Does Permanent Jewelry Hurt? What to Actually Expect.
This is, hands down, the question I get asked the most — usually right before someone sits down in the chair, eyes a little wide, half-joking but also half-serious: "This isn't going to hurt, right?"
Nope. Here's exactly what happens, so you can walk in knowing what to expect.
The actual weld takes about one second
Permanent jewelry isn't a piercing, a tattoo, or anything close. We're welding a tiny jump ring closed — not touching your skin at all. The "weld" is a quick little spark from a small handheld welder, and it only ever touches the metal ring, never you.
What you'll actually feel
Mostly, you'll feel me adjusting the chain around your wrist, ankle, or neck to get the length just right — normal touch, nothing unusual. When it's time to weld, you MIGHT feel a tiny bit of warmth or a faint tickle for a split second, but I’ve honestly never had anyone feel it at all. That's it. Most people are surprised at how anticlimactic it is — in the best way.
Why it's safe
The welder we use is designed specifically for this — it's a low-heat, precision tool that seals the jump ring without ever getting close to your skin. It's the same category of process used across the permanent jewelry industry, and it's part of why this has become such a popular alternative to clasped jewelry.
Is it safe for sensitive skin or kids?
Yes. We use 14k gold-filled, sterling silver, and stainless steel — high-quality metals that are gentle on skin. For kids, we usually recommend stainless steel for its durability. Curious about the age cutoff and how we handle appointments for younger clients? Check out our post on permanent jewelry for kids.
What people say after their appointment
Almost every single person says some version of "wait, that's it?" The whole thing, start to finish, usually takes about 15 minutes — most of which is spent picking your chain and finding the perfect fit, not worrying about pain.
Ready to see for yourself?
If you've been putting off booking because you're nervous about the process, consider this your sign that you really don't need to be. Book your appointment and let's get you sparkling.
