Permanent Bracelets: Breaking Down the Costs
Permanent bracelets can make a meaningful and lasting addition to your jewelry collection. But with their permanent nature, it’s important to understand the costs involved before making the commitment. This guide will break down the pricing so you can find the right permanent bracelet at the right price point.
What Makes Them Permanent?
Unlike clasps and bangles, permanent bracelets like engraved ID bracelets and love knot bracelets cannot be removed once put on. They feature unique closures:
- Screw-on: A threaded screw secures the ends together. A jeweler must unscrew to remove.
- Soldered: The jeweler permanently soldered the ends together after fitting. Cutting is required for removal.
- Welded: A strong welded bond fuses the ends. Jeweler must cut welded portion to take off.
Permanency provides sentimentality but also means comitting to long-term wear.
Factors Impacting Cost
Several key factors determine the cost of permanent bracelets:
- Metal – Gold and platinum are most expensive. Silver, stainless steel, and copper are more budget-friendly.
- Design Complexity – Elaborate engraved styles and those with gemstones cost more. Simple metals-only bands are cheaper.
- Brand – Designer and luxury brands charge higher prices than generic brands.
- Personalization – Adding engraved names, dates, symbols, etc. increases cost.
- Jeweler Fees – Permanizing services like sizing, welding, etc. add to the final price.
Price Ranges
Here are typical price ranges for popular permanent bracelet styles:
- ID Bracelets – $50-$300+
- Infinity Bracelets – $30-$150
- Charm Bracelets – $100-$1,000+
- Love Knot Bracelets – $70-$500
- Cuff Bracelets – $30-$150
- Bangle Bracelets – $50-$300+
Saving on Costs
If your budget is tight, here are tips for keeping permanent bracelet costs down:
- Opt for stainless steel, copper or silver over pricier gold/platinum.
- Choose a simple design without stones or ornate details.
- Skip or limit personalization elements.
- Go for a smaller width to minimize metal used.
- Purchase from a generic brand retailer rather than designer label.
- Look for sales, discounts, and coupons online. Sign up for store emails.
- Avoid multiple jewelry fees by purchasing a pre-sized bracelet.
Worth the Investment
While permanent bracelets come with higher upfront costs, they can be worth investing in for the lasting meaning and use you’ll get out of them. If buying for yourself or a loved one, focus on quality over size. Better to cherish a simpler bracelet than regret a cheap one. And remember—a bracelet’s real value comes from the memories it represents, not the metal it contains.
Make the Permanent Commitment
Permanent bracelets require careful consideration of costs. But for many, the chance to wear a meaningful bracelet year after year makes the investment well worth it. Now that you know what to expect price-wise, you can shop confidently for the perfect forever bracelet.
FAQs
With good care, they can last for years, Costello says.
However, just because “permanent” is in the name, that doesn’t mean that permanent jewelry truly lasts forever. Instead, permanent jewelry really only lasts as long as you want it to. While you can’t easily remove the jewelry, it is possible.
TSA does not ask you to remove jewelry, so you’ll be able to take your permanent jewelry anywhere with you! It will NOT set off any metal detectors.
Permanent Jewelry Can Be Profitable.
There are a few reasons why this is the case. For starters, more and more people are buying this kind of jewelry. Also, because it’s so personal and special, they’re often willing to pay a bit more for it.