Engraving jewelry is a beautiful tradition that dates back centuries and is still popular for many reasons today. This process lets you personalize engagement rings, wedding bands, and other special pieces. If you're thinking about getting a unique piece engraved, check out this guide about everything you need to know about jewelry engraving.
The Piece You'll Get Engraved
One of the most important things to understand is that not all jewelry pieces lend themselves easily to engraving. Engravement depends on the size of the jewelry and its material. For example, thinner jewelry pieces, such as necklaces and bracelets, can only be engraved on a small surface due to the delicate nature of the material.
Regarding jewelry materials, the best options for engraving are usually durable materials, such as gold, silver, and platinum. Whether you own the piece or plan to buy one, meeting with a jeweler is best to discuss whether engravement is possible for your piece.
What You'll Engrave
When it comes to jewelry engraving, the possibilities are endless. People commonly engrave messages such as dates, names, and initials. This type of engraving is especially popular for wedding and engagement bands. However, other options include symbols, quotes, and even fingerprints. The type of engraving you choose will depend on your preferences and the piece of jewelry.
In general, however, engravements should be short and personal to show your love for the wearer. Think of what would make the person smile every time they see it.
Engravement Ideas
Are you stumped on what to engrave? Here are some of our favorite engravement ideas:
- Significant dates
- Special moments
- Personal quotes or messages
- Your initials or those of a loved one
When getting significant dates engraved, consider your anniversary for wedding jewelry. For special moments, you could get the coordinates of where you got engaged inscribed. Most importantly, follow your heart and do what you think the wearer will like most.
The Type of Engraving
Another thing you need to know about jewelry engraving is that this process has different methods. Hand and machine engraving are the most common methods of engraving jewelry. Each engravement type comes at a varying price and has differing outcomes.
Hand Engraving
Hand engraving is a traditional method that involves a skilled artisan using a tool to carve your message or symbol into the piece. Some individuals prefer hand engraving because it has a more personal result that you could never replicate.
However, while hand engraving leads to incredible results, the rise of technology has made it less common. So finding a jeweler offering hand engravement may be challenging. Likewise, hand engraving is the more expensive option because it's so time consuming.
Machine Engraving
Generally, experts use a laser or diamond-tipped tool to engrave pieces. Machine engraving is more accessible than hand engraving and allows for greater flexibility regarding the size and style of the letters or symbols.
Options like laser engraving are quite popular because experts can finish the project quickly. Plus, lasers are incredibly precise, so you rest comfortably knowing the engraving will come out perfectly.
The Price of Engravement
The cost of jewelry engraving varies by piece and engravement type. Specifically, the complexity of the message or symbol and the size of the jewelry will determine the price.
Additionally, some jewelers may charge more for the service depending on their level of expertise and what's typical for the area. A popular business may have higher service charges than someone newer to the industry because the demand for the well-known shop is higher.
Setting a Budget
You need to set a budget as you begin thinking of the piece you'll get inscribed and what you want carved into it. The biggest determiner of your budget will be whether you'll engrave a piece of jewelry you already own or buy something new. If you plan to purchase an engagement ring to propose to your partner, you should factor the cost of an engravement into the overall cost of the ring. You may need to stick to lab-created rings or specific diamond sizes to afford the jewelry and engravement.
Finding a Reputable Jeweler
Finding a reputable jeweler is essential to ensure your jewelry engraving is of the highest quality. Read through online reviews for jewelers in your area offering engravement services.
Additionally, review the jeweler's website to see their past work. This gives you a better idea of what to expect when hiring them to engrave your jewelry.
A reliable jeweler with a reputation for quality work will provide you with outstanding services and help you protect your valuable jewelry. Don't take chances with inexperienced jewelers who might damage your pieces with shoddy work. Instead, opt for a reputable jeweler who will give you peace of mind and the confidence that your jewelry is safe.
Windy City Diamonds
Windy City Diamonds has been in business for over four generations! We offer custom jewelry engraving services in Chicago. Check us out for quality engravings that will personalize your jewelry to your liking.
Planning Ahead
For the best outcome on the engravement, take your time to decide the type of jewelry and the jeweler you want to go to. By taking your time, you can also review all your options to ensure you hire a quality jeweler with fair rates.
Suppose the piece is for a special occasion, such as a wedding, anniversary, birthday, or other celebration. In that case, it's best to start planning as soon as possible to avoid any last-minute stress and ensure the jeweler finishes the engravement on time.
Reasons To Engrave Jewelry
An engravement is a beautiful way to personalize jewelry and to show someone special how significant they are to you. Whether for an engagement ring, wedding band, or any other precious item, there are limitless engraving options.
Also, getting jewelry engraved allows you to fully commemorate a special occasion. If you carve the coordinates of where you propose, you and your partner will never forget the place they exclaimed, "Yes!" Ultimately, an engravement is an amazing way to show your love.
Making Your Appointment
By finding a reputable jeweler and understanding the different engraving methods available, you can have a unique piece of jewelry that's truly one of a kind. Windy City Diamonds is your top pick for jewelry engravement in Chicago, IL. Make an appointment at our jewelry shop today so you can personalize your precious piece of jewelry!
