Pictured: (from left to right) Mary Horton and Jackie Long. Photo courtesy of Forever Linked.

If you’ve spent any time pursuing social media recently you know that fumbling with clumsy latches and hooks is out while getting permanent jewelry is in. Jackie Long and Mary Horton started the business nearly a year ago after Long purchased her first ever piece of permanent jewelry while in Texas.

The duo have both lived in the Sarasota area for around a decade and met through their children’s daycare, starting their Forever Linked business together after seeing that there weren’t any permanent jewelry providers in the area. Permanent jewelry usually is a process where a gold or silver chain is “permanently” zapped onto you as a bracelet, necklace, ring or anklet using a welder to close the jump ring. Recently, this practice has become hugely popular due to its customizable nature and long-lasting durability.

“We just did a lot of research. We called the company that we bought the welder from and it took us about two months to really practice,” Long says. “That’s kind of how we got started, and then we just started reaching out to other small businesses which has been really cool because now that we have our small business, we realized just how many women-owned small businesses are in the area. So, that’s really neat.”

Forever Linked operates through monthly pop-ups at local businesses, such as Modern Soul boutique in St. Armands Circle, Malibu Fox at UTC and CycleBar. Along with the pop-ups, Forever Linked also offers private parties for bachelorette groups, wine-clubs and bridal showers. “It's fun to do the bachelorette and the bridal parties when it's a surprise. It's just something a little different.” Long says.

What makes Forever Linked special is the top-tier type of chains they offer. “A big thing for us is the quality. We make sure we go through a wholesaler for chains that are good quality so they do last and they don't tarnish,” Long adds. They offer eight options of chains, with varying thickness and design, in both sterling silver and gold-filled. Along with that, they also have three options made of 14 karat gold for an even more durable and precious gift for yourself or someone you love. Forever Linked also offers the option to reweld your jewelry back on if it has to be removed for things like an MRI or surgery.

In the future, Long and Horton hope to add custom jewelry to their repertoire, with both of them taking jewelry classes through Manatee County to further their skills.

The best place to find a location to get your link fix? Head to the Forever Linked Instagram to find current updates on monthly pop-up locations, available chains and how to schedule a private jewelry party.

For more information, visit getforeverlinked.com or @getforeverlinked on Instagram.

Pictured: (from left to right) Mary Horton and Jackie Long. Photo courtesy of Forever Linked.