Engraved Style: Rings and Things Personalized

Most me don’t like to wear rings. But if they do, those rings better be special. A school ring, a wedding ring. Well, a Superbowl ring is nice, too.

Another very special variety of rings is promise rings. And because most guys don’t go for pure ostentation (well, other than in a Superbowl ring, of course) it is best to keep it simple. This personalized gold-over-silver men’s promise ring does just that. You can engrave up to 25 characters which is enough for most vows, but best of all you can engrave them inside. This keeps the message discreet and personal. Just make sure you type it in the gift note box while ordering.

(Pictured: 14k White Gold, Marquise Diamond Promise Ring)

Although I strongly disagree with those who believe that only precious metals, preferably gold, should be used for purity and promise rings (these terms are sometimes interchangeable, but a promise ring can apply to keeping any sort of promise, noble in nature, in most cases), there is a natural tendency in us to ascribe very high value to gold. This results in a subconscious belief that the value of the material will somehow "rub off" on the wearer, making her or his commitment more enduring and steadfast. But what about the color? What implications are we creating by choosing a particular metal for a meaningful ring?

Choosing the right metal for a purity ring or a promise ring

White is the color of purity and chastity. There is hardly anyone who does not know that, as this symbolism comes very naturally. This makes white gold and silver ideal for purity rings. It is also important to remember that the lack of traditional golden color implies not cheapness, but modesty. But purity is not the only meaning of white. This color also indicates a new beginning, clarity of mind, purified thoughts and actions - qualities that broadly conform to the aspirations of most people considering a purchase of a promise ring for themselves or for someone else. White can also mean bodily cleanliness and therefore health - this brings up another important commitment to oneself.

Gold

Well, there is nothing wrong with gold, of course But doesn’t it seem that the color of gold signifies personal success, security, high status, power, confidence. (gold is also the color of the sun, which adds imagery of good health). These qualities, in my humble opinion, indicate the result of someone’s efforts, other than the present efforts and commitments.

Given these considerations, it would seem that silver and white gold are ideally suited for purity and promise rings. Yellow gold, however, definitely has its place in jewelry!

What is white gold?

There is a misconception regarding what white gold actually is. One must be aware of the fact that white gold is not some sort of specially processed or rarely find metal. Yes, some people do believe in that kind of nonsense… White gold is an alloy of gold and one or more white metals, such as nickel or palladium. If any consolation is required, yellow gold is also usually used in jewelry as an alloy, because pure gold is a rather soft metal.

Engagement rings often have great sentimental value (and they should!). This is one possible reason for someone not wanting to add engravings to their engagement rings, as time passes. There is, however, a way to make use of engraving without modifying the existing rings in any way! You can get a ring wrap and gave it engraved. In addition, your ring will be better protected, its look can be updated. You can modify the style of an engagement ring, add value to it (now that you can finally afford it!). Adding a ring wrap is also a great way to modify a ring that has been passed down through several generations. You can even “correct” the color scheme of the existing ring. Ring wraps are affordable and matching or enhancing most rings is not a very complicated and ultimately enjoyable task.

If you decided to engrave your new diamond ring wrap and wonder if your message will fit on the generally thin surface of the ring (inside or outside), keep in mind that laser engraving makes it possible to make very small multi-line engravings. You can technically have enough space to print your entire wedding vows! Needless to say, usual suggestions and considerations meant for wedding bands can be resorted to while coming up with ideas for the text you want to engrave.

One last thing to remember. According to traditions, if the ring wrap serves as a wedding band it should be worn closer to the wearer’s body (or to the heart, as they would say it more elegantly in the olden days).

This is my first entry in a series of posts that will explore various styles and designs of the cross in many cultures, but primarily in Christian symbolism. Many of these crosses have distinct shapes and applications. They are perfect for jewelry and other decorative arts, especially when a specific religious theme (or affiliation) needs to be emphasized.

MALTESE CROSS

Maltese cross is a variation of the Cross Pattée or Cross Formée, but its points emphasized by additional angles between them. Originally the symbol of Amalfi, a small republic in 11th century Italy, this emblem was adopted by Medieval crusaders, particularly the Knights Hospitaller. Maltese cross is also believed to have been acceptable as a Knights Templar symbol. The eight points of the Maltese cross are sometimes interpreted as representative of eight crucial (no pun intended) values:

• Loyalty
• Piety
• Frankness
• Bravery
• Glory and honor
• Contempt of death
• Helpfulness towards the poor and the sick
• Respect for the church

This interpretation is interesting, but it is very unlikely that it has much to do with the early period of this emblem’s use. Nevertheless, the Maltese cross is often adopted as a symbol by organizations that have their pride in military valor and serving others. The Maltese cross pendant shown above has a classic shape, associated with the term. Very often, however, the term is used to describe the so called Cross of Saint Florian (see the engraved pendant below). The two shapes are distinctly different, however the Cross of Saint Florian, who is believed to serve both as a firefighter and a soldier, does share some important connotations with the Maltese cross.

