Forever Welded Jewelry: Making Memories Last a Lifetime

I’m always on the lookout for new businesses and people to talk to. Walking along Bloomfield Avenue, I stumbled upon Forever Welded Jewelry at 314 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair. This luxury boutique is a great addition to the area and definitely worth checking out!

I don’t know if it’s just me, but I had this initial impression that Forever Welded Jewelry dealt with jewelry permanently attached to your body, like a piercing—ouch! Thankfully, that’s not the case here, and I’ll explain the concept and process in detail from my lengthy interview with the owner, Bianca Cabrera, as I watched her in action.

Cabrera’s talent for art and décor is evident as soon as you enter the door. It even smells good in there, a surprising bonus. The large windows allow for a brightness that complements the furnishings and jewelry displayed on tables and in cases. White walls and sleek black lacquer, and glass-topped tables add sophistication. There’s stylish, soft and comfy seating to make your consultation time go quickly. Forever Welded is open four days a week, Thursday through Sunday.

Cabrera, originally from Rockaway, New Jersey, graduated from Rutgers University-New Brunswick with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She also studied business and started working in car rental sales management in her early 20s. During the height of the pandemic in 2020, she worked a hybrid schedule in and out of the office.

“As a young woman working in a mostly male-dominated field, I decided that this wasn’t the career path for me. I took a severance package, got rid of my apartment and all its contents, and moved back with my parents. I used the severance pay to start a business,” she says.

She chose Montclair for all the usual reasons—proximity to New York City, great restaurants and people who look for unusual shops, or, as Cabrera added, “They like to travel here from other towns and nearby states, and Montclair has a lot to do.”

Cabrera did some research and found that the Neiman Marcus department store used to create permanent fine jewelry with the help of open flames and soldering. She taught herself the art of making jewelry by practicing with sterling silver and perfecting the process.

To create her designs, Bianca takes inspiration from vintage to modern pieces by focusing on simple, minimalist and timeless creations in sterling silver, gold-filled (95% brass with 14K gold), 14 and 18K fine gold and white gold. The stones used in her unique designs are lab-created Moissanite diamonds, along with precious gemstones and birthstones for custom pieces.

Cabrera says: “These diamonds are more cost-effective, but don’t confuse them with cubic zirconia or glass. They are beautiful and accent the pieces that I make. Tiffany & Co had ‘diamonds by the Yard’ beginning in the 1940s, and I find that diamonds add something special to what I consider my minimalist, dainty jewelry.”

Clients are encouraged to make appointments online at foreverwluxe.com for a personalized consultation to explore the extensive range of materials and create their one-of-a-kind bracelet, necklace, ring or earrings.

“It’s an experience,” Bianca says. “Many people show up in pairs for appointments, such as mother/daughter, siblings, couples, or to order bridal shower or wedding attendant gifts. They choose stones, charms or chains such as Puffed Mariner or Cuban Link.” Don’t think Forever Welded only attracts a female clientele; many men order custom chains for themselves and their partners.

Forever Welded Jewelry is the only boutique in New Jersey that does permanent jewelry and sells ready-to-wear pieces. The price point is gentle, even with additions such as Moissanite, gems or birthstones. The focus is on quality and ethical pricing. Look for Cabrera’s unique design charms and engravings to add to your pieces. And remember, the holidays are just a few months away, and it pays to plan ahead!

I watched Cabrera with a customer named Katherine, who came in for her appointment to purchase an anklet. The process didn’t take long, and after she measured Katherine’s ankle and went through the many choices, Cabrera used a portable custom jewelry soldering iron to attach the anklet. The process takes minutes, with a flash of light the only indication that soldering is being done. The anklet Katherine chose was elegant, and it rested on her ankle beautifully while sparkling like all get-out.

Forever Welded has a warm family atmosphere. Cabrera’s mother, Sophie, is the friendly face at the front desk. A sleek modern black table handcrafted by Cabrera’s father. Sophie manages appointments and orders with a smile, and it’s clear she’s proud of her daughter’s work.

Don’t be surprised if a sweet little white puppy greets you as you enter Forever Welded. Bowie, Cabrera’s adorable mixed-breed dog, has a special bed in the shop and never leaves Cabrera’s side.

I’ll be making a consultation appointment for myself at Forever Welded soon. I’m known for a collection of gold bracelets worn on my right wrist. I would love to add permanent bracelets to my left wrist to complement my look. There’s no such thing as too much jewelry or diamonds!

Forever Welded Jewelry314 Bloomfield AvenueMontclair, New Jersey 07042862-599-4067

Robin Woods is a local girl-about town, writing about activities, stores, restaurants and interesting people that catch her eye. She’s written for New York City fashion and music newspapers, Sassee Magazine, and The Montclair Times. Her Robin’s Nest column appeared in Montclair Local since 2017. Robin also covers special events and does color commentary for TV34 Montclair. Her writing awards include the Shirley Chisholm Award for Journalism, the Director’s Award and three first-place awards for Essex County Legacies Essay Contest.

Editor, writer, social media manager. Food and coffee lover. Proud Jersey girl. More by Georgette Gilmore