A GOLDEN trend

Permanent bracelets take the jewelry world by storm

By Jamie Baker

trendy, new, “permanent” tradition has taken shape in the form of delicate solid gold bracelets you can wear to match a loved one or purchase just to treat yourself. Laura Pinckney at State Street Jewelers serves as a resident expert on the popular accessory. “We started doing the permanent bracelets in November or October,” says Pinckney, “It was just a fun way to attract a young, fresh clientele to the store.”

As the style began to grow over the past year, Pinckney notes State Street wanted to join in on the fun, using 14k gold to ensure durability and hardiness. “We were seeing a lot of the popups doing plated materials, which don’t last as long,” says Pinckney. “If it’s going to be permanent on your body, we want it to be a nice quality karat gold.”

State Street is currently offering six to seven different chain styles in yellow, white, and two-tone gold. “Appointments are encouraged, walk-ins are welcome,” says Pinckney. “I’m the person that does the bracelets and I am here five days a week.”

When a customer walks in, Pinckney brings out a display and prompts them to pick out their preferred chain. Then, she measures the chain on their wrists, using a jump ring to connect the ends. “I found that works a lot better and has a lot more longevity than actually connecting the chain to itself,” says Pinckney. “This also allows me to get the right fit for the client because, nine times out of ten, it’s too loose or too tight, so that ring helps to eliminate that. Once we get the desired length, I use a little laser welder to tack it closed. In the blink of an eye, the tip of the welder heats up enough to melt the gold into itself.”

Pinckney’s customers range from mother/daughter appointments to best friends, singles,and everything in between. “I think it’s a fun way to adorn yourself,” says Pinckney. “I did it because I liked the idea of not having to worry about taking a bracelet on and off on a daily basis. I think it’s a fun way to link yourself to another person if you want to come in with a friend or a family member. I did a mother and two daughters, and they all got the same bracelet, but they all live in different parts of the county, so they kind of linked themselves via the bracelet. Sentimentality is one of the main reasons for this newer trend.”