1. ORDER THE ENGRAVING WHEN YOU BUY YOUR RING

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Ok, so this is not a hard and fast rule, but ordering your engraving the same day you purchase the band allows you to receive it complete and ready to wear. It also means you will not have to part with it to have it done later on down the line. If your jeweller cannot do it, they will usually refer you to an engraver who might be able to do it on the spot, though it can even take up to one month.

2. CONSIDER THE SIZE

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Choose a font size and style which is legible and fits. Letters which are too thin or tiny to decipher will have you squinting in your old age to remember what is written. On the other hand, don’t choose lettering which is too big and clunky, taking up the entire height of the rim, or it will upset the balance of your delicate ring.

3. MAKE SURE IT’S PERSONAL

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Whatever you decide, it has to mean something to the both of you. You can choose to go down the traditional route, and even pick something from an impersonal list of ideas. But, this is meant to be a special moment. You could, for example, engrave a lyric from your favourite song, or the title of the song you chose for your first dance. You could also have your fingerprints etched on the rim, even placing each other’s on your respective rings. Some couples have even decided to go for split messages, so two really become one.

4. KEEP IT SHORT AND SNAPPY

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Don’t cram too much on there either since it will make it very difficult to read. While space is limited, a lot can be expressed in a few words: some couples decide to engrave their wedding date (blatantly ensuring no one forgets it); others just place their names on the rim. But, you can experiment with different ideas to choose the one closest to your heart.

5. CONSIDER CHOOSING A MESSAGE FOR EACH OTHER

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Instead of settling on a line or an image together, you could also take some time out and choose a message for your loved one’s ring. Keep it secret, only to be revealed when the engraver hands your bands back to you. You can even commemorate the occasion and have them wrapped up to be gifted to each other.

6. PICK A LOCATION

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Most couples have messages inscribed in the inner rim, or even the shank, of the ring. Modern laser technology even allows you to have a message placed on the perimeter of the stone. It will not be visible to the naked eye, but it can serve as an identifying feature if, god forbid, the ring ever gets lost or stolen.

7. CHECK THE SPELLING…AND THEN CHECK IT AGAIN

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You can never ever be too sure – after all, this is meant to last a lifetime. And after all, an ‘r’ instead of an ‘l’ in “To my whole heart’ makes quite a difference. Go through each letter before you give it to your engraver, then check it again as soon as it done. If there is a mistake, it can be remedied but it involves a bit of tooing and froing – stress you can do without.

8. MAINTAIN IT

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Most jewellers recommend you clean your engagement and wedding rings from the daily grime they pick up. Take particular care of the engraving, cleaning it with a soft bristle brush, to make sure no sediment settles and to keep it visible. Ring maintenance also usually includes two yearly visits to your jeweller who can give a once-over to your letters of love.

9. GIFT FOR YOUR ANNIVERSARY

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If you didn’t get the chance to organise your engraving before the wedding, when you bought the rings, don’t worry. You can always do it after you get married, at whatever point you feel most comfortable. It could make a lovely anniversary present and doing it after the wedding also takes the pressure off, giving you time to really think about what you want written.

10. LOG THE DETAILS

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Once your rings have been given to you, ready to wear, write down the type of engraving (font, sentiment, size) and place it together with the ring’s certificate. Also, make a note of the engraving in the insurance documents when you pay for cover for the ring. This will give you piece of mind should anything happen to it.