Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to main navigation
We Post new Informationvideos on Insta and Facebook Regularly https://www.instagram.com/permanentschmuckzentrum/

FAQ – Permanent Jewelry: All Practical Answers

Here you will find honest, practice-tested answers from more than 15 years of welding technology and our daily work in the Academy. No theory – only what really matters. Is your question missing? We will answer you personally.

🚀

Getting Started in the Permanent Jewelry Business

What you really need to know before you start

For a professional start, we recommend the following basic setup:

  • Professional precision welding device (e.g. Orion M-Pulse) – the heart of your business
  • Starter set with pliers, cutter and tools
  • Height-adjustable armrest – for precise and back-friendly work
  • Electrode grinder – essential for clean welding points
  • Chains by the meter in your preferred alloys
  • Argon gas + pressure regulator – for professional welding quality
  • Eye protection – often forgotten, but absolutely essential

On average, our customers start with approx. €3,500 net – depending on the device and the quantity of chains. After registration, you will see all prices in detail.

There is no legal certification requirement in Germany. Nevertheless, from our point of view, professional training is not a “nice-to-have” – it is the decisive difference between a beginner and a true professional.

From our practice In our Academy, many participants say after the training: “I would never have figured that out on my own.” We actively work with mistakes that our customers have already made – so you do not have to go through them yourself. Because: A flash of light and a weld are quickly done. You only recognize a professional when complications arise.

In our training, we deliberately recreate everyday mistakes and solve them together – because experiencing something is remembered better than simply watching.

Absolutely – this is actually one of the greatest advantages of this business model. Permanent jewelry events at weddings, in boutiques, at markets or corporate events are a highly sought-after experience format.

Important points:

  • Compact, mobile device (not every welder is suitable for this)
  • Ensure a stable power supply
  • Transport stock dry and protected from light
  • Do not forget eye protection – even when things get busy

Our rental device service is perfect for testing before you invest.

The margins in the permanent jewelry business are exceptionally high. A single bracelet takes only a few minutes, and the material cost ratio allows professional pricing.

What determines your earnings:

  • Your target group and price positioning
  • Choice of material (silver, gold-filled, solid gold)
  • Event volume vs. individual appointments
  • Additional services such as charms and repair service

You will receive concrete calculation guidance in our Academy training – we cover pricing and margins in detail there.

In theory, you can work out a lot on your own. In practice, however, that costs time, material and – in the worst case – dissatisfied customers or eye damage.

Our promise Our training includes the experience and mistakes of all our active customers. You do not only learn welding – you learn to analyze, solve and handle mistakes confidently. That is the difference that matters.

We say: You do not recognize a professional by a perfect weld – but by how they handle complications. That is exactly what we train.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer – it depends on your planned number of customers and your assortment. As a rule of thumb for getting started:

  • A bracelet requires approx. 18–22 cm of chain
  • An anklet approx. 25–28 cm
  • A necklace 40–60 cm depending on the desired length

For the start, we recommend: do not order too much at once. Start with a monthly requirement per chain type and store the rest correctly (more on this under Materials Knowledge). We will be happy to advise you personally on which assortment suits your target group.

⚙️

Technology & Welding

Practical knowledge from 15+ years of welding technology – exclusively from VELMATEC & Permanentschmuck-Zentrum

That depends on your setup. In general, permanent jewelry welding devices differ in energy control, portability, ease of use and arc quality.

What you should look for:

  • Precise energy control – without exact adjustment options, you have no control over your welding quality
  • Argon connection – a must for professional results
  • Compact design – important if you work mobile
  • Reliable support – for technical questions, you need a contact person who truly knows what they are doing

We recommend the Orion M-Pulse – thanks to True Fire technology, the energy setting is extremely intuitive. Our rental device service allows you to test the device extensively before buying.

We hear this question often – and we answer honestly because we deal with the consequences every day.

What customers tell us about their experiences with cheap devices:

  • Large and heavy – hardly suitable for mobile use
  • Too many parameters – quickly overwhelming for beginners, with no clear guidance through the settings
  • Poorer welding quality – both visually and in terms of the durability of the welding point
  • Individual reports of electrical discharges affecting customers and users – an absolute no-go in customer contact
Our advice You are investing in a tool that is used daily in direct customer contact. A poor device does not only cost you nerves – it costs you customers and your reputation. We have already helped customers who started with a cheap device and switched to a professional device.

