You picked your chain, got zapped (painlessly), and walked out with a piece that's officially part of you. Now what? Permanent jewelry is famously low-maintenance — that's the whole point — but a little know-how goes a long way. Here's everything we tell our clients in-store about keeping their welded pieces beautiful for years.
The First 24 Hours
Good news: there's no healing period. The welding process doesn't break the skin — it's a tiny electrical zap that fuses the chain's jump ring closed. You can shower, work out, and live your life immediately. If the fit feels too tight or too loose in the first day or two, come back — we'd rather adjust it early. (And remember, every Simple Chic permanent piece includes a 6-month warranty covering adjustments and free re-welds.)
Daily Wear: What's Fine and What Isn't
Totally fine: showering, handwashing, workouts, sleeping, swimming in a pool, going through airport security (TSA won't ask you to remove it — our pieces have travelled internationally without issue).
Worth being mindful about: hot tubs and harsh chemicals (chlorine in high concentrations and cleaning products can dull any fine jewelry over time), and high-friction situations like weightlifting with a bracelet pressed under a barbell. Our chains are 14k/18k gold-filled or Italian sterling silver — both chosen specifically because they handle 24/7 wear — but no jewelry loves being ground against rough surfaces daily.
The simple rule: live your life. Rinse after the hot tub, and you're golden. Literally.
How to Clean Your Permanent Jewelry
You don't need special equipment:
- Weekly refresh: warm water, a drop of mild dish soap, and a soft toothbrush. Gently scrub around the weld and any textured links where lotion builds up.
- Rinse well and pat dry with a soft cloth.
- For sterling silver pieces: silver naturally develops a patina over time. A silver-polishing cloth brings back the shine in seconds. (Our sterling silver gets an anti-tarnish finish, but occasional polishing is normal.)
- What to avoid: toothpaste, baking soda scrubs, and ultrasonic cleaners — they're too abrasive for the weld point and textured chains.
Five minutes, once a week, and your piece will look as bright as day one.
What If It Breaks or Snags?
It happens — a bracelet catches on a bag strap, an anklet meets a stubborn boot zipper. Don't panic, and don't try to fix it yourself.
- Within 6 months: bring it to any of our 7 locations and we'll re-weld it free under warranty. No receipt interrogation, no hassle.
- After 6 months: re-welding runs just $15–$20. Still a bargain.
- Pro tip: if the chain pulls apart, it almost always separates at the weld link — exactly as designed. That's the sacrificial weak point protecting the rest of your chain. Save the piece and bring it in; we can usually re-weld the original chain.
Can you remove it yourself? Yes — if you ever need to (surgery, a job requirement, or just a change of heart), snip it at the connecting link with scissors or small wire cutters. Cutting at the link preserves the chain so we can re-weld it later.
The MRI Question
We get this one a lot. Small, non-ferrous chains (gold-filled, sterling silver) are generally considered low-risk, but MRI policies vary by clinic and scan type — some technicians will ask you to remove any jewelry regardless. Our advice: mention it when you book, and if they want it off, snip the link and bring the piece to us afterward. We'll re-weld it for you.
Stretching, Charms, and Customization
- Charms: yes! Add a charm to your welded bracelet or necklace anytime — charms run $10–$25 in-store, and it's a lovely way to mark new milestones on the same chain.
- Will it stretch? Quality chains don't meaningfully stretch. If your bracelet feels looser over months, it's usually the wrist (hello, summer swelling) rather than the chain. Come in for a fit check anytime.
- Layering: welded pieces layer beautifully with your clasped jewelry. Mix metals — the old rules are gone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does permanent jewelry last? With gold-filled or sterling silver chains and basic care, years. The weld itself is as strong as the chain — pieces typically only come apart if snagged hard, which is why the re-weld service exists.
Does permanent jewelry tarnish? Gold-filled is highly tarnish-resistant. Sterling silver will slowly develop a patina — a quick polish restores it. Neither will turn your skin green.
Can I go through airport security with it on? Yes. Our clients fly with welded jewelry regularly and TSA does not ask for its removal.
What if I'm allergic to metals? Our jewelry is hypoallergenic and independently tested under EU REACH standards — our March 2026 lab test showed no detectable nickel release. If you have a severe metal allergy, talk to us in-store and we'll help you choose the safest chain.
Does the warranty transfer if I move cities? Absolutely — the 6-month warranty is honoured at all 7 Simple Chic locations across Calgary, Edmonton, and Toronto.
Ready for your own? Explore permanent jewelry — walk-ins welcome at all locations, or book through our Instagram @simplechicstudio. Wear your story, permanently.