- Last year, I had a permanent bracelet from Catbird welded around my wrist.
- Despite wearing it every day for months, it still hasn't tarnished, and I haven't had to clean it.
- Because it's made with 14-karat gold, it requires minimal care — making it a perfect statement piece.
Much in my life has changed over the past year, but one thing has remained constant: a dainty gold chain that I wear around my wrist every day.
That's partially because I can't take it off.
The permanent bracelet, a $144 chain from jewelry store Catbird, was welded to my wrist in June 2022. It's a process the shop calls "zapping," and involves using a tiny welding tool to fuse the two ends of the bracelet together, creating a claspless piece of jewelry that never has to be removed. (Don't worry — you can cut the bracelet off if you need to.)
Part of the reason I've been able to wear it every day is because it requires virtually no maintenance. Each of Catbird's "forever bracelets" are solid 14-karat gold, which Catbird says requires "very little care."
According to jewelry company Blue Nile, jewelry made with 14-karat gold can typically maintain its shine without tarnishing, which I've found to be true of my permanent jewelry.
Though Catbird's website clarifies that it's not impossible for the bracelets to tarnish over time, I've yet to experience any sort of discoloration — despite wearing my jewelry through workouts and showers, and into pools and lakes.
14-karat jewelry can be washed using dish detergent and warm water, Catbird's site says, which would be an easy enough fix. But so far, not having to remove it and clean the bracelet has been perfect for me, because I'm a low-maintenance person with little patience for accessory care.