Permanent Jewelry: How TikTok Made “Forever Bracelets” the Ultimate Modern Accessory

By definition, external beauty is fleeting, as evidenced by the booming cosmetic surgery industry. Still, many types of body modifications and beauty procedures are intended to be permanent, such as tattoos and piercings.

Recently, another long-standing fashion trend has gained popularity, thanks to TikTok, as usual. While statement shoes define a look from the ground up, permanent jewelry is emerging as the ultimate effortless accessory—a tiny piece of forever that guarantees your outfit, from your heels to your wrists, is always complete. We’re discussing the trend of permanent jewelry.

Usually, they are bracelets or necklaces made of simple chain designs, attached to the wearer and then welded shut—without a clasp—so there is no way for the wearer to remove them. Below you’ll find examples of permanent jewelry by Catbird Jewelry and Itty Bitty Bling.

Permanent jewelry bracelets in gold and silver are welded directly onto the wrist, symbolizing enduring connection and effortless everyday style (Credit: @ittybittybling / Instagram)

The idea may leave some of you scratching your heads, but permanent jewelry is the next big thing in bling. Here’s everything you need to know about the permanent jewelry trend.

The Origins of Permanent Jewelry: From Ancient Traditions to Cartier’s Iconic Love Bracelet

Like many fashion trends, the concept of permanent jewelry is not a new idea, as many cultures have engaged in this practice for thousands of years. For example, some Kayan women in Thailand, Myanmar, and Vietnam wear golden coil necklaces that gradually elongate their necks over time.

It has also been seen in popular culture, beginning in the 1960s with the Cartier Love bracelet, which famously locks using a tiny screwdriver.

In a modern twist, Kylie Jenner once admitted she literally couldn’t remove hers for years—underscoring the enduring idea that true permanence in jewelry is both romantic and real.

💫 Explore Cartier Love Bracelet Moments on Your Next Shoes

From Kylie Jenner’s viral “stuck bracelet” story to red-carpet pairings with designer heels, Your Next Shoes has captured how this timeless Cartier piece continues to symbolize love, luxury, and lasting style. Explore these related features:

Women of the Kayan ethnic group wear traditional brass neck rings—a cultural expression of beauty and identity that has inspired modern interpretations of permanent jewelry (Credit: CappaPhoto / Shutterstock)

How TikTok Made Permanent Jewelry the Ultimate Modern Bond Bracelet

Today’s take on permanent jewelry feels distinctly modern. The trend first shimmered into the spotlight on TikTok, where brands like Catbird and Stone and Strand went viral for their delicate gold chains—minimalist pieces designed to stay with you for life.

@brittany.xavier never taking them off ✨ #momanddaughter #catbird #nyc #dailyvlog ♬ Music For a Sushi Restaurant – Harry Styles

Although the idea may not appeal to everyone, permanent jewelry has become increasingly popular for several reasons.

First, permanent jewelry has become an excellent way for friends to show their love for one another. In fact, Catbird refers to permanent jewelry as “the ultimate friendship bracelet” (Stone and Strand refer to them as “bond bracelets”), and many customers will come in with a close friend to get permanent jewelry together as a physical representation of their loyalty to one another.

Minimalist welded bracelets, often called “forever” or “bond” bracelets, are custom-fitted and seamlessly attached to celebrate lasting friendship and individuality (Credit: @catbirdnyc / Instagram)

Permanent jewelry is also a great way to commemorate an event. Much like getting inked with a meaningful tattoo, permanent jewelry is a great way to celebrate a wedding, graduation, divorce, or other significant life events.

The last reason why permanent jewelry has become so popular is simple: it is the ultimate lazy accessory. There’s no need to worry about sorting through a jewelry box and untangling bracelets or necklaces to add the finishing touch to your outfit. With permanent jewelry, you’re already accessorized!

Where to Get Permanent Jewelry: Catbird, Stone and Strand, and Other Chic Spots

Permanent jewelry is a bit of a novelty item, so not every jewelry store in town will be able to give you a forever bracelet.

Luckily, many jewelry stores or sellers specialize in permanent jewelry—like Catbird, Marisa Mason, or Anna Janelle Jewelry—and many will do pop-up shops in different locations if you aren’t near a store.

A jeweler uses a precision welder to attach a delicate chain bracelet, creating a seamless piece of permanent jewelry designed to last indefinitely (Credit: Catbird)

Be prepared to shell out a pretty penny, though. The materials used in permanent jewelry are expensive, with gold being the most popular choice, and welding the chain shut permanently requires specialized expertise. Baribault Jewelers estimates that you may pay anywhere from $245 to $375 and up.

What to Know Before Getting Permanent Jewelry: Care, TSA Issues, and Maintenance

As cool as having a bracelet on your arm forever may sound, there are a few logistical issues that should be addressed. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Depending on the chain’s design, permanent jewelry can be surprisingly delicate. Though it’s intended to last forever, a fine link or careless snag can cut its lifespan short—sometimes to just a few weeks.

Gold chain bracelets in varying link styles—paperclip, cable, and curb—show the minimalist versatility of permanent jewelry (Credit: @ittybittybling / Instagram)

Luckily, if you no longer want to wear it, permanent jewelry can be removed with a pair of scissors.

2. If you’re a frequent flier, be aware that you may have some issues with the TSA. Though the TSA doesn’t usually ask fliers to remove fine jewelry, you may need to explain that you can’t take it off.

Matching silver welded bracelets layered on both wrists highlight the personalized and enduring appeal of permanent jewelry (Credit: @ittybittybling / Instagram)

3. Permanent jewelry gets tarnished and damaged over time, likely faster than removable jewelry because it’s worn 24/7. Gold is a very soft metal that can be scratched and bent easily, while silver tarnishes, turning a dark brown or green color, and requires regular cleaning.

Side-by-side gold and silver chain samples display the variety of link patterns available for custom-welded bracelets (Credit: @ittybittybling / Instagram)

Discover More Sparkle: Celebrity Jewelry Trends and Timeless Style Staples

From welded chains to red-carpet diamonds, jewelry continues to tell powerful stories of style and self-expression. As we wrap up our look at the permanent jewelry phenomenon, explore more timeless and trend-driven pieces shaping today’s fashion world: