Permanent Jewelry at the Airport, MRI and Surgery
Permanent jewelry is delicate fine jewelry and does not trigger metal detectors. For an MRI or surgery, you cut the chain at the welded link and bring both pieces back to BURDLIFE.
By BURDLIFE Studio Team ·
Airport security
No. Permanent jewelry is delicate fine jewelry and does not trigger metal detectors. You can walk through security with it on.
Airport screening is run by the staff on duty, and they can ask to look at any item you wear. If that happens, it is a thin chain on your wrist, ankle or neck, so it is easy to show.
MRI and surgery
Permanent jewelry has no clasp, so it comes off by cutting the chain. Imaging and surgical teams often ask you to remove jewelry.
Tell your doctor or the imaging team that you wear permanent jewelry, and ask what they need. Follow your care team's instructions. This post cannot replace their advice.
Ask before the day
Call the imaging center or surgical team a few days ahead. Ask if your chain must come off, so you are not rushed on the day.
How to remove permanent jewelry for an MRI or surgery
- Find the welded link This is the link where the two ends of the chain were joined in studio. Look for the tiny join.
- Cut the chain there Use household scissors or nail clippers. Cut at the welded link.
- Save both pieces Keep the chain and any charms together. Put them in a small bag or box so nothing is lost.
- Bring them back Take both pieces to a BURDLIFE studio after your procedure.
Free re-weld after a medical removal
We re-weld for free after a medical removal. Two conditions apply. It must be BURDLIFE jewelry, and you must have the chain and the charms.
That is why step three matters. We cannot replace lost chains. If you leave the pieces at the hospital, we have nothing to weld.
You can bring the pieces to any of our studios: Houston, Nashville, San Antonio and Atlanta (Johns Creek). Book a time if you want a short wait. Read more about wearing it every day in our guides to permanent anklets and permanent necklaces.
Quick answers
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Airport | Wear it. It does not trigger metal detectors. |
| MRI | Ask the imaging team. If asked, cut at the welded link. |
| Surgery | Ask your surgical team. If asked, cut at the welded link. |
| After removal | Save both pieces and bring them to BURDLIFE for a free re-weld. |
Not sure how permanent jewelry works in the first place? See the pain and welding guide and the cost guide.
Planning ahead for a trip or a procedure
If you fly often, you can keep your jewelry on for the whole trip. There is nothing to unclasp or put in a tray. Many people like that part.
For a planned procedure, the timing is up to you and your care team. Ask when they want it off. Cut it at home, or ask a friend to help, then put the pieces somewhere safe before you leave the house.
After your procedure, keep the pieces together until you can come in. When you visit, tell the team it was a medical removal, so they know to re-weld it for free.
Choosing a new piece instead? The cost guide explains that welding is free and you pay for the jewelry.
Questions
- Will permanent jewelry set off airport security?
- No. It is delicate fine jewelry and does not trigger metal detectors.
- Do I have to remove permanent jewelry for an MRI?
- Ask your doctor or the imaging team, and follow your care team's instructions. If they want it off, cut the chain at the welded link with household scissors or nail clippers.
- How do I remove permanent jewelry for surgery?
- Cut the chain at the welded link with household scissors or nail clippers. Save both pieces and bring them to BURDLIFE. Check with your surgical team first.
- Is the re-weld free after a medical removal?
- Yes, if it is BURDLIFE jewelry and you have the chain and charms.
Ready when you are
Read the FAQMore from the blog
Studios: Houston, Nashville and San Antonio (open). Atlanta in Johns Creek (opening Nov 16).