Unique Ring Engraving Ideas

For centuries, rings have been engraved with love messages. These have ranged from simple mottoes and words of commitment to more complex messages written in code. This tradition has recently regained popularity with many couples now choosing to engrave their rings. There are some lovely, traditional ideas for ring engraving. For the couple wishing to break away from tradition and to demonstrate their individuality, however, more unusual and unique ring engraving ideas need to be sought.

Different Unique Ring Engraving Ideas

Finding unusual ideas can be quite a challenge. However, with a bit of thought finding unique alternatives to the traditional idea can be fun and interesting.

• Use symbols instead of letters, or write a numerical code. This could be taken a step further with the numbers represented as a bar code and engraved onto the surface of the ring.
• Translating a traditional phrase into another language, perhaps Chinese or Arabic would make a wonderful alternative and offer something a little different.
• Pick a symbol and have it engraved over the two rings. The fact that the symbol only becomes clear when the two rings are held together makes the engraving extremely special.

Position of the Engraving

Variations on the traditional theme of ring engraving can be made by simply altering the positioning of the engraving.

Edges

An unusual idea is for the engraving to sit on the sides of the ring rather than on the inside. This works particularly well with thick, chunky rings. Although the letters need to be tiny to fit onto the edges of the ring, there are two surfaces that can be engraved meaning that more complex messages could be inscribed.

Points to remember when engraving on the edges of a ring:

• The ring needs have an edge thick enough for the letters to be legible.
• If the ring is worn against another ring, for instance an engagement ring and wedding ring worn together, the edges will wear down more quickly. This means that over time the engraving may wear away.
• If the engraving is not well done it could just appear that the ring is scratched, therefore finding a professional and reputable engraver is paramount.

Top Surface

The top of the ring also presents an ideal surface to engrave. With a bit of thought the engraving could become an integral part of the design. A wide ring will allow text to flow around it, perhaps even scrolling around more than one line. A good jeweler will be able to advise the best way to do this and help with the planning and design of the ring.

Points to remember when engraving the top of the ring:

• Remember that the surface of the ring can be read by anyone who cares to look, so very personal messages might be best hidden elsewhere.
• The top surface of the ring is subject to wear and tear. Knocks, scratches, and general wear may eventually erase the engraving.

Inside

The traditional place to engrave a ring is the inside. For the couple seeking unique ring engraving ideas this can present the opportunity to bend tradition. As the engraving will not be seen, it can be very personal. Private nicknames or even a risqué poem can be engraved with the confidence that this remains for the couple's eyes only.

Points to remember when engraving the inside of the ring:

• This is the most challenging position for an engraver to work. Very complex patterns or wording requirements needs to be discussed with the engraver.
• Very private messages can be engraved with confidence that no one else will see them.
• The inner surface will wear down, particularly with soft precious metals.

Other Jewelry

A couple looking for a truly unique idea might want to consider engraving another item of jewelry all together. A pendant, bracelet or even another ring all present surfaces to be engraved.

This has many benefits, not least the fact that it allows the couple to be truly creative without having to worry about whether the novelty of a given engraving will diminish with daily wear. Amusing, risqué or irreverent engravings can be made on other items of jewelry without fear of it detracting from the special nature of the wedding ring. Silver items of jewelry are a great alternative, being less costly than gold, and true creativity can be unleashed.

Tips for Engraving Rings

• There are two ways of engraving rings, by hand and by machine. It is important to check which method an engraver uses and whether it is suitable for the design required as well as the material being engraved.
• Softer metals wear quicker than hard metals. This means that golds will wear more quickly than metals such as tungsten or platinum.
• A personal engraving on a ring will make it unique to the couple. This does mean that should the ring ever need to be sold, it might have less value than a plain ring, though an heirloom ring with a personal message may be even more sentimental.

Other Ideas for Engraving Rings

These articles have plenty of suggestions for engraving rings. With a bit of creative thought and perhaps using some of the techniques above these can be transformed into truly unique ideas.

• Engagement Ring Engraving
• Ideas for Engraving Wedding Rings

A couple can demonstrate their love and commitment in any number of ways. An unusual engraving on a ring will be a unique way to celebrate and demonstrate a life long partnership.