This "permanent" jewellery is perfect for those of you with commitment issues
Cartier's love bracelet, which was designed by Cartier's Aldo Cipullo in 1969, is one of the most iconic pieces of jewellery ever made. Unlike traditional bracelets, which are either wide enough to slip over your hand and onto the wrist or can readily be opened in order to put them on, the Love bracelet is designed to be opened only by using a special screwdriver that is supplied with every bracelet – making it a “permanent” fixture on the wrist. It has been said that the bracelets are so popular that some hospitals keep Cartier screwdrivers on hand so that they can remove the bracelets quickly in an emergency. Now, a new wave of permanent jewellery is emerging in the form of welding.
Catbird, the New York based jewellery designer has recently opened a "Welding Annex" where you can get a tiny, nearly invisible gold chain welded directly onto your arm (or ankle). Using a small laser welder — the tip of which is no larger than a sewing needle — shoppers can painlessly "get zapped" and enjoy a clasp free infinite thread of gold around their wrists. Each chain is sized to fit perfectly, so you quickly forget you’re wearing it. "Permanency in fine jewellery is something that I think is really appealing to us and our customers. It’s unfussy in the sense that you always have it on, but there’s also something inherently precious in wanting to keep something close to you always," explained Catbird co-owner and designer Rony Vardi. “Everyone on our team has been zapped and we zap guests who come to visit the office and the studio – it’s so exciting, a little thrill, not unlike a tattoo to some”, added co-creative director, Leigh Plessner. While the bracelets have been designed as forever pieces, they can simply (but permanently) be removed with scissors.
Of course, Catbird isn’t the only brand offering this new form of permanent jewellery. L’Essenziale in Paris offers a welded chain bracelet with tiny charms, while Los Angeles based designer Hannah Keefe takes private appointments in her studio for soldered wire bracelets. Now we just have to hope someone here in Dubai follows suit - and soon.
