Permanent jewelry is one of the fastest-growing trends in the accessory world. These welded pieces bracelets, anklets, or necklaces are designed to be worn all the time, without clasps or closures. People love them for their simplicity, meaning, and the experience that comes with getting one custom-fit to their body. If you’re thinking about starting a permanent jewelry business, now is the perfect time to jump in.

Why Permanent Jewelry Works

Customers aren’t just buying a piece of jewelry; they’re celebrating a connection, a memory, or a milestone. Friends link bracelets to symbolize loyalty. Couples weld matching anklets to mark anniversaries. Even solo clients enjoy the experience as a form of self-expression. Your service becomes more than a product. It becomes an emotional keepsake they can wear every day. Understanding this is key to building a business that connects with people on a deeper level.

Learn the Craft

You don’t need years of experience as a jeweler to offer permanent jewelry. What you do need is training on how to weld safely and cleanly. A micro welder like the Orion mPulse is the go-to tool in this field. It uses low heat to create a small, fast weld that connects the chain ends in just seconds. Most sellers, including Sunstone and Orion, offer training courses and safety instructions with their equipment. While most U.S. states don’t require a welding license for this type of work, always check local regulations to be sure.

Get the Right Tools

To run a successful permanent jewelry business, you’ll need the following:

• A micro welder with power source

• Safety glasses or shields

• Fire-safe work surface

• Chain cutters, pliers, and clamps

• A magnifying lamp or head loupe

• Quality chain inventory (gold-filled, sterling silver, or solid gold)

• Jump rings for welding

• Portable table and display if doing pop-ups

The startup cost can range from $2,000 to $6,000 depending on how complete and mobile your setup needs to be. Keep it simple in the beginning and upgrade as your business grows.

Find the Right Chains

Chain quality matters more than most people realize. The best options for permanent jewelry are dainty, durable, and resistant to tarnishing. Gold-filled and sterling silver chains remain the most popular choices because they can withstand daily wear while still being affordable. Solid gold chains are also a great option if you want to offer something more premium. On the other hand, plated chains should be avoided, they tend to wear out quickly and can lead to disappointed customers.

When it comes to sourcing permanent jewelry supplies, be selective. Your entire customer experience depends on the quality of the materials you use. 

Great suppliers include:

• Stella Rose Jewelry Supply

• Halstead Bead

• Rio Grande

• Sunstone’s in-house collection

Before adding any new chain style to your offerings, test it thoroughly. A single weak link can ruin an otherwise positive customer experience. Prioritize quality and consistency in everything you buy.

Choose a Business Model

You don’t need a brick-and-mortar store to succeed. Many permanent jewelry businesses operate entirely through pop-up events, in-home visits, or by partnering with salons, boutiques, and spas. Consider your schedule, your target market, and how mobile you want to be.

Some ideas include:

• Hosting pop-ups at local markets or boutiques

• Offering private appointments from a home studio

• Providing on-site services for events like bridal showers, birthdays, or corporate gatherings

• Partnering with salons to offer the service a few times a month

Flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of this business. You can start small and scale up based on demand.

Price It Right

Your pricing should reflect the quality of your materials, the value of your time, and the experience itself. Most permanent jewelry is priced by the inch, with a separate welding fee added for the service. For example, a gold-filled bracelet might cost you $12 in materials and sell for $60 to $100 depending on the style and market.

Factor in:

• Chain cost

• Weld time and service fee

• Travel time if you’re mobile

• Packaging or branding materials

• Taxes and payment processing fees

Don’t be afraid to charge what your time is worth. Customers are paying for a unique and lasting experience.

Set Up a Simple Online Presence

You don’t need a complicated website right away. Start with a booking system and social media pages that make it easy for customers to find you, see your work, and make an appointment. Instagram and TikTok are especially powerful in this industry because people love seeing the welding process in action. Make sure you share useful content that educates your audience, especially those new to jewelry. For example, you can direct them to helpful guides like “top things to consider before picking out jewelry” , which builds trust and positions you as an expert in the space.

Make sure you:

• Post videos of real welds and happy customers

• Include before-and-after shots of chain styles

• Share pricing info, available dates, and pop-up schedules

• Use hashtags like #permanent
• jewelry, #zappedbracelet, and your city name

• Set up booking through Square, Calendly, or a simple Wix site
• Provide blog articles that answer questions about the industry.

Visibility is everything, especially when you’re getting started.

Market Through Events and Word of Mouth

One of the easiest ways to grow is by teaming up with local businesses. Offer to host a “permanent jewelry day” at a clothing boutique, hair salon, or yoga studio. These partnerships benefit both you and the business. Your presence brings them foot traffic, and you get in front of potential customers. Consider offering small discounts or incentives for referrals. Word of mouth is huge in this space. Once one friend gets a bracelet, others usually want one too.

Cover the Legal Side

Make sure your business is registered properly. That might mean forming an LLC, getting a local business license, and setting up a separate business bank account. If your state requires sales tax on services or physical goods, make sure you’re collecting and remitting it correctly. It’s better to handle the paperwork early so you can grow without surprises.

Final Thoughts

Starting a permanent jewelry business is about more than just chains and tools. It’s about offering something meaningful, personal, and memorable. Customers come for the beauty of the piece, but they stay because it represents a moment in their life. Whether you’re working full-time or as a side hustle, this is a business that’s built on connection. And when done right, it can be just as rewarding for you as it is for the people wearing your jewelry.