10 Permanent Jewellery Questions Every Artist Should Be Ready to Answer

Permanent jewellery is pretty simple at first glance. Pick a chain, get the fit right, make the weld and you’re done. But then the questions start rolling in.

Because once a client is in your chair, there’s always something they want to know. Some questions come up all the time, while others are a little more unexpected. And if you’ve been doing PJ for a while, you’ll know exactly what we mean!

You’ll want to have a good answer ready when those questions pop up, particularly when a client comes out with something you’ve never been asked before

Here are 10 questions worth having in your back pocket, covering some of the things clients are most curious about.

1. Is permanent jewellery actually permanent?

From the word itself, you can probably guess this is going to be one of the first questions clients ask. “Permanent” sounds pretty final, after all.

You can practically hear the follow-up question already: “Wait, like… forever?” And it’s easy to see why they ask when the name makes it sound like they’ve just made a lifelong commitment to one little chain.

Some artists prefer to call it welded jewellery, which can make the whole thing sound a little less intimidating. Whichever term you use, it’s worth explaining that permanent doesn’t mean indestructible.

2. Can I get permanent jewellery if I have sensitive skin?

This is a pretty normal question, especially from clients who already know certain metals don’t agree with their skin. It’s worth being ready for this one, especially when they’ll be wearing the jewellery every day.

You’ll want to know exactly what your chains are made from, particularly when talking about hypoallergenic options. If you’re offering different metal options, make sure you know the difference between solid gold, gold-filled, stainless steel and plated or coated chains, and what each one means for your clients.

Plated or coated chains can be more likely to cause a reaction for some clients as the outer layer wears down and exposes the metal underneath. Knowing what’s actually in your chains means you can talk through the options properly and help clients choose what’s suitable for their skin.

3. Will my jewellery fade or change colour?

Colour changes are another common concern with permanent jewellery, especially when clients are choosing between different metals. Some metals can naturally change over time when they come into contact with things like water, air, sweat or certain products, so it’s worth knowing what to expect from each option.

Silver, for example, can oxidise and darken over time, while plated chains can lose their outer coating with regular wear. Having a quick answer ready for how each metal can change means clients know what they’re signing up for before they leave your chair.

4. What happens if my jewellery breaks?

This is one you’ll definitely want an answer ready for. No matter how strong your chain is or how good the weld, breaks can happen. Clients have different lifestyles too, so chains can catch, links can snap and welds can come apart, making a clear repair policy worth having.

5. Can I shower, sleep and exercise with my permanent jewellery?

We’ve just talked about how clients have different lifestyles, and this is another reason that question comes up. Someone might wear their bracelet through showers, gym sessions and everything else their week throws at them, so they’ll want to know what their jewellery can handle.

The material they’ve chosen matters too, so be ready to explain how it holds up with everyday wear. Give them clear aftercare advice around showering, sleeping, exercising and anything else that could put extra stress on the jewellery.

6. Will permanent jewellery hurt?

This one comes up all the time, both from clients of PJ artists in the community and from our own clients too! We know you can probably answer the “will it hurt?” part in your sleep, but clients sometimes have a few follow-up questions you might not expect.

Things like, “Are you going to weld my skin too?” or “Will this leave a mark?”. They might sound funny, but these are genuine questions for someone who’s never had a weld before. A calm, confident answer can quickly put their mind at ease.

7. What happens if my wrist or ankle changes size?

Some clients will start thinking beyond the day they get their jewellery and wonder what happens if their body changes.. Weight gain, weight loss or pregnancy can all affect the size of a wrist or ankle.

Permanent jewellery can usually accommodate small, natural changes in the body without any issue, but more significant changes may make the piece feel tighter or looser over time. If this happens, the jewellery can simply be removed by cutting through the jump ring and, depending on the condition and fit of the chain, it may be possible to resize and reweld it at a later date. Always advise clients that their comfort comes first and that jewellery should never be left on if it begins to feel uncomfortably tight.

10. Can I get permanent jewellery for my child?

This is one where there are a few things to consider before saying yes. Permanent jewellery can be a lovely way for parents and children to have something matching, but there are also practical things to think about, like age, comfort, activity levels and how well they’ll look after it.

If you offer permanent jewellery for children, make sure you’re clear on your age requirements and parental consent. It’s also worth thinking about whether the child is comfortable sitting through the appointment and whether permanent jewellery actually makes sense for their day-to-day life.

This is something you need to think about carefully before offering permanent jewellery to younger clients. Your first consideration should always be what your insurance provider allows, as some insurers may specify a minimum age or have additional requirements around treating minors. Parental or guardian consent does not override the terms of your insurance, so always check your individual policy before offering the service.

There are also practical and safety considerations. Children are still growing, meaning a bracelet or anklet that fits comfortably now could become too tight as their body changes. They may also be more likely to catch jewellery during play, sport or other activities, and some schools or clubs require jewellery to be removed. Younger children may not always recognise or communicate that a piece is becoming uncomfortable either. If you do choose to offer permanent jewellery to minors, having a clear minimum age, requiring a parent or guardian to be present and making sure both understand how and when the jewellery should be removed are important parts of your consultation process.

9. What happens if I need to remove it for an MRI, flight or medical procedure?

When clients hear “permanent”, one of the first things they might wonder is, “But what if I need to remove it?” An MRI, medical procedure or another situation can make that a very real question.

Some clients may even decide against permanent jewellery because they’re worried they’ll never be able to remove it. Explaining the options clearly can give them a better idea of how permanent jewellery can fit into their lifestyle.

10. What if I get bored of my chain?

One of the great things about permanent jewellery is that it doesn’t have to mean keeping the exact same look forever. Clients can choose to change their chain, add or swap charms, or completely refresh their piece whenever they fancy something different.

If they would like a new chain, they can purchase a different style and you can remove their existing piece carefully so they can keep it. Providing it is still in good condition, it may then be possible to reweld their original chain at another appointment if they decide they want to wear it again.

However, changing to a completely different style of chain should always be treated as a new purchase rather than a free exchange. The original chain has already been cut to the client’s measurements and worn, so it cannot simply be returned to stock or resold.