Last year, I surprised my mom with a gift that initially shocked and somewhat disturbed her: matching permanent bracelets from Catbird in Brooklyn.
Most concerning to her was that small, significant word at the start: "permanent." She told me she envisioned something closer to handcuffs than what we got — dainty gold chains welded around our wrists.
Our "forever bracelets" are part of a trend that's only been growing over the past few years. Permanent jewelry has been booming in popularity, with people seeking out shops like Catbird to get permanently accessorized. And while there's some debunking to do about the process (no, it doesn't hurt), there are a few other things to know before booking an appointment.
Here's what to expect when getting your first permanent bracelet.