Wedding Rings: Engraving Ideas & Tips

Looking for the ultimate way to personalize your rings? Engraving an inscription inside the shaft may be the ticket. Here's how.

The custom of inscribing romantic "posies" (poetry) onto rings began in the courts of Medieval Europe. Today, engraving a message on the inside of the shank -- even around the perimeter of the stone! -- is one of the easiest ways to personalize an engagement ring or your wedding bands. Knot Note:
Having the ring engraved can be done as quickly as while you wait or can take up to one month. Ask your jeweler how long it will take and plan ahead.

How to Do It
It's easiest to have rings engraved by your jeweler; simply make the request when you order the rings (be sure to check the inscription when you receive them). If the jeweler can't do it, he should be able to refer you an engraver.

The cost is usually based on the number of characters in the inscription, the font used, and whether it will be engraved by hand or machine. Machine engraving starts at about
$1 per character. Hand engraving can cost up to five times as much, but can add unique embellishments and/or deliver the authentic hand-forged feel you may desire.

Other Options
If you can't edit your sentiment down to a mere few words or would like to use a stanza from a poem or song, consider engraving your love letter -- or continuing the message engraved in your ring! -- around the rim of the stone itself. Not only is this the ultimate secret declaration of your love (the inscription is invisible to the naked eye but can be seen with a magnifying glass), it can also serve as a foolproof "birthmark" should the stone ever be lost or stolen. The Gemological Institute of America will do the deed on stones up to one carat for $28 for the first 15 characters (spaces count). Ask your jeweler for details.

 

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