Engraving

Engraving has been used throughout the ages to personalize jewellery, accessories, firearms and the master plates for banknotes.

The Artisan

Hand Engraving is the art of carving decorative designs or lettering into precious and semi-precious metal. Small chisel-like tools are used and are worked manually by the artisan. Engraving has been used throughout the ages to personalize jewellery, accessories, firearms and the master plates for banknotes.

Most commercial engraving is done by machines or lasers today, but the art of hand engraving is alive and well because no matter how good technology is, there are still things that a machine cannot do.

Lovers and connoisseurs of fine art appreciate unique pieces and search to find that special person who they embrace as their personal trade smith.

About Our Engraver

Peter Cook grew up in Sussex, England. After leaving school, Peter began a five year apprenticeship with an engraving company in London's Hatton Garden where he completed with indenture papers in 1970. In 1972 he emigrated from England to Canada and spent the next five years working as the Master Engraver for a jewellery design company.

In 1977 Peter started his own business and apart from a two year break to explore firearms engraving, he has been serving the Canadian Jewellery trade ever since. He has been commissioned to engrave pieces for CEOs and executives of large corporations, artists, actors, musicians, politicians and even a Prince. But for all the prestige and name dropping, he happily serves Mr. & Mrs. Joe Public as well.

Each piece that is worked on is special and unique to the client, which makes the work fascinating and challenging. Peter has had the privilege of collaborating with some very talented artisans in the Jewellery trade to create some wonderful one of-a-kind pieces for wonderful one-of-a-kind people.

Book a 1 on 1 to learn more about custom engraving at Nash.

The Heraldry

Specializing in Family crests and coats of arms, seals, wedding band design patterns and pendants of portraits of family or pets, cartoon characters, company logos and symbols, our Heraldry would be happy to give a quote on that something special you would like done.

Jewellery Engraving Ideas

Personalized engraving can turn a beautiful piece of jewellery into a keepsake with a message, date, name, or symbol that belongs to one person. At Nash Jewellers in London, Ontario, we help customers consider engraving options that suit the jewellery itself, whether they are personalizing a new piece or adding meaning to an existing one. From choosing the right wording and style to determining suitable placement, our jewellers can help you create an inscription that feels intentional and appropriate for the piece.

Choosing Jewellery Engraving Is a Meaningful Gift

Engraving adds emotional value without changing the purpose of a piece, making it suitable for milestone gifts, everyday jewellery, heirlooms, and remembrance pieces. A specific inscription can express something meaningful when a traditional card feels temporary, while the engraving itself can be subtle, hidden, decorative, romantic, practical, or deeply personal. A wedding date inside a band, a family phrase on a bracelet, or a meaningful dedication on a pendant can make the jewellery feel uniquely connected to its recipient. As a local jeweller, we can help refine the wording, recommend suitable placement, and determine whether the jewellery is appropriate for the engraving style you have in mind.

Engraving ideas by occasion

Wedding and Anniversary

For weddings and anniversaries, engraving can commemorate the relationship through a wedding date on the inside of a band, partner initials with a small heart or ampersand, or a short phrase such as “Always” or “Forever.” Coordinates for a proposal location, wedding venue, or first home can create a more personal reference, while an anniversary year written in Roman numerals offers a distinctive way to mark the occasion.

Graduation

Graduation jewellery can carry initials and a graduation year, a school, programme, or degree abbreviation where space allows, or a short message such as “You did it,” “Begin,” or “Next chapter.” A brief quote from a mentor, parent, or grandparent can add another layer of meaning, while a convocation date or first professional milestone can commemorate an important step forward.

Birthday

For a birthday gift, consider engraving a birthdate, nickname, meaningful number, zodiac symbol, or initials. Phrases such as “Loved always,” “One of one,” or “Make a wish” can keep the message short, while a private joke or family phrase makes the piece more personal. Coordinates representing a hometown or memorable trip can also create an inscription connected to a meaningful place.

New baby

New baby jewellery can feature the child’s name, initials, and birthdate, or combine the birth time or weight with a tiny heart motif where space permits. Messages such as “Welcome,” “Little love,” or “Forever ours,” as well as parent and child initials together, can create a meaningful family keepsake. A locket inscription paired with a photograph or other memento can also mark the arrival of a new family member.

