Lyla Dejesus
Wedding rings are a symbol of love and commitment, and many couples choose to personalise their rings with engravings. The custom of engraving wedding rings dates back to medieval Europe, where people engraved their most treasured jewellery with religious quotes and heartfelt vows. Today, couples might choose to engrave their rings with a variety of different messages, from romantic quotes to funny phrases, numeric combinations, or even song lyrics. Engravings can be added to both engagement rings and wedding bands, and some couples choose to split a saying between their two rings. The cost of engraving can vary depending on the length of the inscription and the chosen font style, but it typically ranges from $50 to $100.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What to engrave | Names, initials, dates, religious quotes, vows, romantic or funny phrases, numeric combinations, symbols |
| When to engrave | Any time, but typically before the wedding |
| Cost | Depends on the jeweler, typically $50 to $100, cheaper if done with the same company that sold the ring |
| Process | Machine or handheld laser to inscribe on the inside of the ring or around the perimeter of the stone |
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What You'll Learn
The history of engraving
There is no definitive answer to whether you should engrave both wedding rings or just the wedding band. Some people opt for engravings on both, while others prefer to keep the engagement ring simple and only engrave the wedding band. Ultimately, it is a personal preference, and couples can choose to do whatever feels most meaningful to them.
Engraving wedding rings is a centuries-old practice with a rich history. The custom is believed to have originated in the courts of medieval Europe, with the popularity of poesy rings. Derived from the French word "poesie", meaning poem, these rings were engraved with short, friendly, or romantic sayings. Poesy rings were popular between the 5th and 15th centuries in England and France, often featuring religious figures or symbols due to the influence of religion during the medieval period. Common inscriptions included phrases like "Joy without end" and "Let liking last", written in Latin, Old French, or Old English. The lettering style was typically Lombardic, with rounded capital letters, and later examples used Gothic script.
The popularity of poesy rings continued well into the 16th and 17th centuries, and authentic rings from this time can be found in museums worldwide. While the name "poesy ring" may have faded, the practice of engraving rings with special messages has endured. Today, couples continue to engrave their wedding rings with meaningful sayings, important dates, or initials, creating a unique and personalised symbol of their love.
The process of engraving has evolved as well. In the past, goldsmiths would commonly use specific inscriptions on multiple rings. Now, engraving requires a machine or handheld laser to inscribe the inside of the ring or the perimeter of the stone. Couples can also choose to engrave their rings at any time, even after the wedding, ensuring that their special messages are timeless and always meaningful.
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Choosing what to engrave
There are many options to consider when deciding what to engrave. You might opt for a romantic phrase or quote, a funny message, or a religious excerpt. You could include your wedding date, the date you met, or the coordinates of your wedding location. If you speak another language, you could engrave a message in that language. You could even split a saying between your rings, so that when the bands are together, the message is complete.
You might want to consider keeping your engraving short and sweet. Not only will shorter engravings be more impactful, but some rings may only accommodate up to 30 characters. Be sure to double-check the spelling and accuracy of your message before giving it to your engraver.
Remember, you can always choose to engrave your rings after your wedding day. If you feel rushed, it might be a good idea to wait and give yourself more time to come up with the perfect message.
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When to get your rings engraved
The timing of engraving your wedding ring is entirely up to you. Some couples choose to have their rings engraved immediately after purchasing, while others wait until closer to the wedding day to reveal the message to each other. It is also perfectly fine to engrave your ring after the wedding. Engraving should be the final step after any necessary resizing, polishing, anodizing, or finishing.
If you want your rings engraved by a certain date, such as your wedding date, be sure to plan ahead. Engraving your wedding ring could take an hour or a month, depending on the jeweler's schedule and availability. It is recommended to begin the process at least two months ahead of time.
Before starting the engraving process, it is important to be very specific with your instructions. Take the time to write down or print the desired inscription and double-check the spelling. Once you receive your engraved ring, carefully review the inscription for accuracy.
The cost of engraving your wedding ring can vary depending on the jeweler and factors such as the length of the inscription, font style, and type of engraving. Typically, engraving costs range from $50 to $100, but you may find more competitive prices if you opt to have the engraving done by the same company you purchased the ring from.
When deciding on the inscription for your wedding ring, consider a short and sweet message that will have a greater impact. You may choose to engrave your ring with a romantic quote, funny phrase, numeric combination, religious quote, or a symbol such as an infinity symbol, heart, or Celtic trinity knot. You might also include your wedding date, coordinates, or a phrase with special meaning.
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Where to get your rings engraved
Engraving your wedding ring is a beautiful way to add a thoughtful, personalised touch to your jewellery. The custom of engraving wedding rings is believed to have originated in the courts of medieval Europe, and today, engraving can be done using a machine or handheld laser.
When it comes to where to get your rings engraved, there are a few options. Firstly, you can go to a local jeweller or jewellery store, including the store where you purchased the ring. This is a good option as they may offer a discount, and if anything goes wrong, they are responsible. However, some people choose to go elsewhere to get their rings engraved, as they may find a better price or prefer the service offered by another jeweller. Popular jewellers that offer engraving include Kay Jewelers, Zales, and BlueNile.com. Additionally, some stores that specialise in engraving, such as Things Remembered, are well-regarded for their engraving services.
Another option is to use a mail-in ring engraving service, such as Quick Jewelry Repairs, which offers high-quality engraving for all types of rings. This can be a convenient option, as you don't need to leave your home, and some companies offer competitive flat-rate pricing. However, it's important to consider the potential risks, such as the ring being damaged or lost in transit.
Ultimately, the decision of where to get your rings engraved depends on your personal preferences and budget. It's a good idea to research different options, compare prices, and read reviews to ensure you're getting a quality service.
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Cost of engraving
The cost of engraving wedding rings varies depending on the jeweler, the type of engraving, and the complexity of the design. Here is a breakdown of the cost of engraving:
Cost Based on Jeweler:
Different jewelers may have varying price points for their engraving services. Some popular jewelers and their engraving costs include:
- Quick Jewelry Repairs: They offer engraving services starting at around $30, which may vary depending on the type of metal and engraving requested.
- Sam's Fine Jewelry: They offer engraving services for jewelry purchased from their store for an additional $10 per side. For jewelry not purchased from their store, the cost ranges from $25 to $45. Engraving on the inside of rings is $55, while engraving on the outside is $40.
Cost Based on Type of Engraving:
The cost of engraving can also depend on whether it is done by hand or with a laser engraving machine.
- Hand engraving: Typically starts at $100 per hour and varies based on the cost of living in your area.
- Laser engraving: Usually ranges from $2 to $3 per character, with a minimum charge of $20 to $40 or a setup cost.
Cost Based on Complexity:
The complexity of the design can also impact the cost. Simple engravings like letters, numbers, or basic designs may cost less, while intricate or custom designs can be more expensive. For example, one customer noted that getting their initials and a date engraved cost $100, while choosing a custom design increased the cost to $175.
It is always a good idea to call around and get quotes from multiple jewelers to find the best price and ensure that your specific engraving requirements can be met.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not necessary to get your engagement ring and wedding band engraved. Many couples choose to get creative and personalise their rings with engravings, but it is not a requirement.
You can choose from a variety of engravings, from traditional romantic quotes to funny phrases, numeric combinations, religious excerpts, symbols, and even song lyrics. The options are endless.
The choice is entirely up to you. Some couples get their rings engraved immediately after purchasing, while others wait until closer to the wedding day. You can also get your rings engraved after the wedding, so there is no need to rush the process.
