Engraving is the ultimate way to personalize your wedding ring.

The custom of inscribing romantic poetry onto wedding rings began in the courts of medieval Europe. Today, engraving a message on the inside of the shank—even around the perimeter of the stone!—is one of the easiest ways to personalize an engagement ring or your wedding band.

How to Do It
Make the request to get your ring engraved by your jeweler when you order the ring. If the jeweler can’t do it, he should be able to refer you to an engraver. Be sure to double-check the spelling of the requested inscription before you pass it on to the engraver, and check it again when you receive it.

When to Do It
Engraving can be done as quickly as while you wait, or it can take up to one month. Ask your jeweler how long yours will take and plan ahead.

Unique Ideas
If you can’t edit your sentiment down to a mere few words or want to use a stanza from a poem or song, consider engraving your message around the rim of the stone itself. Some rings can be laser-inscribed with a microscopic message or even a graphic. The inscription is invisible to the naked eye and can only be seen with a magnifying glass, so it can be a romantic secret between the two of you. Inscribing a message on your diamond also serves as a foolproof “birthmark” should the stone ever be lost or stolen.