What Questions Should You Ask a Permanent Jewelry Artist?

Ask These Questions Before You Get Permanent Jewelry
Sunstone assembled an experts panel from a broad range of backgrounds and opinions to help answer all of your permanent jewelry questions, such as "What should I be asking an artist before I get permanent jewelry?"
Finding the right artist is crucial to ensuring a piece that not only enhances your style but also stands the test of time. Before entrusting a permanent jewelry artist, it's essential to ask the right questions. From the artist's expertise, reputation, to their process, this article delves into the key inquiries you should make before getting that coveted permanent bracelet or anklet.
Christine Coughlin, owner of Flash and Fuse, a permanent jewelry boutique in Boston, says if you want to get permanent jewelry that will last many years, you should be direct with artists . "I would like to know how long they've doing permanent jewelry. How long have their chains been lasting. What are their customer saying."
"I would ask what types of metal they are using," says Kim Thompson of Love, Eros, a boutique in Chattanooga. "Are they using solid gold, gold fill, or plated. I would really want to know if they understand the difference between the metal. Unfortunately, a lot of people getting into the industry and aren't educated in metals and they may be purchasing chain not knowing the differences and nuances. Or, they are purchasing from a supplier who labeling a chain as gold fill when its actually plated. So, you should ask what metals they use."
Shari Tammietti, owner of Permanent Jewelry Training. stresses the importance of asking a permanent jewelry artist about the length of their experience. "I like the question about time-how long have they been doing this, but for a different reason: I don't think that just because you've been doing something for five years makes you better than someone who has been doing it for only one year, but you need a bit of time under your belt to know that to know that your welds are lasting."
"Exactly," Kim Thompson adds. "Time allows a permanent jewelry artist to vet their vendors, make sure they are purchasing quality chain."
"And I would say watch the process," says Christine Coughlin. "If they have a social media account, and they promote their process, watch the process. And Google reviews, too! If you've done some research on permanent jewelry, then you have a good idea about the correct process and metals you should use. I would definitely look at their social media accounts."
Danielle Watt, proprietor of River Valley Designs adds, "I like when my clients ask me about my equipment, because I love to talk shop and tell them about the tools I use. I think it is perfectly okay to ask your permanent jewelry artist if the welder is safe, are you going to feel anything, just so it puts you at ease as a person who is new to getting permanent jewelry. If your artist is asking with confidence then that's a good thing."
Kim Thompson adds one more word of caution, that she has seen permanent jewelry with jump rings that have simply been bent closed, but not welded. "There's a difference between closing a jump ring and actually welding." Obviously, a welded jump ring will last much longer than simply bending the jump ring. "Make sure your artist understands the difference between soldering and welding," she adds. Welding is much stronger. Soldering is less so, requires much more heat, and the risk for injury is significantly greater.
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