It is my assumption that these symbols are especially appropriate for jewelry worn by the wives and mothers of brave men in uniform. As such they can be excellent choices for engraved wedding rings, engagement rings, charms, pendants and other momentous presents.

Leaving aside considerations of correct usage, appropriateness, symbolism etc., the Maltese cross is also one of the most stunning and pronounced geometric patterns used in jewelry and decorative art. A wonderfully designed example of the use of this symbol can be found in this 8 karat gold ring with a white topaz dome by Jude Frances.

There is something counter intuitive about personalizing keychains. Everything, of course, depends on what exactly you choose to engrave on them. To engrave your home address, your phone number or even just your name would mean that a potential thief can sudden access to your valuable possessions or your car. Wouldn’t it be better to engrave the address of your local police department? Then they would either apprehend the thief who would show up in hope of easy looting or some honest person would return the key chain that you would be able to easily identify.

Seriously, though, because this particular key chain is also a pocket watch you might consider using one of the suggestions regarding engravings on clocks, watches and sundials :

AGE QUOD AGIS - Do what you are doing

ALIIS INSERVIENDO CONSUMOR - By serving others, I am worn away Note that although originally a sundial inscription, this phrase actually makes a lot more sense for a clock mechanism, it also indicates a particular philosophy of life.

ARS LONGA, VITA BREVIS - Art lasts, life is short

ASPICE ET ABI - Look (at me) and pass on

DEO FAVENTE - With God’s favor

DEUS ADEST LABORANTIBUS - God favors the diligent

DIES DIEM TRUDIT - Each day forces out another day

DISCE DIES NUMERARE TUOS - Learn to value your days

DUM SPECTAS FUGIO - I flee even as you observe me

EX HOC MOMENTO PENDET AETERNITAS - Eternity is hinged upon this moment

FESTINA LENTE - Make haste slowly There is actually a company called Festina that makes clocks and watches. In my opinion, only the complete quote makes sense. Who would want a clock that is too fast? The phrase indicates a perfect balance that must be achieved in a clock and in life.

HINC VIVERE DISCE - Learn to live by this example

HORA PARS VITAE - Every hour is a part of life

ITA VITA - Thus (passes) life

LABOR IPSE VOLUPTAS - Labor contains pleasure

NE QUID PEREAT - Let nothing be lost

NON NOBIS NATI SUMUS - We are not born for ourselves

NON REDIBO - I shall not return

NOSCE TEIPSUM - Know thyself

OMNIA FALCE METIT TEMPUS - Time reaps everything with its sickle

OMNIA FERT AETAS - Time brings all things

POST TENEBRAS SPERO LUCEM - I hope for light after darkness

QUID CELERIUS TEMPORE? - What is swifter than time?

SAPIENTIS EST NUMERARE - It is the wise who count

SIC TRANSIT GLORIA MUNDI - Thus passes the glory of this world

ULTIMA DECIDET - The last one decides

UMBRA DEI - The shadow of God

VERITAS TEMPORIS FILIA - Truth is the daughter of time

VIGILATE & ORATE, TEMPUS FUGIT - Be vigilant and pray, for the time hastes away

It is helpful to know that Amazon’s third party resellers sometimes offer free engraving when it is appropriate. For instance, this beautiful silver money clip which can be monogrammed for free. What you need to know is that because the store’s setup does not allow for easy customization of the products, it is important to read the product’s description. In this case it says:

This silver plated round money clip is slim enough to fit inside any pocket and is designed for easy money access. Have a monogram or name engraved on the money clip for a special touch. Please contact us via email after placing your order to give us the engraving details.

Sometimes the text you want engraved is available through Amazon’s gift options at the time when you place an order.

These laser engraved pens look interesting, of course. There is one problem, however. What if you don’t have a coat of arms? The manufacturer has this to say:

I currently have list of over 11,000 available names including Irish, English, Scottish, Welsh, French, German, Spanish and Portuguese heraldry…Who wouldn’t like to see their family crest engraved on a beautiful hand made pen?

Well, the problem is that there is a lot more to heraldry than picking your last name from a long list and discovering some coat of arms associated with it. Family crests are unique and they really have to be properly adopted in order for them to be used. Unless you want to use them as a joke of sorts. These laser engraved pens cost $65 a piece, so the joke is on you. Coat of arms do not belong to last names, they belong to individual families, people! Heraldry is a very complicated and somewhat exact science. So much goes into designing every coat of arms, and every little part of it has some very specific meaning and origin. Do not take this lightly! There is a good news, however. Family mottos can be adopted freely and they do not need to be registered. In fact, many families have the same or similar mottos, and there is not problem with that at all. So, instead of using someone else’s coat of arms, adopt your own family device! I am sure some clever graphic treatment for such mottos can be easily designed, or you can simply use them as plain text: on rings, jewelry, silverware, pens etc.