Permanent Jewelry Supplies: Materials Every Artist Needs
Permanent jewelry starts with the right foundation, but what truly defines your work is the materials and supplies you choose. If tools are how you apply the service, supplies are what your clients wear, share, and come back for.
Whether you are just starting out or refining your offerings, this guide breaks down the essential permanent jewelry supplies every artist needs, along with tips to help you build a kit that supports both quality and growth.
What Are Permanent Jewelry Supplies
Permanent jewelry supplies are the materials used to create and customize each piece. Unlike tools, these are the components that go directly on the client.
Your supplies impact:
- Durability and wearability
- Overall look and style
- Pricing and profit margins
- Client satisfaction and retention
A well curated supply kit will elevate your work more than an oversized one. Focus on quality, not quantity.
Top 10 Permanent Jewelry Supplies Every Artist Needs
1. Permanent Jewelry Chain
Chain is the core of every piece and one of the most important investments you will make. Higher quality chain leads to fewer breakages and stronger client trust.
Best options:
- Gold filled for durability and everyday wear
- Sterling silver for a classic look
- Solid gold for premium services
You may also offer plated enamel chains as seasonal or trend-driven options. These are great for adding color, texture, or themed collections, especially for holidays or events. However, because they are plated, they are not designed for long-term wear in the same way as gold filled or solid gold. Set clear expectations with clients and position these as fun, fashion-forward add ons rather than everyday staples.
2. Jump Rings
Jump rings connect your chain before welding and play a key role in durability. Using the correct gauge improves weld quality and reduces breakage.
For beginners, we recommend using 22g to 24g jump rings, which offer a balance of ease of use and durability. Explore our full jump ring guide.
3. Connectors and Charms
Connectors allow clients to personalize their jewelry and increase your average order value. Customization creates a more meaningful experience and encourages add ons. At Bay & Stew, we offer a curated selection of connectors and charms, including unique hand stamped styles that help your pieces stand out.
Popular options:
- Hand stamped styles
- Minimalist shapes such as hearts
- Symbolic pieces
4. Extender Chains
Not every client wants a fully permanent piece. Extenders offer flexibility while maintaining the look of permanent jewelry. They are especially useful for anklets, first-time clients, and gift purchases when exact sizing is unknown.
A simple cable chain is the most common choice for extenders due to its durability and clean look. At Bay & Stew, we recommend a 1” 2.6mm cable chain as a reliable standard.
For a more elevated look, you can also use decorative chains such as paperclip or heart styles to turn the extender into a design feature rather than a hidden detail. Extenders are also a great way to repurpose shorter chain pieces or scraps, helping you reduce waste while expanding your offerings.
5. Clasps for Custom Requests
While permanent jewelry is traditionally clasp free, having clasps on hand allows you to accommodate special requests and offer more flexibility to your clients.
When to use:
- Medical or lifestyle needs
- Travel flexibility
- Custom orders
- Young children
- Sports and active lifestyles
For children 13 and younger, many permanent jewelry artists choose to add a clasp instead of fully welding the piece. Federal regulations surrounding children’s jewelry (permanent or not), including lead testing requirements, may apply to jewelry intended for children 13 and under.
Clasps can also provide added flexibility and peace of mind for younger clients who are especially active or still growing. While permanent jewelry chains are designed to snap safely under pressure or be removed with wire cutters in an emergency, removable clasps may still be the preferred option for some families.
Offering clasp alternatives allows you to accommodate more clients while prioritizing safety and comfort.
6. Birthstone Components
Birthstones are one of the easiest ways to add meaning and increase pricing. These can be added as connectors between links or welded to the chain as charms.
Why they work:
- Personal and sentimental
- Popular for gifting
- Easy to upsell during appointments
- Great for birthdays, bridal parties, and family pieces
At Bay & Stew, we offer a wide variety of birthstone connectors and charms in multiple shapes, sizes, and styles so artists can create looks that range from minimal to statement-making.
