I recently relived my childhood passion of getting friendship bracelets, except this time my friends and I decided to make them permanent. Over the past couple of months I have seen countless videos of people getting "permanent jewelry" and could not wait to see what all the hype was about! If you want to learn a little bit about permanent jewelry, we’ve got you covered! Keep scrolling to have your lingering questions answered!
It is our absolute pleasure to introduce you to Chelsie, founder of Monroe & Co., a permanent jewelry company that focuses on creating a quality permanent jewelry experience for her clients.
Chelsie is a hardworking mama of 3 kiddos who started her business a little over 1 year ago and hasn’t stopped loving what she does since. She is passionate about creating precious moments while offering timeless pieces of jewelry to be treasured forever.
“It is important to me that all my clients walk out feeling good! I want it to be more than just a piece of jewelry, I want it to be a memory, conversation starter, or a smile on someone’s face!”
- your welding guru
Check out her instagram and follow her to be in the know!
Q&A with Chelsie
1. Can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The idea of wanting to run my own permanent jewelry business came to me when I was planning a fun girls trip with some of my closest friends. Unfortunately the trip was cancelled, but the thought never left my head, which led me to research it deeper. My husband took note of the sudden interest and encouraged me to chase my dreams, and that’s what I did. When the kids went to bed i’d stay up practicing and perfecting my trade. I decided to name my business after my only daughter.
2. Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way.
When you start a business because you never fully know what you’re in for until you’re in it! Many times I’d get discouraged thinking “wow, this is kind of a lot!” It was definitely a challenge at first, but what drives me is the sense of accomplishment and pride when I’m able to prove to myself I can do it. One thing that pushes me to keep going is when I see other moms who are also small business owners doing similar things and also just having fun. It is so easy to get lost in motherhood and loose yourself and it’s tough finding that balance, but you slowly learn as you go! Stick to basics and have your priorities set!
3. We’ve already been so impressed with Monroe & Co., but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do that sets you apart from others?
Anyone that knows me, knows I give 110%! I’ve always been someone who puts a lot of thought into details. I envision each client, their story, their decision to celebrate a forever bond and it becomes my fuel when assisting my clients. Monroe & Co. is my passion and it’s a safe space where I can allow my creativity to come out and prove to myself I‘m not JUST a mom. I’m a mom learning how to run a business that relies on more than just welding.. there’s scheduling events, setting appointments, keeping up on social media, and ensuring my inventory is stocked and read! Doing everything on my own is so empowering and I think many people can relate to my story and find what I do admirable.
Take a peek at her beautiful boutique.
 |  |
Our Permanent Jewelry Experience
From measuring to welding, the length of the entire process varies, however the welding took only a couple of minutes. Monroe & Co offers a variety of metal colors as well as chain designs to choose from, so the hardest part is having to pick just one (which is why we decided on a small “stack”).
Ashley opted for a necklace “stack” which Chelsie offered consulting services for design options. Amaya (3 years old) fell in love with the heart chain so obviously her and mama Ari decided to get matching “mama and me” bracelets. I had my eyes set on one of the paperclip chains and decided to go with a smaller dainty chain to complement it.
What Is the Application Process Like?
After you pick out your chain, you’ll sit with Chelsie to review your chain/charm options. Chelsie thoroughly explains the recommendations for tightness/looseness of the chain and will then snip to size that speaks to you and custom fit to your body.
What Is "Zapping" and Does It Hurt?
Zapping is next step, it is the welding process which involves a tool that is accompanied by a crackle sound and flash of light. The process itself is completely painless and only takes about a minute. Once welded, Chelsie will polish and inspect her work closely using a magnifying lens. I want to point out how much I admired her attention to detail and think many other customers would be appreciative how thorough Chelsie is in her work. Should something happen with the welds she ensured us to reach out to her and she’d be more than happy to correct anything.
How Do You Remove It? What If It Breaks?
Permanent jewelry is strong but can be easily cut off if needed! If for any reason you need to remove your permanent bracelet (i.e. due to a medical procedure), simply take a pair of scissors and snip it off (at the welded jump ring. If it happens to break off, you can save the chain and get it re-welded.
Will the Jewelry Rust or Tarnish?
Ultimately, it will depend on where you get your jewelry and what materials they use. If you get your bracelet from Monroe & Co., you can sweat, sleep, swim and just live in your forever jewelry and it won’t rust/tarnish.
How much does permanent jewelry usually cost?
Pricing for permanent bracelets varies and depends on the material, the thickness of the chain, and whether you add any additional charms. At Monroe & Co., prices start at $50 for bracelets. You can also add charms to your permanent jewelry at an additional cost.
What material does Monroe & Co. offer for permanent jewelry?
All chains are gold filled with the following color options: gold, rose gold, and silver.
Is permanent jewelry safe for children?
Generally, yes. It only takes one-to-three painless minutes to get a permanent necklace, bracelet, or anklet (and the welding tools don’t touch your skin). There are potential hazards with permanent bracelets (possible swelling from heat or injuries could make jewelry too tight) so please make sure you do your research before choosing permanent jewelry for your child.
📈 As your child grows you can go back and add length or connector charms to their links
⚽️🏀🏐 Most little league sports do require all jewelry to be taken off, so take this into consideration when making your decision
With parental/guardian consent and accompaniment, Monroe & Co. will weld children, however not under the age of 1 years old. Owner, Chelsie, will explain the process in detail then ask parents for verbal consent. When she begins, if the child is unable to sit still for the session, Monroe & Co will not proceed.
Our Macaronkids Ariana (5 years old) and Amaya (3 years old) both got welded at Monroe & Co. and loved it! Toddler Amaya was a little intimidated by the flash of light and crackle and pop of the welding tool, but she sat very still for her bracelet (Chelsie was very accommodating). Ariana was very curious and enjoyed watching every step and seeing her choices come to life!
 It only takes one-to-three painless minutes to get a permanent jewelry welded on! |
 With parental/guardian consent and accompaniment, Monroe & Co. will weld children, however not under the age of 1 years old. |
Our Permanent Jewelry Experience
Though "permanent jewelry" may sound extreme, it's not quite what it sounds like. Overall, my friends and I agreed that getting permanent jewelry together was a fun and unique way to spend the morning as well as a bonding experience we'd cherish forever. Not only do we have beautiful jewelry that’s versatile and timeless, but now we also have a memory that we can share forever. My only regret is that I didn't get MORE (why do I have a feeling my stack is JUST getting started?!)
Scheduled vendor events you can find Monroe & Co. at include:
1. Avensole Winery - Nov 12th, Dec 10th
2. The Craft House - Oct 20 (tentative), October 22, Nov 17, December 1
She is also working on doing a monthly pop up at The Hive boutique In Temecula, stay tuned!
Trends come and go, but timeless fashion is forever. Permanent jewelry is the perfect way to celebrate a friendship, relationship, special occasion, milestone, or adorn yourself in honor of self-love. These forever pieces are easy to justify - not only are they incredibly versatile, but the simplicity of a permanent bracelet also allows them to be seamlessly worn by all genders and ages.
We are so excited to introduce the Macaronikid community to an amazing local mom whose passion is more than just a brand of permanent jewelry, it’s an experience! We encourage you to treat yourself and get zapped with Monroe & Co, a ritual commemorating milestones and celebrating the small thrill of permanency.
To book an appointment at her boutique, send her an Instagram DM!
Let her know that Macaroni Kid sent you :)
 |  |  |
