Permanent jewellery

A number of indigenous cultures include permanent jewellery in their practices. Examples include neck rings and anklets worn by the Kayan people, and torcs in various cultures. The brass rings of the Kayan people can be taken off but are usually only removed to add a new, longer coil to encourage stretching of the neck. == Religion ==

Sikhism Khalsa (meaning "pure and sovereign") is the collective name given by Guru Gobind Singh, to those Sikhs who have been fully initiated by taking part in a ceremony called ammrit sañcār (nectar ceremony). Many Sikhs are not formally and fully initiated, as they do not undergo this ceremony, but do adhere to some components of Sikhism and identify as Sikhs. The initiated Sikh, who is believed to be reborn, is referred to as Amritdhari or Khalsa Sikh, while those who are not initiated or baptised are referred to as Kesdhari or Sahajdhari Sikhs. This ceremony first took place on Vaisakhi, which fell on 30 March 1699, at Anandpur Sahib, Punjab. Removal of the kaṛā is permitted by religious writing but in practice, few remove the bracelet. Often, the bracelet is put on at a young age, and becomes difficult or impossible to remove as the wearer grows. == Friendship, love, and marriage ==

A common use of permanent jewellery is to show love to someone and as a reminder in their absence. Lockets and friendship bracelets are usually easily removed but continuous wearing is meaningful to some, and seen as a show of gratitude and connection. In 1969, Aldo Cipullo created the love bracelet, which requires a special tool to open and close. Cipullo said: "What modern people want are love symbols that look semi-permanent – or, at least, require a trick to remove. After all, love symbols should suggest an everlasting quality." a deceased person's wristwatch to feel close to them. == Slavery ==

The slaves and concubines of wealthy tyrants were sometimes forced to permanently wear affixed jewellery like metal collars and bangles. This is a luxury version of shackles, collars, chains, or cuffs that are typical with chattel slavery. These adornments identified the wearer as a slave, prevent their escape, and sometimes encourage their kidnapping and return to slavery. Many items of this type, including the Moregine bracelet, have been found by archaeologists. == Modern trends ==

Newer examples of permanent or semi-permanent jewellery include toe rings, medical bracelets, and dog tags. Some toe rings are shaped like a miniature open bangle, allowing the wearer to pinch it down to size for long-term wear. Tooth gems are a semi-permanent jewellery that last months or years. Tooth gems are usually made of gemstones, precious metals, or titanium. Tooth gems are affixed to the tooth using chemicals. In 2020, a viral trend of permanent chain bracelets took off. The thin, metal, chain lengths are cut close to wrist size then welded together on the wearer's arm, leaving no visible clasp. These bracelets can only be removed by breaking or cutting a link. The practice has existed since at least 2017. == BDSM ==

BDSM collars are often permanent jewellery made of leather, silicone, and metal. BDSM collars come with visible, heart-shaped locks or loops that are designed to fit a standard lock. "Collaring" someone is a kink ritual and often, regardless of the design, the wearer must ask the person who placed it to remove it. In situations where a BDSM collar might cause unwanted attention or discomfort, a "day collar" is often worn instead. Some day collars include subtle aspects of BDSM collars like metal O rings. Some companies like Eternity make metal BDSM-focused collars and bracelets that can be bolted together. The simple shapes used emphasize the appearance of the jewellery as singular piece. Chastity belts and cages are another example of long-term kink wear. They are usually designed to be locking, tamper evident, or both. The person who owns the key is called the keyholder. Chastity belts and cages are usually designed to be as comfortable as possible, allowing the wearer to sleep, shower, and toilet themselves while wearing. == See also ==