Daughters in Boston. (Alayna Sepic)
Then, in May 2021, she opened her first brick-and-mortar store in Austin.
“Permanent jewelry is all we do. I have a team of over 30 people eating, sleeping and welding,” Sides commented.
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At Love Weld, Sides designed and named the chains used for the bracelets after people who have influenced her life – starting with her three sisters, Emily, Caroline and Hannah.
Alayna Sepic documented her permanent jewelry experience on TikTok. (Alayna Sepic)
“In the creation of the permanent jewelry line [we landed on something that] needs to be durable, yet comfortable and lightweight,” noted Sides.
“The idea is that it’s like a second skin.”
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“I see a lot of people seeing this as a fun, less scary alternative to a piercing or tattoo, but still sharing the same experience.”
Sides had several customers who wanted a clasp bracelet but ended up coming back to make it permanent.
Depending on the chain used, permanent jewelry is either attached by a barely visible jump ring hidden in the chain, or it is welded to itself.
The 14k gold chain means the accessory is durable and will not tarnish over the years. (Alayna Sepic)
Welders use a pen with a needle on that end, which fuses the ring or open space together using electricity along with a ground wire to contain the spark.
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There’s a spark when you get your permanent bracelet “zapped”. (love sweat)
“It kind of gives you the thrill of a tattoo or piercing without the pain,” Sides noted.
Sides has had many encounters with clients who came to Love Weld for a permanent bracelet after retiring from a tattoo appointment.
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“I see a lot of people seeing this as a fun, less scary alternative to a piercing or tattoo, but still sharing the same experience,” Sides said.
Alayna Sepic added an ‘A’ charm to her Brave Daughters permanent bracelet. (Alayna Sepic)
Permanent jewelry can be a way to celebrate love and friendship or to commemorate loved ones.
Alayna Sepic documented her permanent bracelet outing on TikTok after getting one with her best friend at Brave Daughters in Boston, Massachusetts, she told Fox News Digital.
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“I really like that you can get a 14k gold band because it doesn’t tarnish or stretch over time and it’s always on my wrist without worrying about losing it or losing it.” to relocate,” said Sepic.
Love Weld uses welding technology and a microscope to ensure a seamless weld. (love sweat)
At Love Weld, the permanent jewelry consists of 14-karat solid gold and diamonds or stones.
Caring for these bracelets is easy due to the durability of the metal used – this can vary depending on where you have your bracelet welded.
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Baking soda or lemon can be used to shine the accessory along with a soft cloth or your wrist.
I think it’s going to be the future – where it’s all about jewelry being tailored to you.
You can use detergents, shower, swim or sweat and the jewelry won’t tarnish or change color, according to Sides.
Bracelets are the most common form of permanent jewelry, but Love Weld offers rings, anklets, necklaces, and even body chains.
If you’re getting a permanent piece of jewelry and want to remove it, Sides says you can easily snip off the bracelet with scissors.
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Many permanent jewelry stores will even re-weld the piece if you’ve removed it and want to put it back on.
“The intention behind it [the jewelry] is what gets people in the door, but what keeps them coming back is that it’s liberating,” Sides added.
She said it’s a liberating experience when a bracelet fits you perfectly for the first time.
“The custom piece of [permanent jewelry] is such an unexpected bonus, which is why I don’t think it’s going to be a trend,” Sides commented.
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“I think it’s going to be the future – where it’s all about jewelry being tailored to you.”
TikTok user Alayna Sepic gets a permanent bracelet and documents the experience on the video sharing platform. (Alayna Sepic)
TikTok videos showing users getting permanent bracelets have been viewed millions of times over the past few months, with some people having more than one on their wrist.
Once you get a bracelet, you want to add it to your stack, Sides said, adding that “there’s an addiction.”
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