Engraved Style: Personalized Rings and Things

I have to say that I am yet to figure out the reasons why exactly wave rings are as popular as they are. Most of the designs I see are reminiscent of Ancient Greek pottery ornamental patterns. Technically, the traditional rectilinear meander can be called a wave pattern, but usually rings display what clearly looks like actual waves. Such designs reveal strong similarities to the Chinese concept of Yin Yang. The circular shape in this case can be interpreted as relegated to the shape of the entire ring. My second guess is that there are many people who the wave rings a sea-faring talismans that can be worn by sailors, fishermen and their wives and girlfriends. If so, the idea of matching rings is enhanced by the design that features mirroring elements. Or could it be that people just like the way the undulating waves look? The sound of ocean waves are known to have a calming effect on most people…

Although not all friendship rings require engraving, this is certainly a type of jewelry that benefits from a clear statement that expresses the wearer’s sentiments or serves to remind about the occasion of its purchase. There are some design elements that emphasize the idea of friendship: the heart, the clasping hands of a claddagh ring, matching gems or birthstones etc. Apart from that, friendship rings very often bear engraved inscriptions and I am happy to make some suggestions that may help you design your own custom rings or search for rings with particular inscriptions available through retailers. As usual, I try to provide Latin versions of these friendship quotes, since I believe that Latin (along with occasional French) is a language well-suited for jewelry engraving.

• FRIENDSHIP (AMICITIA ) - Perhaps the most common inscription on friendship rings.
• FRIEND (AMICUS masc., AMICA fem.)
• FRIENDS (AMICI masc., AMICAE fem.)
• BEST FRIEND (AMICUS OPTIMUS masc., AMICA OPTIMA fem.)
• BEST FRIENDS FOREVER (AMICI OPTIMI IN AETERNUM masc., AMICAE OPTIMAE IN AETERNUM fem.)
• A FRIEND IS A SECOND SELF (ALTER IPSE AMICUS)
• HE IS A TRUE FRIEND, WHO, UNDER DOUBTFUL CIRCUMSTANCES, AIDS IN DEED WHEN DEEDS ARE NECESSARY (IS EST AMICUS QUI IN RE DUBIA RE JUVAT, UBI RE EST OPUS) - A quote from Plautus
• I SPARE NO EXPENSE SO LONG AS I CAN SERVE MY FRIEND (NIHIL PRETIO PARCO, AMICO DUM OPITULOR)
• THERE IS NOTHING WHICH, IN MY SENSES, I SHOULD PREFER TO A DEAR FRIEND (NIL EGO CONTULERIM JOCUNDO SANUS AMICO) - A quote from Horace.
• CONSULT YOUR FRIEND ON EVERYTHING, BUT FIRST OF ALL ABOUT YOURSELF (OMNIA CUM AMICO DELIBERA, SED DE TE IPSO PRIUS) - A quote from Seneca.
• TO HAVE THE SAME TASTES AND THE SAME DISLIKES - THIS IN FACT IS THE BASIS OF LASTING FRIENDSHIP (IDEM VELLE ET IDEM NOLLE EA DEMUM FIRMA AMICITIA EST) - A quote from Sallust.
• A LITTLE PLEDGE OF NO LITTLE FRIENDSHIP (PARVUM NON PARVAE AMICITIAE PIGNUS) - This motto seems perfect for a gift to a friend or a friendship ring!

It must be added that the quotes from Ancient authors always sound better in their original language rather than in translation. Also, some people simply choose to engrave their names on friendship rings. Good luck with your engraved rings and your friendships!

See also:

Promise Rings: History and Meaning

(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.
For promise rings also see:

Men’s Promise Rings: Simple, Discreet, Meaningful

Promise Rings: History and Meaning

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.

The phrase Spes In Deo ("Hope In God"), as well as its variant In Deo Spes are popular inscriptions found on ecclesiastical rings. Here I have a visualization of a modern gold ring design featuring these words.

Other well-known religious ring inscriptions include:

Deus dona vivas in Deo - May God grant that you may live in God

Vivas in Deo - May you live in God

In Hoc Signo Vinces - In this sign thou shalt win

Laus Deo - Glory be to God

Mater Dei Memento - Mother of God, remember (me).

Prayers and excepts of prayers can also be engraved on rings. Some historical examples of such engravings are:

AVE MARIA

AVE MARIA GRATIA

JESUS, MARIA

JESUS NAZARENUS

MARIA, ANNA, IH’US

Sometimes the prayers are not engraved, but rather represented by small knobs that can be used as beads for repeating Ave . