The Benefits Of Engraving Your Wedding Ring

Wedding rings can be engraved, and this has been a tradition for centuries. Engravings can be done by hand, laser, or machine, depending on the size, material, and requested inscription. The cost of engraving is usually under $50, and most rings can accommodate 15 to 30 characters. The width of the ring band is an important factor, with 3mm being the minimum width for engraving, while 4-6mm is considered ideal. It is also important to consider the value of the ring, as engraving removes metal and reduces weight. Resizing a ring can also interfere with an existing inscription.

Wedding ring engraving ideas

Engraving your wedding ring is a great way to personalise an already unique piece of jewellery. The process is straightforward and quick, and shouldn't harm the integrity of your ring. The most challenging part is coming up with something special to inscribe, especially if you're working with a limited number of characters. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Traditional Wedding Ring Engraving Ideas:

• Your names or initials.
• A monogram of your new initials.
• Your engagement date.
• The date you first said "I love you".
• The name of a significant location.
• Your nicknames for each other.
• "To my wife" or "To my husband".

Romantic Wedding Ring Engraving Ideas:

• The date of your first date or first kiss.
• A song lyric you both love.
• The coordinates of the location you met.
• "To the moon and back".
• "The beginning of forever".
• "Love, honour, cherish".
• "Amor vincit omnia" (love conquers all).

Funny Wedding Ring Engraving Ideas:

• "You're stuck with me now".
• "Property of [your name]".
• "Alarm will sound if removed".
• "Resistance is futile".
• "I love you more than coffee".

Religious Wedding Ring Engraving Ideas:

• Your favourite Bible verse.
• "In God and thee, my joy shall be".
• "Love is patient, love is kind".
• "Where you go, I will go".
• "Deus Nos lunxit" (God joined us).
• "Do everything in love".

Coordinating Wedding Ring Engraving Ideas:

• Ring 1: "After all this time?" Ring 2: "Always".
• Ring 1: "I am my beloved" Ring 2: "And my beloved is mine".
• Ring 1: "Moon of my life" Ring 2: "My sun and stars".
• "Je T'aime" (French for "I love you").
• "Pour Tous Jours" (French for "Joy Without End").
• "Mon amour" (French for "My Love").
• "Ani L'dodi V'dodi Li" (Hebrew for "My lover belongs to me and I to him/her").
• "Amore Mio" (Italian for "My Love").
• "Vivo Per Lei" (Italian for "I Live For Her").
• "Semper Fidelis" (Latin for "Always Faithful").
• "Semper Amemus" (Latin for "Let Us Love Always").

Remember, the longer the inscription, the smaller the font will be. So, keep it short and sweet! You can always combine ideas or add dates to make the engraving more meaningful.

Ring band width

The band width of your wedding ring will play a crucial role in the engraving process. The thinner the band, the more difficult it is to engrave. As a result, the inscription on the inside may end up too small to be legible.

Most experts agree that 3mm is the minimum band width for engraving, with some recommending a minimum of 2mm. However, it is important to note that the thinner the band, the more challenging and less aesthetically pleasing the engraving process may become.

If you have a very thin band, such as 2mm, some jewellers may not recommend engraving due to the difficulty and potential legibility issues. In such cases, laser engraving could be a more suitable option, as it offers a greater choice of fonts and symbols, allowing for smaller and more precise inscriptions.

Ultimately, the decision on the minimum band width for engraving may depend on the skill level of the jeweller and the specific equipment they have available. It is always a good idea to consult with your jeweller and discuss your preferences to ensure the best possible outcome for your engraved wedding ring.

Impact of engraving on ring value

Engraving a ring is a popular way to personalise a piece of jewellery, especially a wedding ring, by adding a secret message, symbol or design. While engraving can add to the sentimental value of a ring, it may also impact its resale value.

Intrinsic Value

The intrinsic value of a ring is determined by the precious metal and gemstones used to create it. Factors such as quality, rarity, and market demand influence the base value. Engraving typically does not affect the intrinsic value of the ring itself.

Resale Value

When it comes to reselling an engraved ring, the presence of a personal message or design may limit the pool of potential buyers. Some buyers may prefer a blank canvas to add their own touch. Therefore, an engraved ring can be devalued in the resale market. However, this is not always the case, as some buyers in the vintage market may appreciate the history and uniqueness that an engraving adds.

Reversibility of Engraving

The reversibility of an engraving is another factor that can impact the resale value of a ring. Deep engravings, such as those created by hand, may be more challenging and costly to remove or alter. On the other hand, lighter engravings, such as those created by laser, can be easier to reverse without compromising the integrity of the ring.

