Can You Get an MRI with Permanent Jewelry? What You Need to Know

Quick Answer: No — you’ll need to remove your permanent jewelry before any MRI scan or surgery. But don’t worry: your jeweler can safely take it off and reattach it once you’re cleared by your doctor.

💎 What Makes Permanent Jewelry Different?

Permanent jewelry is welded directly onto your body — no clasps, no taking it off at night. It’s designed to be worn 24/7 and is loved for its seamless style and personal meaning. But because it’s made of metal, there are a few situations where removal is a must.

⚠️ Why You Can’t Wear Permanent Jewelry in an MRI

MRI machines use powerful magnets — and metal jewelry doesn’t mix well with that. Here’s why:

• Safety risk: The magnetic pull can move metal pieces, causing injury.
• Heat risk: Metal can heat up during the scan and burn your skin.
• Image distortion: Even small pieces of jewelry can interfere with scan results, affecting your diagnosis.

So yes — even a small welded bracelet must come off before an MRI.

🛑 Surgery Prep? You'll Need to Remove It Too

Surgical procedures come with their own rules. Most doctors and hospitals will require you to remove all jewelry ahead of time — especially anything permanent. Here’s why:

• Sanitation: Jewelry can harbor bacteria near surgical sites.
• Swelling: Your body may swell post-op, which could make jewelry painful or tight.
• Interference: Some equipment uses electricity or magnets that can react with metal.

The bottom line: don’t wait to be told last minute. Plan ahead and remove your piece safely with your jeweler.

📅 How to Plan Ahead

If you’ve got a medical procedure coming up — especially one that involves imaging or surgery — here’s how to make it easy:

• Tell your doctor early: Let them know you’re wearing permanent jewelry.
• Book removal in advance: Contact your jeweler to clip it off safely.
• Reattach later: Most jewelers offer re-welding once you're medically cleared.

❓What About Other Medical Procedures?

• X-Rays: Usually not a problem, but always mention it to the tech.
• Ultrasound: Generally safe, unless jewelry is near the scanned area.
• Reattachment timing: Ask your doctor when it's okay to have it re-welded — usually after healing/swelling has gone down.

✨ Beauty Meets Practicality

Permanent jewelry is more than just a trend — it’s a personal statement. But your health and safety come first. The good news? With the right prep, you can enjoy your forever piece long after your procedure.

Be proactive. Talk to your doctor. Talk to your jeweler. Then sparkle on — safely.

💫 Ready to Get Linked Again?

Had to remove your permanent jewelry for a procedure? Book a reattachment appointment in Fresno here — we’ll help you sparkle again, safely.

Or browse our Forever Bracelet collection to find a piece that fits your lifestyle and future plans.