Two and a half years ago, Chelsea Ktytor learned about the idea of permanent jewelry — a concept that has since changed her life and career for the better.
“My friends and I went on a girls’ trip,” she recalled, “and we wanted to get something to just like commemorate our friendship. We were actually going to get matching tattoos, but we couldn’t agree on anything. We almost got a chicken wearing a cowboy hat. I’m so glad we didn’t. I legitimately couldn’t imagine having that tattooed on my body. Instead, we ended up getting permanent jewelry — and when I came back to the salon, all of my clients just thought it was the coolest thing. Then, I did my research, and found that there was nobody in North Dakota, South Dakota, or Montana who was doing it yet.”
Although the idea of affixing these pieces to one’s body may seem difficult, Ktytor says that the process of putting on these pieces is surprisingly simple.
“You pick a chain,” she explained, “and we custom fit it. I have 120 different options that you can pick from that are either gold-filled, rose gold-filled, or 925 sterling silver. After the fitting, we zap it on.”
Even the custom fitting is different from picking out a regular bracelet, as clients can choose how they want theirs to fit. The process itself is also extremely quick: after choosing a bracelet and length, it is quickly welded onto your skin with a brief series of ‘zaps’.
This process, while painless, does raise one question: what is it that makes permanent jewelry so popular?
“It’s so easy,” Ktytor answered. “You literally wake up, and you’re effortlessly put together. What I love so much about it is that you don’t ever have to think about it. I personally have bracelets, my necklace, anklets, everything. It’s always there, and you always feel good about yourself.”
When it comes to the procedure, it is important to remember that “permanent” does not always mean that these items are truly impossible to remove — and that as Ktytor says, even if one decides to take a permanent piece off, it can still be worn the same way as any other accessory.
“You can either just cut it off yourself or can come to me,” she added, “but you still have a custom piece of jewelry that we can add a clasp to. It’s always going to be something special that you have.”
Ktytor also adds that permanent jewelry is easy to care for and maintain — but also that once you start, you may find it hard to stop adding new pieces.
For more information on permanent jewelry, or to book an appointment at the Bracelet Bar, visit its website.