Ring Structure

The process of engraving involves removing metal from the ring. As a result, the overall weight and value of the ring may be slightly reduced. Additionally, resizing an engraved ring or removing and redoing a lengthy inscription can further weaken its structure.

Factors to Consider

When deciding whether to engrave a ring, it is essential to consider the relevance and timelessness of the engraving. Choosing a reversible method of engraving, such as laser engraving, can add a personal touch while also providing the option to remove it if needed. Communicating with a trusted jeweller is crucial to understanding the potential impact of engraving on the ring's value and to explore the best options available.

Resizing a ring with an engraving

When it comes to resizing a ring with an engraving, there are several factors to consider that will impact the process and outcome. Firstly, the location of the engraving is important. If the engraving is on the band of the ring, it may be affected during the resizing process as the jeweller has to work directly on that area. On the other hand, if the engraving is behind the stone or in an area away from the band, it is less likely to be affected.

The amount of blank space available on the ring is another consideration. If there is a large enough area free from engraving, the jeweller can cut into this space to resize the ring without disturbing the inscription. Additionally, the number of sizes the ring needs to be adjusted can also play a role. When making a ring smaller, metal needs to be removed, and if the adjustment is significant, it may require removing part of a long engraving. In such cases, the original engraving can be polished off, and the inscription can be re-engraved for an additional charge.

It is worth noting that even if the engraving is not directly impacted by the resizing process, it may still be distorted. For example, the stretching process can make the words appear wider and give them a "pulled" look. Similarly, compressed rings that are made smaller may end up with fainter or distorted engravings.

If the ring in question is soldered, it is important to know that a jeweller cannot stretch it. The only option is to cut the ring, size it, and then solder it back together. If the rings are still distinguishable, it may be possible to size them without removing the engraving. However, if the backs of the rings have been merged and engraved, the inscription will need to be removed and redone after sizing.

For plated rings with engravings, the resizing process is more complex. The plating must be removed, and when reapplied, it can alter the visual contrast of the engraving, affecting the overall appearance. In this case, the original engraving must be removed, and the ring is then sized, plated, and re-engraved to maintain its original look.

Lastly, certain materials, such as tungsten, titanium, and ceramic carbide, cannot be resized due to their non-malleable nature. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully consider the type of metal and the specific circumstances of the ring before deciding to resize it.

Laser engraving vs hand engraving

Laser engraving and hand engraving are two popular methods used to customise wedding rings. While both techniques can produce beautiful results, there are some key differences to consider when deciding which approach to choose.

Laser Engraving

Laser engraving is a modern method that uses a highly concentrated laser beam to create precise and detailed engravings. This technique provides a clean and crisp finish, allowing for incredibly fine lines and tiny lettering. One of the benefits of laser engraving is its versatility—it can be used on a variety of materials, including tough materials like tungsten carbide and ceramic, which are not suitable for classic engraving methods. Laser engraving can also accommodate various fonts, symbols, images, and custom designs, making it a popular choice for those who want a high level of customisation. The process is relatively fast and safe, and the precise nature of the laser means there is less room for human error.

However, one potential drawback of laser engraving is the lack of a personal touch. The use of a machine means that each design can be perfectly replicated, but it may not have the same unique, handcrafted feel as hand engraving. Additionally, laser engraving machines require a significant amount of energy to run, which can have a larger environmental impact.

Hand Engraving

Hand engraving is a traditional technique that involves using handheld tools like drills and gravers to inscribe patterns and messages into jewellery. This method allows for extremely detailed and intricate designs that can be difficult, if not impossible, to replicate with modern technology. Each hand-engraved design is unique, and skilled craftspeople can directly control the depth and width of their cuts, resulting in a broad style range. Hand engraving can also produce a smoother surface finish compared to laser engraving, making the jewellery slightly more resistant to wear and corrosion over time. Investing in hand engraving means supporting local craftspeople and sustaining a British jewellery tradition.

However, hand engraving is a labour-intensive technique that takes significantly longer than laser engraving, especially for large pieces or intricate designs. It may also be more challenging to guarantee uniformity with hand engraving, and it is generally the most expensive method of engraving.

Both laser engraving and hand engraving have their own unique advantages and considerations. Laser engraving offers precision, versatility, and speed, while hand engraving provides a handcrafted, unique piece with intricate details. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the specific requirements and preferences of the couple.

Frequently asked questions