Perhaps you’ve seen young influencer couples getting them done on TikTok. Or maybe, like me, you first saw them on Season 3 of ”Love Is Blind”, where contestant Bartise Bowden brought his then-fiancée Nancy Rodriguez to a jewellery store to choose matching unclaspable bracelets together as a sign of commitment. Permanent bracelets are the latest jewellery trend, and it’s something that has made its way to Singapore as well.

Here’s all you need to know about the permanent jewellery trend - covering all the FAQs like how it’s done, whether it can be removed, and what happens when you go through airport security, an X-Ray, or MRI scan.

What is permanent jewellery?

Photo from @she_finejewellery via Instagram

We’re all familiar with the jade bangles that our ah mahs never take off, and the classic Cartier bracelets that have to be painstakingly attached using a screwdriver. These are, traditionally, “permanent” bracelets as we know them, but the latest permanent jewellery trend in Singapore works a little differently.

Unlike extreme body piercings, permanent jewellery isn’t attached to your skin in any way, so don’t worry - it’s not as scary as it might sound. In fact, it’s completely safe and painless, and the whole process of getting a permanent bracelet done takes but a matter of minutes.

You first start off by choosing your preferred bracelet design, and once the chain has been cut to size, the two ends of the chain will be “zapped” together by the store’s staff, thus welding them fast in place. There may or may not be a tiny spark and a crackling sound at this portion, but it’ll happen so quickly you might not even realise anything till it’s over.

Because permanent jewellery does not come with clasps, you practically cannot remove it. Think of these as your modern day friendship bracelets, or an elevated version of promise rings. They could even double up as a minimalist alternative to the usual wedding bands for couples who like keeping things subtle and fuss-free.

Types of permanent jewellery

Photo from @linkedbytrin via Instagram

Permanent jewellery can come in the form of necklaces, but the most popular so far - and most readily available in Singapore - are bracelets. This is probably due to the fact that bracelets are fairly easy to wear, and won’t get all tangled up while you sleep or do sports. Permanent anklets are another possible option. Rings are also doable, but like regular rings, they can easily be rolled on and off, which minimises the “forever” aspect of things.

Permanent bracelets are generally plain in design, and often come as a single thin chain. Most stores offer various finishes from gold to white gold and rose gold, with the chain links also varying in shape and size. Some places also offer simple customisation with little charms or tiny crystals and gems.

In line with the whole theme of everlastingness, permanent jewellery is usually made using precious metals like gold so that they will be able to withstand wear and tear and be less prone to tarnishing.

Can permanent bracelets be removed?

Photo from @foreverlinkedcolorado via Instagram

As “Love Is Blind” viewers would already know - yes, permanent jewellery can be removed, so you won’t be stuck with a lifelong reminder of lost love in the event of a breakup. Cue the heart-wrenching scene of Nancy ripping off her permanent bracelet in anger after being 100% done with Bartise’s BS. 

By all means, do it Nancy-style if your lover scorns you, but there’s really no need for brute force; Since they usually come as thin, slender chains, a permanent bracelet can simply be removed by yourself with a simple snip of scissors or wire cutters.

Can you wear a permanent bracelet through airport security?

There’s no need to say goodbye to your sojourns abroad; As with small earrings and wedding bands, permanent bracelets can easily pass through airport security checkpoints. Getting past the boarding gates at Changi Airport should still remain a breeze!

Can you wear permanent jewellery during an X-Ray or MRI scan?

Photo from @jewels.by.jill.peacock via Instagram

Unfortunately, permanent jewellery will have to be removed before the wearer takes an X-Ray or MRI scan. This is because any sort of metal will interfere with the magnetic field, thus obscuring any images produced and potentially resulting in health risks. As such, it’s best to leave your permanent bracelet appointment till after any upcoming health check-ups, just in case.

Of course, unforeseen circumstances pop up all the time and it’s not everyday that we expect to undergo such medical procedures. Don’t let that stop you from getting permanent jewellery though - you’ll just have to be mentally prepared to cut it off if the need arises.

But hey, there’s a silver lining…more in the next point!

Can removed permanent bracelets be re-attached?

Photo from @saltyjewelryco via Instagram

Yes! It’s certainly not the end if your permanent bracelet breaks or needs to be removed, because permanent jewellery can easily be re-attached in the same way that it’s first fixed on. Most stores selling permanent jewellery do offer re-soldering services at a small fee - great news for those fickle on-off couples who get together and break up umpteen times throughout the course of their relationship.

More pretty jewellery to check out:

• I'MMANY: Delicate jewellery made using real flowers & leaves
• Moss & Lupine: Fine jewellery inspired by the peony flower
• Polly Pocket-inspired clay earrings