Engraving Tiny Wedding Bands: Is It Possible?

Adding a personal message to your wedding band is a romantic way to make your ring feel one-of-a-kind. The practice dates back to medieval times, when couples would engrave their jewellery with religious quotes and vows. Today, couples often opt for significant dates, initials, or meaningful phrases. While engraving is possible on most rings, there are some exceptions. Rings with intricate patterns, filigree, or stones covering the entire band may not be suitable. The width of the band is also a factor – jewelers usually require a minimum width of 3mm for engravings, although some people have managed to get 1.5mm or 2mm bands engraved.

Can 1mm wedding bands be engraved at all?

Engraving wedding bands is a popular way to personalise the jewellery with a secret message, such as a date, initials, or a meaningful phrase. However, it is unclear whether 1mm wedding bands can be engraved. While one source mentions that rings with a width of 1mm to 5mm should be sized using rings of a similar width, it does not specify whether these rings can be engraved.

Some jewellers have stated that the minimum width for an engraved band is 3mm. This width allows for 15 to 30 characters to be engraved, depending on the font size. However, one person who works at a jewellery store has said that a 1.5mm ring can be engraved using old-school manual engraving methods, and that it would likely be possible with today's technology. Another person has said that they have a 1.5mm band that is engraved, but the engraving is so small that it is unreadable.

Laser engraving is a modern technique that can achieve higher efficacy in etching strong, dense metals. This method may be an option for very narrow rings, but it is not clear if it can be used on bands as narrow as 1mm.

What are some engraving ideas for 1mm wedding bands?

Engraving your wedding band is a timeless way to commemorate your special day and capture the essence of your relationship. While 1mm wedding bands may be too thin for engraving, there are still ways to personalise your ring with a custom inscription. Here are some engraving ideas to consider:

Traditional Engravings

You can opt for classic engravings such as your wedding date, your initials, or a combination of both. For instance, "Forever Begins – Jun 10" or "A+B Always" (using your initials).

Romantic Sentiments

Short romantic quotes or expressions can be a sweet way to personalise your band. Consider phrases like "Written in the Stars", "To the Moon and Back", or "The Beginning of Forever".

Religious Verses

If your shared faith is important to you, consider including a religious quote or Bible verse in your engraving. Some examples include "Do Everything in Love" (1 Corinthians 16:14), "Love is Patient, Love is Kind" (1 Corinthians 13:4), or "God Bless This Marriage".

Fun and Humorous Engravings

If you and your partner enjoy lighthearted humour, incorporate a funny or playful message. Some ideas include "Alarm Will Sound If Removed", "Resistance Is Futile", or "I Love You More Than Coffee".

Song Lyrics or Poetry

Add a romantic touch by engraving a snippet of a song lyric or poem that holds a special meaning for you both. This could be a line from your favourite love song or a verse from a poem that speaks to your relationship.

Inside Jokes or References

Customise your bands with an inside joke or reference that only the two of you understand. It could be a reference to your favourite TV show or movie, or a private joke between you.

Remember, when it comes to engraving thin wedding bands, you may need to get creative and think of shorter phrases or symbols that can be engraved clearly. You can also consider laser engraving, which is a modern technique that can achieve higher precision on thin bands.

What are the best fonts for 1mm wedding band engravings?

Yes, 1mm wedding bands can be engraved. However, the text will be very small and difficult to read. When choosing a font for your 1mm wedding band engraving, it's important to consider both the style and the legibility of the font. Here are some of the best font options to consider:

• Script or cursive fonts: These are commonly used for wedding ring engravings as they add a romantic touch. However, for very small engravings, a simpler script font like Lucida Calligraphy might be a better option than more intricate options like Old English.
• Sans serif fonts: Fonts like Arial are a good choice for a more casual, yet still legible, look. The absence of extra edges in sans serif fonts gives them a softer appearance, making them a good option for small surfaces like thin wedding bands.
• Serif fonts: Traditional serif fonts like Times New Roman are easy to read and commonly used for formal occasions. However, they may have a harsher look that is less suited to the romantic nature of a wedding band.
• Monograms: If you want to use capital letters, consider a monogram for improved legibility, especially on small surfaces.
• Simple and clear fonts: While you may be tempted to choose a fancy or intricate font for your engraving, remember that legibility is key, especially on a thin band. Opt for a simple font that is easy to read, even on a small surface.

When deciding on the font for your engraving, it's important to preview your inscription in a similar setting to the final product. Some fonts may look nice on a sample but become illegible when used for a longer message or on a smaller surface. Additionally, consider the character count as engraving costs can vary based on the number of characters.

How much does it cost to engrave a 1mm wedding band?

Engraving a wedding band is a great way to personalise your ring with a secret message or symbol. The cost of engraving a 1mm wedding band can vary depending on various factors, such as the character count, the type of metal, the complexity of the design, and the jeweller you choose.

Most jewellers recommend a minimum band width of 2mm to 3mm for engraving, as thinner bands can be trickier to engrave and the inscription may be harder to read. However, it is still possible to engrave a 1mm wedding band. The cost for this service can range from $15 to $100 or more, depending on the factors mentioned above. Some jewellers offer flat fees for engraving services, while others charge per letter or character.

For example, James Free Jewelers offers engraving for a flat fee of $25, while Robbins Brothers' fees start at $35 for machine engraving and $60 for laser engraving. Another jeweller charges $22 for the first 10 letters and then 45 cents per additional letter. It is worth noting that laser engraving is often more expensive than traditional engraving due to the higher level of precision and customisation it offers.

When considering the cost of engraving your 1mm wedding band, it is essential to shop around and get quotes from multiple jewellers. Additionally, keep in mind that the turnaround time for engraving can vary, so it is best to plan ahead to ensure you receive your ring before your wedding day.

Where can I get a 1mm wedding band engraved?

Yes, 1mm wedding bands can be engraved. However, due to the small space available, the engraving will be tiny and may be difficult to read. It is recommended that you choose a simple design or font for the engraving to ensure it is legible.

When it comes to where you can get your 1mm wedding band engraved, there are a few options available to you:

Local Jewellers

Local jewellers typically offer engraving services and are a good option for custom designs and more intricate engravings. They may also be able to offer a quicker turnaround time, especially if you have a good relationship with them. It is worth noting that some local jewellers may have a minimum width requirement for engravings, so be sure to call ahead and check if they can accommodate your request.

National Jewellers

National jewellers, such as Zales, also offer engraving services and often have a wider range of fonts and designs available. They may have more advanced technology for engravings, but this may come at a higher cost.

Online Jewellers

There are also several online jewellers that offer engraving services, such as Staghead Designs. Online jewellers often provide a wider range of customisation options and may be more affordable. However, you will need to factor in shipping times and potential risks of loss or damage during transit.

Engraving Specialists

In addition to jewellers, you can also engage the services of engraving specialists. These businesses specialise in engravings and may have more advanced technology and a wider range of fonts and designs available. They may also be able to work with more challenging materials.

Tips for Choosing an Engraver

When selecting an engraver, it is important to view their portfolio or samples of their previous work. Reading reviews from past customers can also give you a good indication of the quality of their work. It is also worth inquiring about the processes they use, the time they need to complete the engraving, and any accompanying fees and taxes.

Remember, your wedding band is a symbol of your commitment and a special piece of jewellery, so take the time to find an engraver who can bring your vision to life and create a lasting memento of your love.

Frequently asked questions