Jewelry Engraving – Ideas and What You Should Know Before Ordering
An engraved piece of jewelry is more than just an ornament – it's a small story you carry with you. Whether it's a meaningful date, the initials of a loved one, or a message only the two of you understand, the engraving makes the jewelry personal. Here you'll find both inspiration and a practical guide.
Why engrave a piece of jewelry?
Engraving makes a piece of jewelry unique in a way no design alone can. That's why engraving is particularly popular for:
- Wedding rings – names, dates, or a short phrase on the inside of the ring
- Engagement rings – a secret message known only to the wearer
- Gifts for special occasions – wedding anniversaries, births, graduations, or jubilees
- Memorial jewelry – initials, birth dates, or a fingerprint in memory of someone
Ideas & Tips
Engraving
Name or initials – classic, timeless, and always personal
An important date – wedding day, engagement day, or a birth date
Coordinates – the place where you met, proposed, or got married
A short quote or word – for example "always", "together" or a word in another language that holds special meaning
Roman numerals – a date written in Roman numerals for a more subtle expression
Which jewelry is suitable for engraving?
Most jewelry can be engraved, but some surfaces are particularly suitable:
| Smykketype | Vanlig graveringsflate | Godt egnet til |
|---|---|---|
| Gifte- og forlovelsesringer | Innsiden av ringskinnen | Navn, dato, kort budskap |
| Anheng og medaljonger | Bak- eller forside | Initialer, dato, fingeravtrykk |
| Armbånd med plate | Utsiden av platen | Navn, koordinater, sitat |
| Signetringer | Toppflaten (segl) | Monogram, initialer, våpenskjold |
| Mansjettknapper | Innsiden eller undersiden | Initialer, dato |
Jo mindre og mer buet flaten er, desto kortere bør teksten være. En smal ringskinne har begrenset plass, mens en flat anhengbakside gir mer rom for lengre tekst.
What you should know before ordering
1. The material affects the result
Gold and silver are relatively soft metals and can be finely engraved with good precision. Hard surfaces with texture, such as hammered or sandblasted finishes, can make the engraving less sharp – feel free to talk to a jeweler about which surface is best suited for what you want to engrave.
2. Font type and size matter
A script font may look beautiful but becomes harder to read on a small scale than a simple, straight font. If the engraving is to be easy to read, we recommend a simple font – especially on narrow surfaces like ring bands.
3. Double-check spelling and date format
It sounds obvious, but it is the most common mistake in engraving. Check the spelling, order of the date (day/month/year), and any special characters carefully before confirming the order – an engraving cannot be easily erased.
4. Plan well in advance
Engraving is custom work and takes a little longer than a standard purchase. If the ring is to be used for a proposal or a wedding anniversary, we recommend ordering well in advance – preferably two to three weeks before the date it needs to be ready.
5. Engraving can be done on your own or purchased jewelry
You don't necessarily have to buy a new piece of jewelry to engrave it. If you already have a ring or pendant you love, many pieces of jewelry can be engraved later by a jeweler – for example, an inherited ring you want to pass on to the next generation with a new, personal detail.
At Arven, you can order engraving on selected jewelry directly in our online store, or visit our store in Bergen for more personalized guidance on font, placement, and content.
Pickup available at Arven Bergen Sentrum
Usually ready in 24 hours
Engraving
Arven Bergen Sentrum
Sandbrogaten 11
5003 Bergen
Norway
Get inspired!
Correct Chain Length | Necklace Guide
Unsure which chain length to choose? Here's a complete guide to chain lengths, how to measure correctly, and which length suits different occasions.
Read more
Jewelry insurance | Guide to appraisal and coverage
Should your jewelry be insured, and do you need a separate valuation? Here's a practical guide to jewelry insurance, which pieces should be insured, and how insurance valuations work.
Read more
Jewelry with colored stones: Let the jewelry highlight your personality
Jewelry with colors is one of the strongest trends in 2025. They give energy to your outfit, highlight your personal style and create contrasts that make you shine. At Arven you will find jewelry ...
Read more