Can you swim, surf and fly with permanent jewellery?

Living in Mooloolaba means your week probably looks something like this: a dawn dip at the beach, a gym session, a school pickup, maybe a surf at the Bluff if the swell's up. So when people ask us about permanent jewellery, the first question is nearly always the same. Can I still do all my normal stuff with it on?

Short answer: yes. Permanent jewellery is made to live your life with you. Here's the longer answer, one activity at a time.

The ocean: salt water and surf

Swimming between the flags, bodyboarding, a paddle on the river. Your chain can come along for all of it. Our permanent jewellery is made from 14K gold-filled or sterling silver, both chosen because they handle everyday wear.

The one habit worth building: rinse it with fresh water and pat it dry after a swim. Salt left sitting on the chain can dull the shine over time. If you're already rinsing off at the beach shower, just give your wrist or ankle a quick splash too.

Surfers, one extra tip. Leg ropes and anklets can rub against each other, so think about which ankle your leash goes on before you pick your spot.

Chlorine, sunscreen and the gym

• Pools: chlorine is harsher on metal than the ocean. You can swim with your chain on, but rinse it afterwards, every time.
• Sunscreen: slip, slop, slap still wins. Sunscreen and some cosmetics can leave a film that dulls the sparkle, so a gentle clean with mild soap and warm water brings it back.
• The gym: running, yoga, pilates and classes are no problem. Heavy lifting is where you want a little care, because barbells and kettlebell handles can catch a bracelet. Some people wear a sweatband over it for big lifting days.
• Sterling silver: silver naturally tarnishes a little over time. A silver polishing cloth fixes it in seconds.

Our full permanent jewellery care tips cover cleaning step by step.

Flying and airport security

Heading off on holidays? Fine chains like ours usually don't set off airport metal detectors. There's very little metal in a delicate bracelet or anklet, much like a wedding ring. If security does ask, just show them. It's jewellery, and they see it every day.

Long-haul flight with swollen ankles? A well-fitted chain has a little room to move, so it shouldn't bother you. That's why we measure every piece to fit you comfortably, not tightly.

MRIs, X-rays and medical procedures

This is the one where we keep it simple. If you need a scan, surgery or any medical procedure, tell the staff you're wearing permanent jewellery and follow their advice. If they need it off, it can be snipped at the weld with scissors or wire cutters.

Keep the chain. Bring it back to our Mooloolaba studio when you're ready and we can reweld it for a small fee. So there's no need to stress about it or to skip anything you need medically.

If you work in a job where jewellery isn't allowed, such as some healthcare, trades or food roles, ask us about adding a clasp instead. You get the same look, and you can take it off when you need to.

What if it snags?

Permanent jewellery is fine and delicate by design. That's part of its charm, and it's also a safety feature. If it catches hard on something, like a door handle, a fishing line or a toddler's grip, a fine chain is more likely to give way than to hurt you.

If it does break:

• Pop the chain somewhere safe straight away (a zip-lock bag is perfect).
• Don't try to glue it or fix it yourself.
• Bring it into the studio and we'll look at a reweld or a repair.

We also recommend giving your chain a quick look every now and then, checking the links and the weld point. Catching wear early is easier than chasing a lost bracelet in the sand at Mooloolaba Beach.

Ready for a chain that keeps up with you?

If you're a salt-water, sunscreen and early-alarm kind of person, permanent jewellery suits your life on the Sunshine Coast. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and walk-ins are welcome. You can also send us a message on Instagram first to check we're free.

Have a read of our permanent jewellery page to see bracelets, anklets, necklaces and charms, then come and say hi at 2/11 Smith Street. We're only a short walk from the beach.

Prefer to lock in a time? Book your permanent jewellery online.