Permanent jewelry is a bracelet, anklet or necklace with no clasp. It’s closed with a tiny micro-weld, so it stays on through showers, swims, sleep and everything in between. We’ve been welding these chains in our Northeast Minneapolis studio since 2023, and the question we still hear most is the simplest one: what is it, exactly? Here’s the full answer, plus how it started for us and what to expect when you come in.
How permanent jewelry works
We size a chain to your wrist (the most popular spot), your ankle or your neck. Then we close it by welding a small jump ring shut instead of adding a clasp. The weld takes about a second and happens over a leather slip that sits between the chain and your skin. Blink twice and you’ll miss it. What’s left is an unbroken loop that goes everywhere you go and never needs to be remembered on your way out the door.
Does permanent jewelry hurt?
No. No heat ever touches your skin, and the jump ring isn’t warm afterward. We use the same tiny micro-welder we use to close the chains and jump rings on your lockets, which is part of why this felt like such a natural fit for our studio. After the weld, we check that it took, give it a quick brass brushing, and you’re set. Most people are surprised by how fast and easy it is.
How it started: a birthday trip to Scottsdale
In 2023, I took my daughter to Arizona for her 13th birthday. A friend had given her an “experience” gift: getting permanent jewelry in Scottsdale. It turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip. She played sports that don’t allow jewelry, so she chose an anklet she could tuck under her sock for soccer and basketball. She felt so special, and she loved that the gift was simply with her, all the time.
While we were there, I noticed something else. The welder was the same one we use in the studio for lockets. I called Allyssa right away, and we both knew it belonged at The Locket Sisters. It gave our studio one more way to do what our lockets have always done: help people feel connected to each other, or to themselves.
Today, Sheyenne is our Permanent Jeweler, and her calm, creative energy sets the tone for every appointment.
What metals is permanent jewelry made in?
Our permanent jewelry comes in sterling silver, gold filled and 14K solid gold. You’ll find everything from hearts and diamond-cut boxes to big flat oval links.
Each chain design is named with a word from another language that has a beautiful meaning. Hana is Arabic for “compassion and kindness.” Querencia is Spanish for “a place where you are your most authentic self.” Some people choose by look, some by meaning, and most land somewhere in between.
We also keep charms on hand. If you have something specific in mind, like a 14K gold letter or a family member’s birthstone, let us know one to two weeks ahead so it’s ready for your appointment.
How long does permanent jewelry last, and how do you take it off?
It’s made to stay. If your piece falls off within the first month, bring it back and we’ll fix it at no charge. After that, a repair costs the same as an appointment, as long as you still have the chain.
If you ever need it off, for surgery or an MRI or just a change of heart, you can book a quick removal with us or snip it at home with household cutters or pliers. The chains are sturdy, but they’re meant to come off easily when you want them to.
How do you clean permanent jewelry?
Every permanent jewelry customer leaves with a polishing cloth. A little soap and water works well too.
Where to get permanent jewelry in Minneapolis
Our studio is in the California Building in the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District, a historic building full of photographers, painters, stained-glass artists and jewelers (hi, that’s us). We’ve been in this space for nine years. It has big windows, brick walls, wood floors, couches, candles and good music. Mojo’s Coffee is right downstairs, so grab an espresso on your way up.
You can book online for yourself or a group of up to six, with weekday, evening and weekend times available. Current pricing is on our Permanent Jewelry page. If none of the times work, text us at 612-567-2397 and we’ll find one that does.
Parking: Street parking is free and easy to find, but we recommend the small free lot next to Mojo’s on the east side of the building. Enter the glass door by the wheelchair ramp, take the stairs up to your right, turn right again at the top, and you’ll find us in Studio 202.
Permanent jewelry for groups, parties and events
Permanent jewelry is even better shared. People come in as friends, sisters, moms and daughters, partners and whole teams. We host birthday parties, bachelorettes, bridal showers, holiday parties, employee appreciation events and professional gatherings in the studio, and we can bring everything to your location too. For really big events of 50 or more, email mandy@thelocketsisters.com or call or text 612-567-2397 and we’ll plan it together.
Need ideas? Our guide to hosting a permanent jewelry party covers how it works.
Ready for your first piece (or your fifth)?
Stacking is very much allowed. Book your permanent jewelry appointment, bring a friend or come on your own, and while you’re here, say hi to the lockets. They’re made in the very same room.
