Engagement Ring Engraving What you Need to Know

Engagement rings are a special choice of jewellery. The bridal jewellery items combine the importance of love, commitment and luxury into a valuable piece that is meaningful for both partners. So the question is there a way to make your choice of engagement ring more meaningful?

Enter engagement ring engravings. In this Education page we will outline what is meant by the term, the key features that go into the engraving of engagement, factors you have to consider if you are opting for one, and some useful hints for those who are going for engraving rings.

What is Engagement Ring Engraving?

The term engraving implies the imprinting of a specific marking or signs on a hardened surface, often with the aim of making the marking permanent in effect. When it comes to engagement rings the principle applies: with the fine jewel in question being subjected to slight modifications to select parts of the surface area of the ring.

The engraving, whilst falling under the heading of modification, is a light form of ring customisation that does not significantly alter the character of the ring in terms of style or setting. Essentially the engraving of an engagement ring involves a slight change that is intended to add an element of personalisation in the form of a message, marking or a number combination. 

The purpose of the engagement ring is pretty simple: it is about laying a special mark on a precious jewel to make it your own. Whilst the argument can be made that the engagement ring of your choice, with its select metal type, colour, gemstone type and number with the specific setting is already personalised to your liking, the idea of engraving is about taking it a step further.

Engagement ring engraving has grown in popularity with the greater demand for ring customisation. With the rise in engagement ring personalisation over the years and the number of companies offering these services, either in pre-built form or often upon customer requests, engagement ring engravings have become ever more popular.

Types of Engagement Ring Engraving

The engraving of rings and metal jewellery in general goes back in history. With certain accounts trace the practice of engraving precious jewellery to ancient civilizations of Egypt and other cultures where metalworking was established. This is understandable since the idea of engraving a metal comes down to a number of factors: most notably the addition of identification, and more broadly about giving the jewellery a kind of meaning that is spiritual or personal.

Given that the engraving of metal jewellery has been around for some time, the methods that are used in carrying out the process have varied over time. The early methods of jewellery engravings were limited by the technology of the times, with the use of hands being the main option. Hand engraving of rings was a highly skill-dependent task. And only those with a lot of experience with metalworking and shaping of metals were involved.

Today, hand engraving is rarely used. Owing to better technical alternatives and the difficulty of engraving the more intricately made rings. Thus among the more popular addition to the world of engagement ring engraving is the use of machine cutting. The use of machines of varying levels of complexity is a common practice, which builds from the increase in the use of machines in the making of rings. So the use of machines is a predictable one. However, the use of machinery alone runs into challenges given the intricacy of modern jewellery. This has given rise to the use of digital technology.

Digital or computer-guided engagement ring engraving is the next step in the engraving of engagement rings. Basically, this is an addition to the existing machinery, that is either aided or directed by computers in carrying out the process. In practice, digital engraving often uses lasers to carry out the function. This is a highly precise, accurate, and generally error-free method that many modern jewellery companies adopt.

The Cost Factor In Engraving Rings

This is an interesting point in that any additional changes that you request to be made to your engagement ring will likely incur an additional charge. However when it comes to engagement ring engraving the cost of the service will vary depending on the engraving in question, the location of the engraving and the final cost of the ring that you purchase.

The first point to consider is that engagement engraving is a custom service that you must request from your jewellery maker. Since the kind of engraving, if at all, that you wish is customer specific you will have to make a dedicated request to get it done. Further, when doing so it is important to factor in other elements of the ring-making process. For example, if you are opting for a pre-built ring (a ring that is in the company inventory, or is displayed online) making these special additions might prove to be a challenge in relation to the dimensions, size, band style etc. of the ring.

Thus it is more advisable to opt for a full custom design. Where you are able to pick the gemstone, metal type and hue, setting and a number of other factors. It is important to pay attention to the shank in terms of its width: for this the region where engravings are made. The custom engagement ring option is a good choice for engraving rings.

Types of Engagement Ring Engravings

There is a lot of content out there on what a person can engrave on their engagement ring. With an array of suggestions for potential buyers on what they can or ought to consider engraving on their engagement ring.

The usual types of engagement ring engravings take the form of important dates, initials, special places or code words. Some suggest biblical verses, verse numbers, romantic quotes, or messages of religious value. Whatever the message may be, the choice is yours, the only consideration is the available space upon which to engrave.

A growing practice when it comes to the engraving of engagement rings is the use of special marks and symbols. Often these are from different dialects or are generally not identifiable by all. And it is thus a good option if the aim of the couple is to communicate something unique.

When it comes to the type of engraving for your engagement ring, it is important to know where you want the engraving to be placed. Generally, the option is to have it inside the ring where it is in contact with your finger. And it is better concealed. However, some do opt to have their engravings outside. The choice is yours.

Tips on Engraving Engagement Rings

Since engagement rings are relatively small, customers will have to think clearly about what is going on with them. And the effects of the engraving tend to be quite permanent, so it is important to be sure what you want to engrave. And since it is a ring that brings two people together it is important that you consult your partner before making any final decision. Whilst certain engravings can be later marked over or covered, it is best to get it right the first time.

If you are thinking about engraving your engagement ring look out for options on special discounts and promotions: where certain fine jewellery companies will offer to engrave the ring free of charge or at a discount. Further, depending on the quality and price of the ring, the engraving can be done at no extra cost. Or the customer can simply inquire about the price of the ring and ask for an engraving.

Now there is some debate on how the type of metal in question (platinum, gold, tungsten) affects the quality of the engraving, also in relation to the type of process: hand, machine or laser. However here it is best to find the right jewellery company and discuss the pros and cons before proceeding. Since the process of buying an engagement ring is often about the relationship between the company and the buyer, when it comes to making an engraving of your choosing, you may get lucky!