You can engrave most solid gold rings, bracelets, pendants, nameplates and watch backs, usually with names, dates, initials or a short message. Deep engraving on solid gold can last for decades, while light engraving on a surface that rubs every day, or on plated metal, fades much sooner.
What pieces can be engraved?
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Inside of rings. The classic spot for wedding bands and engagement rings. It is protected from wear.
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Outside of bands. Possible on wider, flat or slightly domed bands.
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ID and bar bracelets. A flat plate gives plenty of room for names and dates.
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Pendants and lockets. Front or back, depending on the design.
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Back of nameplates. A date or a second name on the back of a custom nameplate.
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Watch case backs on many watches with a flat, solid back.
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Clasps and tags on some chains and bracelets, for a small set of initials.
What is hard to engrave?
| Piece |
Why it is tricky |
| Hollow chains and bracelets |
Thin walls can dent or break through |
| Gold-plated pieces |
Engraving cuts through the plating to the base metal |
| Thin or narrow bands |
Very little room, so text gets tiny |
| Eternity and pavé bands |
Stone settings leave little open metal |
| Heavily textured surfaces |
Letters get lost in the pattern |
How much text fits?
It depends on the size of the surface and the font. A thin band holds far fewer characters than a wide men's wedding band or a flat bracelet plate. A few tips:
- Keep it short. Initials, a date or two to four words read best.
- Simple block fonts stay readable at small sizes. Script fonts look beautiful but need more room.
- Write out exactly what you want, with spelling, capitals and punctuation, and double-check dates.
- Bring the piece in so we can tell you what will fit.
How long does engraving last?
Three things decide it.
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Depth. Deeper cuts hold up longer. Surface marks fade as the metal wears.
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Location. Inside a ring or on the back of a pendant, engraving is protected. On the outside of a band or the face of a bracelet, it rubs against everything.
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Metal. Solid gold is the same metal all the way through, so engraving stays gold. On plated jewelry, the letters show the base metal underneath and can tarnish.
Polishing removes a thin layer of metal, so frequent polishing slowly softens engraving. If a piece is engraved, mention it whenever you bring it in for polishing or repair.
What should you know before engraving a ring?
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Size first. Resizing can cut through or stretch inside engraving. Get the size right first. See ring sizing: what to know before you resize.
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Returns. Engraved and personalized pieces are treated as final sale, so be sure of the text and the piece. We will work with you to make sure you are happy with it.
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Stones. If the ring has stones, have the setting checked at the same time. Our post on loose stones and worn prongs explains what to look for.
How do you keep engraving looking sharp?
- Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush to lift dirt out of the letters.
- Skip abrasive cleaners like toothpaste, which wear down edges.
- Store engraved pieces separately so they do not rub against harder metal and stones.
Visit or text us
Engraving is done in store. Bring your piece to 260 Main St, Orange, NJ, or call or text (973) 673-3800 for details and pricing. We are open 7 days. Looking for something to engrave? Browse our rings, bracelets and custom nameplate necklaces, made to order in 10 to 14 business days.
Jewelry Engraving: What You Can Engrave and How Long It Lasts
You can engrave most solid gold rings, bracelets, pendants, nameplates and watch backs, usually with names, dates, initials or a short message. Deep engraving on solid gold can last for decades, while light engraving on a surface that rubs every day, or on plated metal, fades much sooner.
What pieces can be engraved?
What is hard to engrave?
How much text fits?
It depends on the size of the surface and the font. A thin band holds far fewer characters than a wide men's wedding band or a flat bracelet plate. A few tips:
How long does engraving last?
Three things decide it.
Polishing removes a thin layer of metal, so frequent polishing slowly softens engraving. If a piece is engraved, mention it whenever you bring it in for polishing or repair.
What should you know before engraving a ring?
How do you keep engraving looking sharp?
Visit or text us
Engraving is done in store. Bring your piece to 260 Main St, Orange, NJ, or call or text (973) 673-3800 for details and pricing. We are open 7 days. Looking for something to engrave? Browse our rings, bracelets and custom nameplate necklaces, made to order in 10 to 14 business days.