Do you already have a cheap device and need help? Write to us directly – we will help you.

Our recommendation from daily practice: grind it after every customer. At the latest, as soon as you see visible soot marks on the electrode tip – then immediately.

Pro tip Newly delivered electrodes are usually pointed on one side only. We recommend grinding both sides – this allows you to simply turn the electrode in an emergency and saves valuable time with the customer.

A blunt electrode is the most common cause of poor welding quality – even more common than an incorrect energy setting. A sharp, conically pointed tip is the basis for every clean welding point.

Correctly grinding the electrode is one of the most important basic skills – and many beginners underestimate it.

  • Use only a diamond grinder – other abrasives leave residues that impair welding quality
  • Grind in the longitudinal direction – not circularly, in order to create an even conical tip
  • The goal is a fine, even cone shape – not a flat or rounded end
  • Our electrode grinder is specially designed so that the electrode is placed on the grinding disc at the correct angle – for optimal results without experience

We demonstrate this live in our training – because it makes a difference whether something is explained to you or whether you experience how a freshly ground electrode welds.

Argon is an inert noble gas that forms a protective atmosphere around the welding point. It prevents oxygen and humidity from reacting with the molten metal.

With argon:

  • Cleaner, brighter welding points without oxidation stains
  • Longer electrode service life – the tip stays sharp longer
  • More stable arc – more consistent welding appearance
  • Less porosity in the welding point

Without argon: Dark, rough welding points that must be polished, faster electrode wear, and a less stable arc.

Important Use only 100% pure argon – no mixed gases. The recommended working pressure is approx. 1 bar. Our 1-liter cartridges are sufficient for approx. 600 welding operations.

This is one of the most frequently asked questions – and the honest answer is: there is no universal setting. Too many variables influence the required energy:

  • Alloy and material thickness of the chain
  • Jump ring thickness (gauge)
  • Machine type and condition of the electrode
  • User handling (angle, distance, pressure point)
  • Use of argon yes/no
Golden rule Always start low. Start with a lower setting and work your way up. Too little energy creates no weld – too much damages the chain or burns the jump ring. In our training, we show you how to recognize a proper weld.

What makes a good weld, what it looks like and how it feels – you only learn that through guided practice. That is exactly the core of our Academy.

Welding quality is the interaction of many factors. The most common causes of poor results from our daily practice are:

  • Blunt electrode – cause no. 1. Grind daily!
  • Incorrect energy value – too high or too low
  • No argon or the wrong argon – mixed gases instead of pure argon
  • Jump ring not closed cleanly – the gap must be minimal
  • Contamination of the chain – skin oils or care products on the material
  • Poor device – unstable arc, no precise energy control

We have developed a clear checklist in our training – because anyone who thinks systematically finds mistakes quickly.

Eye protection is the most neglected topic in the field of permanent jewelry – and at the same time the most important.

Medical fact Every light pulse from the welder that hits the eye causes irreversibly destroyed cells in the retina. This damage is permanent and accumulates over time.

Many believe: “I close my eyes in time.” Practice shows: even experienced professionals get flashed. The reaction time of the eye is shorter than the flash of light.

The right solution for every application:

  • Eclipse – compact attachment on the stylus with automatically darkening glass and 4x magnification. Ideal for events and mobile use
  • Microscope on swivel arm – for maximum precision in everyday studio work, 5x magnification with integrated eye protection

In our training, we show you which protection is right for which application.

You are not alone – we hear this regularly. Our advice:

  • Describe your device and your problems to us in detail – we will see what can be optimized
  • Electrode and argon setup are often the first adjustment points
  • If the basic problems (unstable arc, no precise control, safety concerns) cannot be solved, an upgrade is the smarter investment

Contact us directly – we will discuss your specific case personally and without sales pressure.

💎

Materials Knowledge

Which metals are suitable – and what you must pay attention to when buying

925 silver (sterling silver): 92.5% pure silver, 7.5% alloy metals. Timeless, hypoallergenic, but tarnishes over time – regular care is necessary. Excellent weldability.

