Wedding rings are a symbol of eternal love and commitment. But, how about adding a personal touch to this symbol of love? Engraving your wedding ring with a special message can make it even more unique and meaningful. This guide will walk you through the hows and whats of ring engraving, making the process less intimidating and more fun.
The Enchanting History of Ring Engraving
Engraving has been a part of our history since ancient times, becoming a preferred method of personalizing jewelry. Medieval folks were known to engrave their cherished jewelry pieces with religious quotes and heartfelt vows, expressing their unyielding devotion to their partners. Today, engraving a wedding ring gives it a personal touch that truly represents the bond between two individuals.
The Cost of Ring Engraving
While wedding rings can be quite an investment, engraving them doesn't have to break the bank. The cost of engraving generally depends on the number of characters you wish to engrave. On average, engraving can range anywhere from $50 to $100, accommodating between 15-30 characters. However, some jewelers like Rockher.com offer complimentary engraving services, making it an even more appealing option.
Deciding When to Engrave Your Rings
There's no hard and fast rule about when to engrave your rings. If you decide on engraving before getting engaged, inform your jeweler so they can plan accordingly. Engraving typically happens at the end of the manufacturing process, giving you ample time to brainstorm the perfect inscription while your rings are being made. But don't fret if you decide to engrave your rings post-wedding. Jewelers can accommodate this request, although you might have to part with your ring for a while.
How is Ring Engraving Done?
The process of ring engraving is quite straightforward. Most jewelers, including Gemist, use laser engraving. This method involves a pencil-sized laser beam, the strength of which varies based on the metal type. The process is precise, fast, and doesn't alter the appearance of your ring. The challenge, however, lies in deciding the perfect inscription, considering the character limit.
Inspiration for Ring Engraving
Choosing the right words to engrave on your ring can be daunting. Here are some categories of ideas to spark inspiration.
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Traditional Engravings
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Traditional engravings can include:
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Your wedding date
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A simple "I love you"
- The phrase "Forever begins"
- The infinity symbol
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"Happily ever after"
Romantic Engravings
For the romantics, consider:
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The date of your first date or first kiss
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A favorite song lyric
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"All my love"
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"To the moon and back"
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The phrase "The beginning of forever"
Humorous Engravings
If you both share a quirky sense of humor, consider:
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A short inside joke
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"Put me back on!"
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"Non-refundable"
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"You're stuck with me now"
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"Property of (your name)"
Religious Engravings
For those who want to express their faith, consider:
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Your favorite Bible verse
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"Love is patient, love is kind"
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"Where you go, I will go"
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"Do everything in love"
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"Love is faithful"
Coordinating Engravings
For couples who want coordinating messages on their rings, consider:
Ring 1: "After all this time?" Ring 2: "Always"
Ring 1: "I love you" Ring 2: "I know"
Ring 1: "I do" Ring 2: "Me too"
Ring Engraving Ideas From Movies & Songs
Your favorite movies and songs can also serve as a great source for engraving ideas. For instance:
"As you wish" from The Princess Bride
"To infinity & beyond" from Toy Story
"All of me" from the song by John Legend
"I will always love you" from the song by Whitney Houston
Fun & Funny Wedding Band Engraving Ideas
If you want to keep things light-hearted and fun, these ideas might tickle your fancy:
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"Better than Bacon"
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"Can't change your mind now!"
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"Do not remove"
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"You're stuck with me now!"
Wedding Band Engraving Ideas In Other Languages
Adding a touch of your cultural heritage or a shared language can make your engravings even more unique. Here are some examples:
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"Amor Vincit Omnia" (Latin: Love Conquers All)
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"Amore Mio" (Italian: My Love)
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"Je T'aime" (French: I Love You)
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"百年好合" (Chinese: Happily Ever After)
Religious Wedding Band Engravings
If your faith plays a significant role in your relationship, you might consider these religious engraving ideas:
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"God unites in love"
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"Love is faithful"
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"Deus Nos iunxit" (Latin: God joined us)
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"Where you go, I will go" (Ruth 1:16)
Two-Part Engravings for Both Rings
Last but not least, you can consider two-part engravings that complete each other on both rings. Here are some ideas:
Ring 1: "To infinity" Ring 2: "And beyond"
Ring 1: "I love you" Ring 2: "I know"
Ring 1: "I am my beloved's" Ring 2: "My beloved is mine"
Conclusion
In conclusion, engraving your wedding rings adds a personal touch, making them even more special. With a plethora of ideas to choose from, you can find the perfect expression of your love and commitment. So take your time, get creative, and make your wedding bands truly your own.