Wedding Ring Engraving Ideas

An engraving turns a ring into something only the two of you share. It is a tradition that goes back centuries, and some of the most touching antique rings we see are the ones with a few words hidden inside.

A tradition of hidden words

From the fifteenth to the seventeenth centuries, couples exchanged posy rings: plain gold bands engraved inside with a short verse or motto, meant for the wearer alone. Mottoes such as “Let love abide till death divide” were typical. Later rings were more often engraved with initials and a date, and many antique wedding rings still carry the names and dates of the couple who first wore them.

Ideas for your engraving

Initials and a date. The classic choice, and still the most popular: your initials and your wedding date.

A word or two. A single meaningful word, a nickname or a short phrase in a language that matters to you.

A posy. A short line of verse, in the old tradition, or something of your own.

Coordinates. The latitude and longitude of where you met or where you were married.

A symbol. A heart, a star or a small motif, where the engraver can do it.

Practical points

Space. The inside of a ring only holds so much; a slim band may take fifteen or twenty characters.

Style. Hand engraving has a lovely, individual quality; machine engraving is more uniform. Script suits romantic words; block capitals suit initials and dates.

Width and thickness. The band must be thick enough to engrave safely, so an old ring worn very thin may not be suitable.

Cost. Costs depend on the length of the text and whether it is engraved by hand or machine, and it is always worth asking for a quote before you decide.

Never polish out an old engraving. Someone chose those words, and they’re part of the ring now. Add your own beside them if there’s room.
Olly Gerrish, AJC Founder

Antique rings that are already engraved

Many antique rings carry the engraving of their first owners. Some people love that history and keep it; others prefer a ring without. Both are fine, but we would always encourage keeping an old inscription. Engraved decoration on the outside of a ring, like this Victorian wedding ring engraved with hearts and ferns, is part of its design.

Our view

Keep it short and personal. The best engravings are the ones that make you smile when you take the ring off at night. If you would like advice on engraving an antique ring, ask us when you visit the Townhouse.

Victorian 18ct Gold Engraved Rose Blossom Ring

Never polish out an old engraving. Someone chose those words, and they’re part of the ring now. Add your own beside them if there’s room.
Olly Gerrish, AJC Founder