Gold-filled (rolled gold / 14k): Gold layer (at least 5% of the total weight) mechanically bonded to brass. 100× thicker than normal gold plating. Lasts 10–20+ years with normal care. Very easy to weld. Our best-selling material.

Gold-plated – but not all plating is the same: There is a decisive difference here that hardly anyone knows. Most suppliers plate their chains using the so-called flash process – the bath lasts only 3 to 6 seconds and leaves an extremely thin layer with little abrasion resistance.

Our gold-plated chains remain up to 30 minutes in the gold bath – the result is a significantly thicker, more abrasion-resistant gold layer. It lasts longer than conventional gold plating, but not as long as gold-filled.

Our decisive advantage The base material of our gold-plated chains is real silver – unlike gold-filled, which is based on brass. So if the gold eventually wears off, high-quality precious metal appears underneath – no brass, no base metal. The customer still has a real silver chain.

All professional materials have their strengths – the choice depends on target group, budget and application:

  • Solid gold (14k, 18k) – The best material. Never tarnishes, hypoallergenic, retains its value. Highest purchase price, but lifelong quality. Ideal for premium customers.
  • Gold-filled – The most popular material. Excellent price-quality ratio, robust, durable. The first choice for most studios.
  • Gold-plated on silver (our quality) – Up to 30 minutes in the gold bath instead of flash plating. If the gold wears off: high-quality silver underneath – no brass.
  • 925 silver – Timeless alternative. Most affordable entry into precious metals, but it tarnishes and needs care.
  • Stainless steel – The most affordable material. Robust, but depending on the alloy, differently sensitive to salt water and chlorine. Important: pay attention to tested quality.
  • PVD-coated stainless steel – Very hard, abrasion-resistant coating. Can turn grayish over time – communicate this transparently to customers.

Stainless steel: The most affordable material in the permanent jewelry sector – but with important notes. Not all stainless steel alloys are the same: depending on their composition, they react differently to external influences such as salt water, chlorinated water or skin chemistry. When buying from other suppliers, caution is therefore required – quality and alloy vary greatly. We only stock tested stainless steel qualities and inform you transparently about their properties.

PVD-coated stainless steel: The PVD coating (Physical Vapour Deposition) is extremely hard and abrasion-resistant – more durable than normal gold plating. Honest note: stainless steel PVD tends to take on a grayish shade over time. You should communicate this transparently to your customers so expectations are correct.

Generally not suitable: Flash-gold-plated chains from other suppliers, brass without a gold layer, materials of unknown alloy.

Incorrect storage is one of the most common – and most avoidable – mistakes. Our goods are treated with an organic anti-tarnish protection that protects the chains for approx. 6 months from tarnishing – but only as long as they remain untouched.

Decisive As soon as the chains are touched, skin oils, grease and dirt are transferred to the material and can lead to faster discoloration.

Our concrete recommendations:

  • Create sample chains for customers – small sections (approx. 10 cm) that customers may touch while the actual goods remain untouched
  • Keep only monthly requirements at the workstation – no more chain than you process in one month
  • Store stock separately – in an airtight sealed bag, protected from light, at a constant temperature and low humidity
  • Never touch with bare hands – use cotton gloves or tweezers

Good chain storage significantly extends the quality of your material and saves you money in the long run.

There are major differences on the market between entry-level devices, professional devices and so-called “cheap alternatives” from the Far East. The most important distinguishing features:

  • Energy control: Precise digital setting vs. rough knob control – makes the biggest difference in welding quality
  • Arc quality: Stable devices create an even arc – unstable devices lead to uncontrolled results
  • Argon connection: Not every device has one. Essential for professional results
  • Weight and portability: Crucial if you work mobile
  • Safety: With cheap devices, we have received individual reports of electrical discharges affecting customers – an unacceptable risk

We will be happy to advise you personally – depending on your application, we will recommend the right device. Get in touch or view devices directly.

👤

Questions from Your End Customers

What wearers of permanent jewelry want to know – so you always have an answer ready

Permanent jewelry (also called infinity jewelry) is jewelry without a clasp that is welded directly on the body. A delicate chain is cut to size, closed with a small jump ring and permanently connected using a pulse-arc welding device.

