It is not uncommon for brides-to-be (or grooms-to-be for that matter) to have their engagement rings engraved. Engraving is the ideal way to personalize a piece of jewelry and carving some intimate written sentiment onto your engagement ring enhances the meaning of an already special token. Here are some factors to consider if you are thinking of having your engagement ring engraved.
Can my Ring be Engraved?
Not all engagement rings lend themselves easily to engraving. The width of the ring’s band determines how much can be said in the inscription. For an engraving to be effective the words must be large enough to read easily and there must be enough band surface area for uniform spacing of the letters. Bands less than 3 millimeters wide are typically too small to accommodate a clear, legible engraving. Plain ring bands that are flat, rounded or domed provide enough surface area for a tidy engraving. Bands 4 to 6 millimeters wide are ideal since they can often accommodate two rows of text. Complicated ring designs with low surface areas, such as rings with filigreed bands, are inappropriate for engraving.
The other determining factor is the material of the band. Gold, a relatively soft metal, is the preferred material for hand-graving (‘old-fashioned’ hand-graving is the best option when beautiful stylized lettering and intricate symbols are desired.) For machine engraving methods, exceptional results can be produced with silver, gold and platinum rings. Inscriptions on titanium and tungsten rings appear blurry and jagged so these harder metals have traditionally been shunned by engravers. Nowadays however, computerized laser engraving is a new technology that produces crisp, durable inscriptions on titanium and tungsten rings. It is always best to choose the engraving method that is most suitable for your ring.
What Should the Inscription Say?
There are many different directions you can take with an engagement ring inscription. Traditionally, the initials of the engaged couple or the wedding date have been classic inscriptions for engagement rings, however the content and tone of an inscription is entirely a matter of personal choice. Lines from a favorite poem, song or scripture can be used, as can simple but timeless expressions of love. On the other hand, inside jokes or even humorous jabs at married life can make for more light-hearted inscriptions. What is most important is that the engagement ring inscription reflects the personalities of the couple and carries some sort of unique personal meaning for them. Whatever you decide to say, bear in mind that space limitations dictate that you keep it short and sweet.
When Should an Engagement Ring be Engraved?
The temptation to surprise your significant other with an engraved engagement ring is understandable; however, it is recommended that you wait until an engagement ring has been sized before getting it engraved. Ring resizing procedures involve heating, stretching, cutting and hammering the body of the ring which may damage the letters of an inscription. Trying on rings before proposing is a good way to choose a perfectly-sized ring that can be engraved before the proposal. Alternatively, you can always err on the safe side and have the ring engraved after the engagement.
What Should I Consider when Selecting an Engraver?
Whether you decide to go with a hand engraver or a company that does machine engraving, it is always a good idea to view samples of past engraving work beforehand. Looking at sample work will allow you to assess how durable (deep-cut) the engraver’s work is and to get an idea of font sizes and styles. You should also check the engraver’s record; you are less likely to encounter problems with your order and will feel more peace of mind using an experienced engraver. Find out if engraving work in done in-house. Some jewelry stores send rings to a third party for engraving and there is always some risk of the ring being misplaced in such cases. You may or may not be able to have the ring insured while it is being engraved. These are all questions you should ask. It is also important to clarify the timeframe for completion. Sometimes the same jewelry store you bought the ring from can do the engraving on the spot, but more often than not you will have to wait a few days. Lastly, you will want to verify any additional fees and taxes up front. Intricate fonts, certain types of metals, non-standard symbols and longer inscriptions can increase engraving fees so make sure you double-check the cost of everything to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Remember, engraved rings are typically non-refundable and non-returnable; also, inscriptions are virtually impossible to change or remove once completed. Make sure you thoroughly double-check the specifications of your order before submitting the ring for engraving. In the end, an engraved engagement ring is well worth the extra effort. It is a poignant statement, communicating the singular and committed nature of a couple’s love.