Memorial

Memorial jewellery can preserve a connection through a loved one’s name, initials, or years of life. Where suitable, fingerprint-inspired engraving or a recreation of handwriting from a card or note can create a highly personal keepsake, while phrases such as “Always with me” or “Loved beyond words” offer simple expressions of remembrance. A short prayer or coordinates for a meaningful place of remembrance can provide another personal connection.

Engraving ideas by Jewellery Item

Rings

Rings are particularly suited to concise inscriptions, including inner-band dates, initials, Roman numerals, and short vows. Because the available surface is often limited and curved, we recommend keeping messages brief to maintain legibility.

Bracelets

Bracelets can accommodate names, coordinates, affirmations, or multiple initials, depending on the design and available surface. Engraving may be positioned where it remains visible or placed discreetly on the underside for a more private message.

Watches

Meanwhile, you can personalize a watch with initials, milestone dates, retirement messages, or a family note on the case-back. This makes engraving especially appropriate for professional gifts, retirements, birthdays, and other major celebrations.

Pendants

Pendants can feature names, symbols, religious references, or short dedications. Keeping the front design simple and placing the inscription on the back can preserve the pendant’s appearance while adding personal meaning.

Lockets

Lastly, lockets offer space for initials, small dates, names such as “Mum,” “Dad,” or “Nana,” and short remembrance phrases. An inscription can complement a photograph or other memento to create a meaningful first family keepsake.

Style and Format Options

The format of an engraving can be just as important as the wording. Dates can be written numerically, with the month spelled out, or in an anniversary format, while coordinates can represent a home, wedding venue, or memorable travel destination. Handwriting can sometimes be recreated as a signature or short phrase, and fingerprint engraving may be considered for memorial or keepsake jewellery when the piece is suitable. Roman numerals provide an alternative way to display dates or years, while short quotes should remain brief enough to read clearly. Simple symbols, including hearts, infinity signs, crosses, stars, and other icons, may also be incorporated when the available space allows.

Character Limits, Placement, and Feasibility Notes

The amount of space available, the curvature of the surface, and the size of the jewellery all affect character limits and legibility. Depending on the piece, suitable placement may include the inside of a band, the underside of a bracelet, the watch case-back, a pendant or locket back, or the clasp area. Feasibility also depends on the metal, item type, surface shape, setting, existing wear, and available space. Some jewellery may require a shorter message or different placement, while certain pieces may not be suitable for engraving at all. We assess these factors before recommending an approach.

The Local Engraving Process at Nash Jewellers

When you bring an item to Nash Jewellers for engraving, we can discuss the occasion, your wording ideas, and whether you want the inscription to be visible or hidden. Before proceeding, we recommend confirming the spelling, dates, initials, capitalization, and punctuation, then reviewing the placement, character limits, and engraving style with our jewellers. Because engraving options vary by piece, the final approach may need to be adjusted to achieve the best possible result for the jewellery.

Care Tips for Engraved Jewellery

Engraved jewellery should be cleaned gently so residue does not settle into fine engraved lines, and harsh chemicals should be avoided unless they have been confirmed as safe for the particular metal and gemstones. Removing frequently worn pieces before heavy work, swimming, or scratch-prone activities can help protect both the jewellery and its inscription, while storing pieces separately can reduce rubbing against other items. Rings, bracelets, and lockets that are worn regularly can also benefit from periodic professional checks to ensure the jewellery remains in good condition.

Create a Gift With a Message That Lasts

At Nash Jewellers, we welcome customers from London, Ontario, as well as nearby communities to discuss personalized jewellery and engraving. Whether you are bringing in an existing piece, such as a symbolic engagement ring, or selecting fine jewellery suitable for personalization, our team can help you consider message length, placement, style, and suitability. Alongside custom design, our services include jewellery repair, appraisal, engraving, and laser repairs. You can also explore our Grow Your Diamonds program or contact us to discuss your jewellery needs. Create a gift with a message that lasts — speak with Nash Jewellers in London, Ontario about engraving ideas today.