Engravings Rings: Your Questions on Ring Markings Answered

To start by answering the obvious question, what is meant by engraving wedding rings? As the name implies, an engraving is a permanent marking made on a surface by metal or other types of implements; that carry the relevant engraving of your choice. The central purpose of engraving fine jewellery is personalization. Whilst almost all engagement rings come with a personal touch-for almost every item of fine jewellery is the subject of specific additions and modifications. However, the process of engraving is a technique that is aimed towards making something that is already special, more personal and valuable for the wearer, by attaching an element that connects it with you or your beloved at a deeper level. In the course of this post, we shall cover key points that you need to know when it comes to the process of making personalised engraved rings and jewellery. 

What are Engraved Rings?

As noted engraving fine jewellery, like engagement and wedding rings, is intended to add a personal touch to something that is of value. Whilst the particular reasons for which persons to choose engraved their rings are many, however, they are all united in their aim to make it connect with something more. Something deeper. Look at it this way, most people get engaged and eventually marry. Most of them exchange rings. However, a far fewer percentage of them make their rings an item that manifests something personal but also stands out in a stylistic, and sentimental way. Engraving rings is one way in which this degree of personalization is attained. In recent times engraved wedding bands are becoming a popular option, as couples wish to add a seal of permanence to their symbol of love and commitment. 

The Process of Making Engraved Rings

The actual method of how precious rings are engraved depends on the process that is adopted by the jeweller in question. In present times the popular type of engraving rings is the laser-inscribed method, where the letters/numbers will be written via a microscopic tool. Where the laser engraving, that carries the select design of your choosing, cuts a cavity through the material’s surface. And it is this cavity that constitutes the desired engraving on your ring. One must note that engraving is not just writing at a level that is visual, but it is also noticeable to the touch as well. However, it is important to note the difference between engraving and another related method known as etching. In practice, the process of ring engraving and etching falls under the heading of a custom engagement ring that incorporates other special additions like the inclusion of gemstones.  

The Difference between Engraving & Etching

There is another related process to engraving known as etching: A similar but technically different process, where the top layer of your ring’s material is wiped away, leaving a surface that is a lower layered surface behind. Whilst engraving is accomplished by using a high-heat laser that causes the material surface to vaporize. So instead of cutting through a section of the ring, in the case of etching, a layer of the ring is burned off, leaving the desired sketch, or whatever design of your choice behind. Etching and engraving are similar in that they both are methods of cutting lines into a hard surface, with aim of producing the desired design. Engraving is a process that traditionally uses sharp but precise cutting tools to cut lines directly onto the surface. A process that has now been refined with the advances in laser technology.

What Does it Cost to Make Engraved Wedding Rings or Engraved Engagement Rings?

Well, it all depends on the type and complexity of your engraving of choice. And the package that is provided by a jeweller. It is difficult to put an exact number on what an engraving would cost you. Good jewellers will usually do the engraving for free at the buyer’s discretion, provided the engraver is also tasked with making your desired wedding or engagement ring. The process of constructing the rings and engraving them according to your specifications can be handled together. However, if you are getting your engravings done separately, it is likely to cost you between 75-150 dollars, or less.

Whilst the cost of the engraving may vary depending on the type of ring and the extent and sophistication of the engraving. Engraved wedding rings tend to be cheaper owing to the simplicity of the ring design. Whilst some engraving can be done for a cheaper price, it is important to ensure that your engraving is able to meet your expectations, so here are a few tips for you to consider before deciding to engrave your ring.

Be Certain About Your Opting for an Engraved Ring

Do you really need it? As you may know, buying fine jewellery is not always a straightforward process. For in addition to the higher price tag that comes with precious jewellery, there is also the sentimental value that people naturally attach to them. And rightly so. Since people are generally risk-averse when it comes to taking too many changes to their precious jewellery, it is always good to think hard before making an engraving. And know that once the engraving goes on, getting it off will not be a straightforward process (which we shall get to). So here is a list of points that know what you (and your partner) want before going for engraved rings. 

Know your Jeweller's Engraving Capabilities 

Know your Jeweller. When it comes to engraving your engagement or wedding, this is a process that is best handled by your fine jewellery maker. Since changes and other modifications are a complex process that requires working with key components of the ring: the band, the design of the ring, and how they work combined with the placement of the gemstone(s). So it is important that you be aware of your jeweller’s capabilities when it comes to engraving and the ability to make other modifications. Since customization of fine jewellery is an integral process of buying fine jewellery, this is something that you must inquire about it, ahead of your selection of engagement or wedding ring design and other changes. 

Pay Attention to Ring Sizing Pre and Post Engraving

Note that any changes that are made to the ring are likely to affect the size and shape of the ring. Since rings designs work within small margins, it is important to be prepared to make adjustments to other elements of the ring: from the width of the band, the placement of the gemstones, and even the design of the ring. Since certain engagement and wedding rings make engravings a bit more complicated. Important here are the potential changes that may have to be made to the shank or any other part of the ring where these changes will be made. As the addition of an engraving can alter the width or sometimes even the shape of the ring to accommodate the changes. As a company that specialises in ring customisation, for those interested, we have engaged these subjects in greater detail here. 

Is Engraving a Ring Permanent? 

Not necessarily. Whilst engravings, as the word implies are meant to be a marker of permanence. However, if do decide to change your mind about your engraving, then there are ways it can be reversed. In this case, the process that was used to engrave your ring will be used. This time to level the surface to cover the marking, which is followed by polishing the surface to give it a flat layer. However, this process is likely to be complicated and may affect the shape, and even integrity of your wedding or engagement ring. And if your ring has gemstones placed in them, it is likely to have an impact on them as well, which may require larger readjustments, and hence a potentially higher cost. So think well before making your engraving in the first place. 

Top Ideas for Engraved Wedding Bands

The first thing to consider is the limited space on your ring. So you’re are not going to be able to inscribe poems and essays needless to say. The key here is to keep it short but meaningful. When it comes to picking your engraved wedding band, it is important to consider your partner’s opinion. In case the ring you are planning to engrave is meant for her/him, it is not wise to keep the idea a secret. Since this is a choice that affects both of you, hopefully in a positive way. In terms of ring engraving ideas, here are a few you must consider:

Special Dates

Arguably the most popular choice of engraving is the special days in your life. Special dates are many, and can be birthdays, your wedding date, or certain special day in your life, are great choices for engravings. 

Proverbs

This is something for the spiritual types. Verses from Holy texts are also a popular choice when it comes to engravings for your ring. Your wedding or engagement ring, special as it is, is elevated further with a religious addition. Of course, if you are of a different religious heritage then selected texts from your belief will do just fine. 

Maxims

For the philosophers among us. Maxims are a great choice for those who want to wear their principles on their fingers. This is a good choice for the philosophical types, who wish to communicate their beliefs or a point of view which they would wish to express via an interesting statement. 

Special Interests

Well, this is a personal one. Since engraving is a process of personalizing your ring, it is really up to you to decide what goes on your ring. Notable here are your favourite hobbies, places you have or would like to visit are good options. 

In Conclusion

So there you have it. The basics of engraving your rings. Just bear in mind, when it comes to purchasing engraved rings, particularly the special engraved engagement rings, the first step is to get your selection right, followed by the wedding ring designs spot on the first time. Today personalised rings come in many forms, from silver engraved rings to rings that are made from other precious metals, and even promise rings. As the engraving of rings tends to come with a degree of finality, as implied by the name; you need to be sure when going for this. Thus the key step here is to find the right jeweller who has the capabilities who can make your wish for the ideal engraved ring come true. Good luck with engraving your rings.