Everything You Need to Know About Removing Permanent Jewelry
Permanent jewelry, by its name, is intended to be a lifelong adornment that remains on your wrist, ankle, neck, or finger. Often, it symbolizes a commitment to a significant other. However, the term 'permanent' should not be taken literally in this context. While permanent jewelry is welded securely around your limbs, making it more challenging to remove than pieces with clasps, the removal process is actually straightforward and quick, typically taking only a few minutes. In this article, we outline the recommended removal process as advised by our founder, Brittany Renbarger.
The Short Answer
How to Remove Permanent Jewelry
Remove permanent jewelry by locating and cutting the jump ring that connects the piece’s two ends. You can use a pair of scissors, wire cutters, or nail clippers to achieve the cut. Be sure to specifically cut the jump ring as doing so enables you to have the permanent piece rewelded in the future. Of course, be careful not to cut yourself by snipping the jumpring from overtop.
The Long Answer
Removing permanent jewelry need not be complicated; the short answer above suffices. However, for those seeking detailed instructions, please see the comprehensive guide below, curated by our founder Brittany Renbarger.
Note: Step 1 is particularly crucial, as it might determine whether removal is necessary at all.
1. Consider if Removal is Necessary
If you are determined to remove the jewelry due to changes in personal style, you may skip this step including the very last step. However, if you are undecided, consider the following scenarios where removal might be necessary or unnecessary:
When Removal is Necessary
When Removal is Not Necessary
2. Identify a Removal Tool
Below are the recommended tools for removal, along with tools to avoid. It’s best to apply common sense here, utilizing what’s immediately available to you (if listed).
Appropriate Tools
Of those 'appropriate' tools listed above, the most precision can be achieved with a pair of wire cutters or cutting pliers. Nevertheless, the actual action of removal will be consistent regardless of the tool used.
Tools to Avoid
Again, just apply common sense in regards to the device you use to remove your permanent piece. It goes without saying, but all the tools listed to avoid pose risk of bodily harm in the case of any minor slip-up.
Professional Removal
If you're not comfortable with self-removal, or if it's simply more convenient for a professional to take care of this for you, then that’s an option you can consider. Specifically, you can contact the provider who welded your permanent jewelry in the first place to see if they also offer removal. Typically, they will possess professional tools crafted for jewelry work (and removal).
3. Locate the Jump Ring
Under the assumption that your intention is to have the permanent piece rewelded in the future, it is paramount to locate the jump ring, which you will be cutting in the next step. The jump ring is where the two ends of the permanent piece are welded together. In other words, it’s the link that secures the permanent bracelet, anklet, or necklace around your wrist, ankle, or neck. This is precisely why it’s so paramount to locate. If you remove your permanent piece by cutting another link, it will be much more difficult to reattach in the future and may damage the integrity and appearance of the jewelry.
Generally, the jump ring will be a circular link that’s larger in scale than the rest of the permanent piece’s links. However, this is not always the case, as jump rings can also blend in seamlessly with the rest of the piece’s links. Furthermore, the jump ring can be minute in scale, which can also make its identification hard.
If you find yourself struggling to identify the jump ring due to the aforementioned factors, then you may find the tips below helpful:
Tip: If the jump ring is not obvious on your permanent piece, you can try marking it with a permanent marker so that you don’t lose sight of it. Alternatively, you can take a photo to show where the jump ring is in relation to the rest of the piece.
4. Snip the Jump Ring
Once you have located the jump ring, removal can begin using your tool of choice. No matter your tool choice, the following rule applies: apply precision. Better put, you want to exercise caution in snipping or cutting the jump ring to minimize the risk of puncturing yourself. Not to mention, if the jump ring is particularly small, this will require you to be precise.
Apply your tool to the ring and begin to cut. It’s that simple. Keep in mind that a single cut may not be sufficient in disconnecting the jump ring. Rather, it may take a series of cuts, which reiterates the point to be precise and patient. Eventually, the jump ring will be removed.
Something else to consider is the material of your permanent piece itself. As it turns out, certain materials may be harder to cut through than others. For example, when considering the pieces we sell at PinkTag, 14k gold-filled pieces are typically harder than sterling silver due to the core material they are bonded with (often brass or another base metal), which might require slightly more effort to cut through.
Another Tip: If you have an extra person at your disposal, it’s wise to seek their help. Specifically, they can help by raising the permanent jewelry to create an extended gap between the piece and your skin. Simply, this person can place two fingers underneath the piece, form a ‘V’ with their fingers so that the jump ring is somewhere near the middle, and then raise their two fingers upwards.
5. Securely Store the Permanent Piece
Once the permanent piece has been removed, and considering that you will have it rewelded in the future, we recommend storing the piece in a plastic baggy or ziplock bag. Really, just store the piece where it won’t accrue any damage and where you won’t forget about it.
Permanent Jewelry Removal: Step-by-Step Summary
Re-Welding at PinkTag
As Louisville, KY’s go-to source for permanent jewelry, we provide continued support in the scenario that you need a piece rewelded. Specifically, we charge a $20 fee for rewelding your permanent piece. Get started by booking an appointment using our booking page.
Other Permanent Jewelry Topics
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: KAYLA HAFLING
Kayla Hafling is the acting General Manager of PinkTag Boutique. Like her sister Britney - owner and founder of PinkTag - Kayla is a proud mother with a 'sixth sense' for women's fashion and style. On a normal day, you can find her assisting with the day-to-day operations of PinkTag at their physical storefront in Louisville, KY.