Popular birthstone styles include:
- Round
- Marquise
- Diamond
- Square
- Rectangle
- Heart (vertical and horizontal)
- Teardrop
Available sizing options:
- 3mm
- 4mm
- 6mm
We also offer:
- Cubic zirconia (CZ) birthstones
- Genuine birthstones
- Double-sided checkerboard styles
- Connector and charm variations for different design preferences
With more than 200 birthstone connectors and 100+ birthstone charms available, artists can create highly customized permanent jewelry experiences for every client. Browse our catalog to see all the different styles and sizes we offer.
We recommend displaying birthstones in a labeled tray, acrylic organizer, or visual chart sorted by month and shape. We offer a birthstone meaning card that you can keep handy, or pass out to clients. Keeping styles visible during appointments naturally encourages personalization and add ons.
If you are curious why birthstone shades can vary between styles and suppliers, read our guide on birthstone color variations and the thought process behind the shades we chose.
7. Chain Variety Packs
Having multiple styles available allows clients to choose pieces that match their style. This improves the client experience, supports layering and stacking, and helps you identify best sellers over time.
At Bay & Stew, we sell footage chains with a 1 foot minimum. We do offer mystery chain packs at discounted pricing, which is a great way to experiment with different chains. We also offer 2” chain samples, making it easy to explore styles and quality before purchasing footage chain.
8. Polishing Cloths
A simple but essential finishing step. We recommend polishing the piece in front of your client for a more premium experience. Having a polishing cloth on hand removes fingerprints and residue, enhances shine, and elevates perceived quality.
9. Jewelry Cleaning Solution
An optional but valuable retail add on to encourage aftercare and help keep pieces looking new. Sterling silver is especially prone to tarnishing, but it is an easy fix with a quality jewelry cleaning solution.
10. Branded Packaging
Packaging is what your client takes home and shares. It helps build brand recognition, encourages repeat business and increases social sharing.
Include:
- Jewelry care card
- Branded pouch or box
- Thank you card
For artists looking to create a more elevated brand experience, Bay & Stew also offers private label packaging services. Our in-house creative team can help design and produce custom branded boxes, bags, cards, and other packaging solutions tailored to your business.
Supplies vs Tools: What Is the Difference
If you are still building your permanent jewelry setup, it is important to understand the difference:
- Tools are what you use to perform the service
- Supplies are what your client wears
Both matter, but they serve different purposes in your business. If you still need equipment like a welder or pliers, read our full guide to permanent jewelry tools.
Build Your Permanent Jewelry Supply Kit with Confidence
The right supplies do more than complete your setup. They shape your brand, your pricing, and your client experience. Starting with the right supplies not only improves your results, but also builds client trust from day one.
Bay & Stew offers curated permanent jewelry supplies designed for quality, consistency, and growth so you can focus on creating pieces your clients will love to wear every day.
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Key Takeaways for Building Your Supply Kit
- Focus on high quality chain first as the foundation of your offerings
- Choose beginner friendly jump ring gauges
- Use connectors to increase order value
- Keep your selection curated and intentional
- Do not overlook packaging and finishing details
FAQ
What supplies do I need to start permanent jewelry
You will need chain, jump rings, connectors, and optional finishing materials like polishing cloths and packaging. Many artists start with a curated kit to simplify the process.
What is the best chain for permanent jewelry
Gold filled and sterling silver are the most popular options due to their durability and wearability. Solid gold is ideal for higher end services.
Are enamel chains good for permanent jewelry?
Enamel chains are a fun option for seasonal or fashion-focused designs, but because they are plated, they may not wear as long as gold filled or solid gold chains.
What jump ring gauge should I use
Most beginners start with 22g to 24g because it offers a balance of strength and ease of use.
Do I need connectors for permanent jewelry
No, but they are highly recommended. Connectors increase customization and can significantly raise your average order value.
Can children get permanent jewelry?
Policies vary by studio, but many permanent jewelry artists recommend adding a clasp for children 13 and younger. Clasps provide added flexibility for active lifestyles and growing wrists.
Can I sell jewelry care products to clients?
Yes. Cleaning solutions and care kits with a polishing cloth are a simple way to add retail revenue while helping clients maintain their jewelry.
Do I need custom packaging for my jewelry business?
Custom packaging is not required when starting out, but branded packaging can help create a more professional client experience and strengthen brand recognition over time.