A Complete Guide to Ring Engraving

Whether you’re commemorating a date or a special line of poetry, adding an engraving to a ring is a beautiful way of adding a special touch that only you and your partner may ever know about.

Can You Custom Engrave an Engagement Ring?

Yes, your local diamond jeweler can make a many number of changes and specifications to your diamond ring, and a personal engraving or inscription is the perfect way to personalize it.

These types of inscriptions will most commonly be placed on the inside of the shank, although they certainly don’t have to be. Many people opt to have initials, a date (perhaps of the proposal) or a small quote engraved along the shank – a beautiful, hidden message shared by the couple.

You could also opt for a decorative vintage feel with engravings on the outside of the ring. Tiny floral, sweeping designs can transform any ring and give it a beautifully detailed aesthetic. Modern designs also use this technique. The small, sharp details on the bridge of the gallery and shank will often be mistaken for small diamonds. 

Can You Engrave a Ring After it’s Made?

Yes. The nice thing about inscriptions is that you can get them done whenever you want.

Your local diamond jeweler can work with you to have the ring engraved and ready for your proposal, or, you can get something added days, weeks or even years later. Some people like to surprise their spouse years later, while getting the ring “cleaned”, with a loving and meaningful message. For others, engraving the date of the proposal is important – but, before those four words actually start tumbling out of their mouth, they might not know exactly when they are going to be able to do it.

It’s up to you whether or not you tell her, or let her discover it on her own.

How Do Rings Get Engraved?

A jeweler can use a machine, laser, or their own hand to engrave a ring.

Machine engraving is achieved when your local jeweler uses a sharp tool that traces a template or pattern of letters and symbols you choose to have inscribed on your ring. The font templates are limited, and the engraving isn’t very deep, but the overall look is much neater than hand engraving.

Hand engraving, conversely, is imperfect by nature, but has a unique and original charm to it. 

It also allows for more options in terms of style and symbols that the templates simply don’t have. Since engraving by hand is usually deeper set in the ring, the message lasts longer and is more noticeable. The difference in depth from letter to letter or symbol to symbol adds depth and is more visually interesting. 

Laser engraving, while sometimes more expensive, offers more variation in depth, font style, and size. Since the machine is connected to a computer, it’s also much easier to work in other languages. This method is also optimal if you’d like more words to fit on a ring, like a meaningful quote.

Certain metals will also require longer dwell times, which can only be achieved by this method. Although it sounds crazy, lasers can even engrave into the girdle of a diamond. It will only be seen under high magnification but wow – what a lovely secret surprise.

What should I get engraved on an engagement ring?

The possibilities are endless! Some people have the words “I Promise” engraved either on the inside of the shank or have a split engraving with “I Promise” on the outside and “to love you” or “to cherish you” continued on the inside. Other popular words or phrases include the obvious, “I love you” or a simple and powerful “Forever” or “Eternity.” Other commonly requested phrases like “Soul Mates”, “To have and to hold”, and “My heart is yours to keep” are always a sure bet. 

You won’t go wrong with lines from romantic poetry or Shakespeare like: 

• ‘If music be the food of love, play on’
• ‘Whoever loved that loved not at first sight?’
• ‘I would not wish any companion in the world but you’
• ‘I humbly do beseech of your pardon, For too much loving you’

• ‘My bounty is as boundless as the sea’
• ‘The more I give to thee, the more I have’

You could have something engraved in your or their mother tongue, or simply in one of the romance languages like: 

French:

• Joie sans fin (Joy without end) 
• Pour tous jours (For all days) 
• Mon coeur est a vous (My heart is yours)

Italian: 

• Il mio cuore è tuo per sempre (My heart is yours forever)
• Spanish:
• Te adoro (I adore you)
• Eres el amor de mi vida (You are the love of my life)
• Te quiero con todo mi corazón (I love you with all of my heart)

Or even in Latin:

• Semper amemus (Let us always love) 
• Amor vincit omnia (Love conquers all)

If you or your spouse is Jewish, you might want to go with the well-known “I am my Beloved’s, and my Beloved is mine” written in beautiful Hebrew letters. Actually, if they speak another language or if they have an ancestral language that they feel connected to, do some research, and find the perfect fit.

If you have nicknames for each-other that might be a cute idea to consider. Perhaps a word, name, or phrase referencing a shared experience or how you first met. Personalizing your engraving with an important date or meaningful location coordinates is a fantastic idea. 

Also, an original idea that we’ve seen growing in popularity over the last few years is getting a famous movie quote engraved on your ring. Getting “I love you” on one band and “I know” on the other, referencing the iconic Han Solo and Princess Leia exchange is a fan favorite. 

Here are some others: 

• “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love, and be loved in return.” 
  Christian, Moulin Rouge (2001)
• “I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone.” 
  Arwen, Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) 

“I want all of you, forever, you and me, every day.” 

• Noah, The Notebook (2004)

“You should be kissed and often, and by someone who knows how.” 

• Rhett Butler, Gone With the Wind (1939)

And of course:

“As you wish…” 

• Westley, The Princess Bride (1987)

How Long Does it Take to Get a Ring Engraved?

Any in-store engraving at your local diamond jeweler shouldn’t take longer than a day or day.

If you’re having your diamond engagement ring laser-engraved, it could take up to two weeks – so be sure to factor-in this wait time if you’re buying your ring close to the date of your proposal.