Ring Engraving Ideas: Celebrate Your Love Story with a Secret Message

You’ve picked out the perfect engagement ring and are planning the perfect proposal right down to engraving a secret message on the inside of the ring. Or maybe you and your fiancé have shopped for your wedding rings together, but you’d like to make their wedding band a little extra special. Perhaps you’re already well into your marriage and want to get your rings engraved to celebrate a significant milestone. Or, you’re on the opposite end of the spectrum, at the beginning of your relationship, and wondering what to engrave on promise ring jewelry.

Whatever the case or the status of your relationship, if you’re looking for promise, engagement, or wedding ring engraving ideas, you’ve come to the right place. There are many popular ring engraving ideas, but don’t just pick the first one that catches your eye. An engraved ring can’t be (easily) un-engraved, so this is a decision to take seriously.

Promise Ring Engraving Ideas

A promise ring is a special piece of jewelry, often given as a promise to the recipient that a proposal is forthcoming, just not in the immediate future. A promise ring can also represent the giver’s promise to remain faithful.

When choosing promise ring sayings to engrave on a ring, it’s vital to pick a saying that will convey your purpose in giving the ring in the first place. Don’t just pick any engraving, as you may inadvertently give the wrong idea (for example, if you choose a saying related to marriage in any way, your recipient may infer that a proposal is coming sooner rather than later.)

Here are a few potential promise ring engraving ideas:

• A promise-related saying, such as “Only you” or “Love conquers all”
• A significant date, such as the day you met
• The geographical coordinates of a significant location, such as where you met
• A unique design, such as your fingerprint
• Your and your loved one’s initials
• A small heart
• A particular quote that has meaning for both of you
• A nickname that you use for the recipient

Engagement Ring Engraving Ideas

If you’re looking for engagement engraving ideas, you could use any of the above but also lean more into the idea of spending forever together, with engagement ring engraving options such as:

• The infinity symbol
• Sayings like “Forever eternity”
• Your engagement date, if you’re 100% positive of the day you’ll pop the question (this is a bit risky, though, as you never know what might interrupt your plans)

Engraved Wedding Band Ideas

When you’re considering wedding ring engraving ideas, you can follow the above themes further, or you can opt for engraved ring ideas that specifically tie into marriage themes such as belonging to one another, the joining of two lives, etc.

For example, you might choose:

• A line from scripture, such as “I am my Beloved’s, and my Beloved is mine”
• Your wedding date (if engraved beforehand, please consider the wedding day date could be different due to elements entirely out of your control with a postponement)
• “God joined us”
• “To my wife/husband”
• The wearer’s new last name
• The wearer’s new initials

Engravings for Rings: What You Need to Know About the Engraving Technique

Whatever you decide about engraving your wedding band, engagement ring, or promise ring, the engraving technique and process will be the same.

To get a ring engraved, you can either request the engraving at the time of purchase or later with another jeweler. The engraving process can cost as little as $50 or over $100, depending on factors such as the length of the message or the intricacy of the design. Again, depending on the design and the demand for your chosen jeweler, it can take anywhere from a few business days to a few weeks.

Many jewelers use laser engraving technology to do ring engravings. A laser cuts into the precious metal’s surface, forming your chosen design. In some cases, some jewelers may still use a hand engraving process. However, hand engraving may cost more, require more specialized skills, and may not be able to achieve more intricate designs.

Are There Any Downsides to Getting a Ring Engraved?

There is one downside to ring engraving. While an engraving can make a ring all the more meaningful to the wearer, that engraving will only be meaningful to that individual. Suppose you ever need or want to sell the ring. In that case, you may find that the engraving lowers the ring’s value or makes the ring undesirable to potential buyers who do not care for the engraving.

Additionally, while removing an engraving is technically possible, it’s not recommended, as doing so can negatively impact the ring’s appearance or even cause damage. To remove an engraving, a jeweler essentially sands away the metal around the engraving, buffing it until it’s gone. This removal process reduces the ring’s overall precious metal content.

How to Pick What to Engrave on a Wedding Ring, Engagement Ring, or Promise Ring

So, what should you consider before you finalize your engraving plans with a jeweler?

Consider:

• The length of your engraving

Most wedding bands and similar rings can only fit just a few words. As such, you’ll want to keep your message brief. You may also find that keeping your message brief will also lower your costs. Choosing a long engraving or including intricate patterns can increase the amount of specialized labor needed for the engraving process, thereby increasing your fee.

• The intent of your message

As mentioned above, when discussing promise rings, carefully consider what the engraving will convey to your recipient. The message should match your feelings and intentions.

Ring Engraving Ideas FAQs

Should you get a ring engraved?

There are many reasons why you might choose to get a ring engraved. Engraving can make a ring more personalized and meaningful, whether you engrave your own ring with a meaningful message or a ring you plan to give to a loved one with a sentimental quote.

What should you get engraved on a wedding ring?

The options are nearly endless! Some popular ideas include your wedding date, the date you met, your initials, an infinity symbol, or the geographic coordinates of the place you met.

Where can you get a ring engraved?

Just about any jeweler can engrave a ring for you. You can usually request an engraving when you initially purchase the ring. Still, you can also take a ring you own to a jeweler and ask them to engrave it.

Is it expensive to get a ring engraved?

No. Ring engraving typically only costs $50–$100.

Are there any good reasons not to engrave a ring?

The one downside to engraving a ring is that it could lessen its value if you want to sell the ring later. Additionally, removing an engraving could lead to material loss and damage to the piece.

Protect Your Engagement, Wedding, and Promise Rings with Specialty Jewelry Insurance

Whether you’re just starting to wonder what to engrave on wedding band jewelry, or you’ve already picked your favorite promise ring, engagement ring, or wedding band engraving ideas, ensure that extra-special piece of jewelry is kept safe from all of life’s mishaps, with specialty jewelry insurance.

Your average homeowners’ or renters’ insurance won’t cover the cost of replacing or repairing most jewelry. Specialty jewelry insurance fills in the gaps if your favorite pieces are damaged, stolen, or lost. Learn more about BriteCo’s coverage and get your policy quote today.  

Related Articles:

Do You Wear Your Engagement Ring on Your Wedding Day?
How to Insure a Tiffany Ring?
The Only 5 Engagement Gift Ideas You Need
The Parts of a Ring: Everything You Need to Know

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