How to Start a Permanent Jewelry Business
Andy Jensen
Director
Permanent Jewelry Experts Panel
Permanent jewelry grabs attention whenever its seen. You'll find permanent jewelry in the news and on the television. It's a trend that keeps on trending and gaining in popularity. I've heard Shari Tammietti, a permanent jewelry pioneer and owner of Permanent Jewelry Training, say many times, "there are many wrists and ankles in the world without permanent jewelry." Translation: If you're interested in starting your own permanent jewelry business, there's room to grow. But, how do you get started? This particular "how to" question was posed to an experts panel representing the permanent jewelry industry.
"Just take the risk," says Christine Coughlin, owner of Flash and Fuse, a permanent jewelry boutique in Boston. "Do your research. Reach out to trainers and instructors. Reach out to other permanent jewelry artists in your area. Join the Facebook group [the Original Permanent Jewelry Community]. You have to start somewhere. Do your research. Take the risk "
“With the support of Sunstone I was self-taught,” says Kim Thompson of Love, Eros, a boutique in Chattanooga. “I called Sunstone. Their team was gracious and ready to help. They offer free training, but for the most part I was self-taught. I did not pay for training. I just dove in with videos. There's a lot of resources and options out there. I would personally not spend money on training but on a quality welder." Kim acknowledges that for some a paid training program meets their needs.
Danielle Watt, proprietor of River Valley Designs adds, "I agree with Kim, that there are enough resources out there online to give you a great start, that you should take the money you would spend on training to buy the best welder. The Facebook group is great, helpful, friendly and will answer all the question you may have. And Sunstone's customer service is just phenomenal."
"I feel like paid training is important, too, along with other resources you might find online," says Christine Coughlin, owner of Flash and Fuse, a permanent jewelry boutique in Boston. "Some people just can't learn just from watching videos."
"Sure," Danielle Watt says. "If people learn better with steps set out and working one on one, virtually or right next to them, that's great, too."
"You know yourself better than anyone," Shari Tammietti points out. "If you feel like you need a direct line to a support system that can be great."
"But do your homework," Kim Thompson stresses. "There are many options out there and make sure you're signing up with a reputable training company. There is a lot really good, free information online."
Shari Tammietti reminisces about all the mistakes she's made in building her business. "I spent more money on garbage chain than I would have spent on training, and stupid jump rings and stuff I didn't need. So, that's something to consider as well.
Permanent Jewelry FAQ's
Does Permanent Jewelry Interfere with TSA? No. Our fine TSA officers don't ask you to remove jewelry when going through airport security. Permanent jewelry is jewelry and doesn't have to come off.
Will Permanent Jewelry Tarnish? Of course. Like all jewelry, you should clean your bracelet or anklet often. Chemicals you find in pools will tarnish your permanent jewelry. Gold is less likely to tarnish than any other metal.
What About X-rays, CAT scans, and MRI's? The quick answer is permanent jewelry can be easily removed for these procedures and then reattached. All you need is a pair of nail clippers to cut a jump ring or fine chain. For most of us, x-rays, CAT scans, and MRI's are not a usual occurrence. Don't let something that may happen discourage you from choosing to get permanent jewelry today!
What about Sports? Most contact sports prohibit you from wearing any type of jewelry, and that includes permanent jewelry.
How to Do Permanent Jewelry
1. Choose and Measure Chain. Your permanent jewelry artist (also referred to as a permanent jewelry technician) will show you a display of the chain they offer. Once you choose your chain they'll measure your wrist and then cut the chain to that length.
2. Connect the Chain with a Jump Ring. Your permanent jewelry artist will wrap the chain around your wrist. Next, the artist will connect both ends of the chain using a jump ring. A jump ring is a small, silver or gold ring that has been cut, allowing the permanent jewelry artist to place the two ends of the chain inside the jump ring. The artist will use a pair of pliers to hold he jump ring. The pliers are usually ground and connected a permanent jewelry welder™, such as an Orion mPulse™, Orion PJ™, or Zapp™. The artist will use pliers to move the two ends of the jump ring together, so they are tight against each other.
3. Check for Safety. The permanent jewelry artist will place a small leather patch between your skin and the jump ring. This will protect you from the off chance that the jump ring becomes unexpectedly hot during the welding process (it rarely happens, but your artist will do all they can to ensure a pleasant experience). You'll also be asked to either look away during the welding process or view the process while recording the experience with your smartphone. Remember what grandpa always said: Never watch someone weld without proper eye protection. Your permanent jewelry artist will protect their eyes using special glasses or an auto darkening lens (or ADL).
4. Weld the Jump Ring Closed. With the jump ring holding both ends of the chain and with safety assured, the permanent jewelry artist will weld the two ends of the jump ring together, so the chain can not be removed. Of course, you can always use a nail clipper to cut open the jump ring and remove the bracelet. The jump ring can be closed again at any time.
5. Polish the Chain. Your permanent jewelry artist will take a fiberglass brush to clean up the welded jump ring. Accomplished permanent jewelry artists will use argon gas to produce a cleaner, stronger weld. And that completes the process, which should take about 10 minutes from start to finish.
To learn more about permanent jewelry, or to start your own permanent jewelry business, visit www.permanent.jewelry or call or text +1 801-658-0015.