The Real-Real On Permanent Bracelets (Win!)

These days, all it takes is a quick zap and you, too, can have a permanent bracelet around your wrist. But, as more and more providers offer this service, what are some permanent jewelry pitfalls to watch out for? We chatted with Amara Blue founder Kassandra Taylor (while she gave us a gorgeous permanent bracelet of our own) to learn more. —Noa Nichol

Hi Kassandra! Please tell us a bit about yourself to start.

I’m a multi-passionate creative with over eight years of experience in marketing and photography. I began my jewelry line Amara Blue Designs in 2015, and my background has helped me grow my business while allowing me to utilize my experience and skills. As a small business owner, I’m able to be a part of an incredible community while supporting their needs. I’ve called Vancouver my home for 12 years, and live there with my husband and cat, Kit. 

When and why did you launch Amara Blue? What niche were/are you aiming to fill?

I started Amara Blue after graduating high school as a creative outlet. Our relationship with jewelry changes through generations. I find that as the trends shift we are lacking sentimental quality designs that we can pass down. To me, jewelry serves as a tangible representation of the memories and values we hold dear. With that in mind, the intention behind my work has always been to create jewelry that could be cherished forever. Permanent bracelets are fine bracelet chains that are clasp-less. A link within the chain is bonded using a heatless welding technique. This allows the bracelet to be worn every day without the challenge of getting on and off the wrist. They are meant to last day-to-day wear for a long period of time. However, contrary to their name, they can be removed at any time if necessary.

When did you start offering permanent bracelets, and why? For those who don’t know, what does this service/process involve?

I started offering permanent bracelets last year as an extension of my personalized hand-stamping services, and they were an instant hit with my existing clientele—which I think really speaks to how aligned this service is with my brand overall. While the welding process itself may seem “trendy,” what truly matters for 90 per cent of my clients is the story and the reason behind getting the bracelet done. More often than not, it’s an experience between two or more people that symbolizes love, friendship, or big celebrations. It’s not really about the bracelet itself. Similar to the rest of my jewelry line, the most fulfilling part of offering these bracelets is that they serve as a tangible representation of those moments.

With so many brands offering permanent bracelets these days, what are your top tips to keep in mind when deciding where to get this done?

It’s no surprise that many studios are popping up. As a customer, it’s important to know what to look for when seeking out a studio. Here are my personal suggestions:

• Choose a brand that offers experienced jewelry designers, or goldsmiths. With such a trendy style, many who don’t have the experience are looking to capitalize on them without any past experience working with fine metals. If you feel the brand is not offering knowledge on how to choose a bracelet, keep in mind to choose sterling silver, gold fill or solid gold. Plated metals and charms will deteriorate over time. 
• Choose a brand that is well established. A good way to tell the quality of the bracelet service is by taking a look at the quality of other jewelry pieces that the brand offers. If their other lines seem good quality, it is likely that this will speak to the integrity of their bracelets as well. It can be a red flag if a business doesn’t offer anything but the bracelets.
• It’s also important to learn about the brand’s values and ethics and select the one that aligns with you. As someone who values longevity and timelessness, I believe it’s important to choose a sustainable option that will last as long as possible. As long as the bracelet is taken care of, a clasp is typically capable of being added onto the chain if it becomes necessary to remove. Whether welded or not, these chains should be something that you cherish for a very long time.

As they become uber popular, what are some issues with some of the permanent bracelets out there, in terms of quality/material/design?

Many companies outside of the jewelry industry are offering permanent bracelets as easy add-ons to their services. This can lead to misinformation on jewelry, design and which metals to choose, thus resulting in low quality materials and sometimes poor welding techniques that will not last. 

What are some safety issues that people may not be aware of?

When thinking about safety, our minds probably drift immediately to the process of putting the bracelet on instead of it coming off. The welding process itself involves no heat and is incredibly safe. However, one thing that needs to be considered is the strength and thickness of the chains you select. There is a reason why you only see very dainty bracelets being welded, it is because in times of emergency they need to be able to pull off with strong force. There is a very gross word for ring and bracelet induced injuries when getting caught during activities like rock climbing, weight-lifting, etc. We don’t want that. If you can’t imagine being able to break the chain by pulling it apart, I would highly suggest not getting it welded onto your wrist. 

As a pro, what’s your best advice around having a great permanent bracelet experience?

My best advice is to treat these bracelets with as much care as you would your other cherished jewelry. The chains are not impenetrable. It might be a given, but the more you invest in caring for them, the longer they will last. A routine polish will go a long way in ensuring that the bracelet sparkles the same way it did when initially put on.

Where can people find you/how can they book a permanent bracelet experience with you?

It has been a labour of love, but after our bracelets were so well received last year, I took the leap and opened up a space in the Dominion Building, in the heart of Historic Gastown. I take great pride in the space we’ve created, and I may be biased but I think that it is the perfect space to get a bracelet done. However, if you can’t make it to our studio, don’t worry! Our permanent bracelet service is also available on-the-go and lately I have been popping up at both large-scale events and private gatherings. During the holiday season, you will also be able to find us at Circle Craft for our fourth year at the show. Whether we see you at our studio, or an event we cannot wait to meet you! 

amarabluedesigns.com

Win! A Permanent Bracelet From Amara Blue!

Congrats Leah W. of Mission, BC, who will receive a permanent bracelet from Amara Blue, done on-site at the Gastown studio! Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadaily.ca. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding.