Blog Post #2

 

This week at Océanne I have learned how to make a “forever bracelet”. This is a bracelet that is welded around your wrist and can't be taken off unless it is cut. The process of making a forever bracelet starts by choosing the style and material of the chain. After this, you will need to find the chain length that is most comfortable. You at least want to fit your finger into the bracelet or it can get too tight and cut off circulation. This is why the length this important. The jeweler who is applying these allows you to try different styles and lengths to make sure you will like the bracelet since you won't be able to take it off like a regular bracelet. Once you have done this the jeweler adds a jump hook to both sides of the chain and welds it together. This permanence of this bracelet is what makes it a “forever bracelet”. Although it isn't really forever since you can take it off easily such as with a pair of scissors. 

From what I have seen so far in Océanne, these forever bracelets are often done with a group of friends and family. When these groups come in they often see the bracelet as a symbol of connection. One of the jewelers told me about how welding these bracelets was really inspiring and heartwarming for her. At every appointment she was able to hear about their stories and why that led them to try a forever bracelet together. Before coming to Océanne I didn't understand much of what this was and I had absolutely no idea it was so popular until I witness a fully booked day. I was surprised to find out that a lot of these people will come in from out of town for these bracelets. I think that this service is a very unique and interesting aspect of the boutique that I loved to learn about and hopefully will continue learning about throughout my project.