Permanent Jewelry Is Having a Moment—Here’s How to Clean It

What you need to know about the permanent jewelry trend, and how to keep jewelry you don’t take off sparkling clean.

Jewelry is an investment—even contemporary pieces are meant to be part of your collection season after season. But nothing says investment quite like permanent jewelry, the ultimate commitment. You’ve probably seen the term pop on your FYP, because TiKTok is obsessed with “zapping,” or the process where a jeweler welds the piece’s clasp together, so it can’t be removed. And like the name implies, permanent jewelry is designed to be worn indefinitely.

Not for the commitment-shy, “Permanent jewelry is a marker of personal style,” accessories editor Katie Attardo tells Byrdie. “Look at Sade and gold hoops or Carrie Bradshaw and the nameplate necklace. It provides an easy, effortless way to create a signature look.” And while jewelry you wear day after day can establish your look, permanent jewelry takes it one step further.

When it comes to popular permanent jewelry styles, chain bracelets are having a major moment. But brands are also making necklaces, anklets, charms, rings, and earrings designed to never be taken off. 

The trend is not exactly new, Cartier introduced the iconic Love bracelet in 1969, and the statement piece is one of the brand’s top sellers. It’s been seen on celebrities including Sarah Jessica Parker, Kylie Jenner, Katie Holmes, Angelina Jolie, Naomi Watts, Megan Markle, and Prince Harry. Whether you wear it as a solitaire statement or stack multiple pieces (the solid gold won’t get damaged when stacked, according to a brand rep) the extravagant symbol of luxury has become synonymous with permanent jewelry, and famously comes with a screwdriver should you want to remove it.

***Connoisseurs Tip: Try to avoid using creams and lotions on top of your permanent jewelry. However, if your permanent jewelry comes in contact with creams or lotions, we recommend cleaning it with a non-toxic cleanser, like the  Connoisseurs Ultrasoft Gold Jewelry Polishing Cloth. 

Beyond Cartier, contemporary brands like Catbird, Link & Lou, and Maison Miru all have pieces of permanent jewelry to add to your collection. 

How Permanent Jewelry Works

If you choose a piece with a clasp that you want to make permanent, pop up events, some jewelry brands (like Catbird) offer the service. You can also visit a jeweler who can fit the piece to your body and weld the clasp together. The process is totally painless—a flash of light signals it’s done—and is how the term “zapping” derived. 

Best Material for Permanent Jewelry 

Because permanent jewelry is designed to be worn 24/7, the best pieces are those that are waterproof and durable—which makes 14 karat yellow, white, or rose gold the best choice for permanent jewelry. 

IDENTIFY YOUR METAL WITH OUR QUICK ID TOOL HERE

How to Clean Permanent Jewelry 

When it comes to cleaning permanent jewelry, consider Connoisseurs Jewelry Wipes, non-toxic dry disposable wipes designed to help gold and silver jewelry retain its luster. They also come in a handy compact, so you can use them on-the-go.

We also love the Connoisseurs Ultrasoft Gold Jewelry Polishing Cloth with micro-fine polishers to remove dirt and tarnish and buff out your fine luxury pieces so they sparkle.

Connoisseurs Dazzle Drops Advanced can be applied by squeezing the non-toxic solution on top of your permanent jewelry. We love this choice for cleaning permanent jewelry that contains stones—this solution is safe for use on gold, platinum, diamonds, delicate jewelry, precious and semi-precious stones.
Connoisseurs Jewelry Cleansing Foam is another excellent choice to clean your permanent jewelry. The gentle foam is not only safe to use on diamonds, gemstones, pearls, gold, platinum, and fashion jewelry, it’s completely non-toxic, and safe for people, so you don’t have to worry about it irritating your skin.