Over the past few years, so-called “permanent” jewelry has seen a rise in popularity across social media.
As noted by Glimpse, internet search volume for terms related to permanent jewelry has grown exponentially since 2022. Much of that interest is attributable to social media like Instagram and TikTok.
While some may hear the name “permanent jewelry” and draw comparisons to tattoos or piercings, the way permanent jewelry works is usually a bit different. In some cases, a chain will be measured, positioned, and then fused together using something like an arc welder. This means that removing it typically involves destroying it. In others, the jewelry is secured using a screw, making it technically removable (even if doing so is quite difficult in practice).
Thankfully, for wearers of permanent or secured jewelry, instances where they will absolutely need to remove their jewelry are rare. However, TikTok user Jenn (@jenngstyle) recently went viral after experiencing one of those few instances.
Why Did This Woman Need to Remove Her Cartier?
In a video with over 1.3 million views, Jenn shows herself in a hospital.
“I can’t make this up. I’ve been waiting for six hours for an MRI. They got me in a gown…and we can’t get my bracelet off,” she says.
She then shows a gold Cartier bracelet that is secured to her wrist. While she says that she had a screwdriver to remove the bracelet, it is at home. Plus, no screwdriver in the hospital can remove it.
“They said if I leave to go take it off at home, then I have to come back and recheck in,” Jenn explains. “I don’t know if I can claim it on my insurance if I let them saw it off.
She continues, “I have it insured, but we cannot get it off, so they have to saw it off.”
Eventually, Jenn says the hospital discovered a screwdriver that worked with the bracelet. This allowed her to go through with her MRI.
Did She Really Need to Remove It?
The bracelet worn by Jenn appears to be the Cartier Love bracelet in gold. While this isn’t a “permanent” piece by some people’s definitions, as it can be removed with a screwdriver, the tools required to do so mean that many wear the bracelet long-term.
However, given that the bracelet is made of 18K yellow gold, it’s unlikely that it would be affected by an MRI machine.
That said, many professionals will still insist that one remove their jewelry before an MRI, even if they believe it to be made of pure gold. This is because many people are unaware of the true metal contents of their jewelry, and as a result, they can accidentally enter an MRI machine wearing jewelry that will be affected by it.
If this occurs, they can risk discomfort, burns, and even more serious injury.
Commenters Share Their Thoughts
In the comments section, users offered their thoughts on Jenn’s peculiar situation.
“Being poor saved me again,” joked a user.
“As a surgical nurse i HATE permanent jewerly!!!!!” exclaimed another.
“As a Pre-op Nurse we don’t allow any permanent jewelry for any surgeries or procedures!! MRI’s definitely not!” echoed a third.
“Non ferrous metals can go in MRI machines? I just had an hour long one a couple weeks ago and kept all my permanent jewelry on. The tech used a magnet to make sure none of them reacted and said it was fine,” detailed a further TikToker. “That’s so frustrating!”
@jenngstyle #cartier #mri ♬ original sound – JennGStyle
The Mary Sue reached out to Jenn and Cartier via email.
Have a tip we should know? [email protected]
