Are welded bracelets the Gen Z friendship band? Permanent jewellery is a TikTok hit, saying ‘forever’ in laser-sealed silver and gold – classier than a tattoo, and easier to remove, too
- Italian brand Atelier VM launched its first welded bracelet in 2014 and created the popular L’Essenziale line – sparking a hashtag that has amassed over 2 billion views on TikTok
- UK label Morgan & French channels Y2K with bracelets or anklets strung with charms, while pieces from Astrid & Miyu, founded in 2012 by Seoul-born designer Connie Nam, can be similarly customised
Few pieces add such a timeless edge to everyday jewellery as a welded bracelet. These stand-alone pieces – sometimes known as permanent jewellery – come as ultra-slim chains, usually in silver or gold, and are available in a variety of finishes, styles and thicknesses, fastened onto your body in-store using a laser that links the chain into a seamless single strand. As such, welded jewels have no clasp, and thus cannot be taken off – unless cut with scissors.
The trend began with Atelier VM in 2014, when the Italian brand launched the first welded bracelet, sparking a worldwide phenomenon – and a hashtag amassing over 2 billion views on TikTok. Its L’Essenziale line includes welded bracelets, anklets and necklaces, all in 18k yellow, white, rose or champagne gold.
At the UK-based label Morgan & French, founder Lisa Morgan makes permanent bracelets or anklets, crafted from 9k gold and sterling silver and strung with dainty gemstone charms. “We’ve observed a pronounced uptick in attention driven towards welded jewellery, especially among younger, social media-savvy consumers,” says Morgan, after a huge surge of Gen Z consumers driven by TikTok.
“This trend harmonises exceptionally well with the growing appetite for genuine, enduring relationships in an era increasingly dominated by digital interactions.”