The result: a seamless, invisibly closed piece of jewelry that stays in place – until the wearer wants to remove it themselves.

No – when performed professionally, the process is completely painless. The spark from the welding device does not touch the skin. A piece of leather additionally protects the skin during the welding process.

What matters is: a professional device and a well-trained user. We have received individual reports of unwanted discharges from cheap devices – which is why we recommend no compromises when choosing equipment.

Yes – usually without any problems. Gold and silver are non-magnetic precious metals and do not trigger alarms during normal security checks. The delicate chains are also so light that they are hardly relevant for security systems.

Exception: Very sensitive systems could theoretically react. In that case, simply show it to security staff – it is uncomplicated and not a problem.

Permanent jewelry should be removed for an MRI – not because of magnetism (gold and silver are non-magnetic), but because MRI centers generally require all metal objects to be removed due to safety protocols.

The chain can be easily cut with nail scissors or a fine cutter (preferably at the welding point). The chain remains intact and can then be welded again without any problems.

With professional welding and suitable material, permanent jewelry lasts for many years. When done correctly, the welding point is actually the strongest point of the chain.

What affects durability:

  • Choice of material (solid gold > gold-filled > silver)
  • Chain design (simple chains last longer than delicate ornamental chains)
  • Intensity of use (sports, manual work, etc.)

Important: Permanent jewelry is delicate and intentionally fine. Under strong pull, it can open – this is not a defect, but a safety feature.

Very simple: cut the welding point (the jump ring) with small scissors, nail clippers or a fine cutter. The chain itself remains undamaged and can be kept and welded again.

Many studios offer this re-weld service – it is a nice added value for your customers.

For most people, permanent jewelry is completely unproblematic. Caution is advised in the following cases:

  • Pacemakers – the welding impulse could theoretically interfere. Always consult a doctor beforehand
  • Metal allergies – rare with gold and silver, but possible. If allergies are known, choose the material carefully

Showering and everyday water contact: no problem – this is actually one of the main advantages of permanent jewelry.

What you should keep in mind:

  • Chlorinated water (indoor pool, jacuzzi) – puts long-term stress on gold-filled material. Short wear is okay, avoid permanent contact
  • Salt water – similar to chlorine, no problem in the short term
  • Sports – in contact sports, the chain can open due to strong pulling. This is a safety feature
  • Solid gold – almost insensitive, ideal for active wearers
📦

Ordering & Shop

Everything about registration, prices and ordering

We sell exclusively to businesses (B2B). After your registration, we check your business proof – activation usually takes place within 24 hours (Mon–Fri). After that, you will see all prices in detail.

If you have not uploaded your business registration yet, send it to: kontakt@permanentschmuck-zentrum.de

No – we sell exclusively to businesses, whether small business, studio or chain store. Private individuals can, however, make an appointment at our showroom in Pforzheim and have permanent jewelry applied there.

No – you can order as much or as little as you like. Nevertheless, we recommend not ordering too much at once when starting out – start with a monthly requirement and store the rest correctly.

To ensure optimal quality, our chains are specially treated and stored. This requires sectioning into 10-meter units. For orders over 1 meter, there may therefore be connection points (binding wire). We compensate for this with an additional allowance – the actual delivered quantity is always at least the ordered amount.

Yes – we supply businesses worldwide. For international orders and shipping conditions, please contact us directly at kontakt@permanentschmuck-zentrum.de or via our contact form.

Yes – that is exactly what our rental device service is for. You rent a complete set including accessories, test it in your practice and then decide calmly. This way, you buy with confidence instead of on suspicion.

Your question is not listed?

No problem – we answer every question about permanent jewelry personally and individually. Whether technology, material, business or special cases. No chatbot, no call center – you speak directly with Nadine or Patrick Velandia.

Permanent jewelry is one of the fastest-growing areas in the jewelry and beauty industry. As a family business from Pforzheim – Germany’s gold city – with more than 15 years of experience in professional welding technology through VELMATEC, we support studios, creators and businesses from the first question to the running business.

This FAQ page was created from real practice: from daily customer contact, our Academy training and the real challenges that beginners and professionals deal with. We update it regularly with new questions and insights from our network.

If you have a question that is not answered here: we always answer. Directly, personally and without sales pressure – that is our promise.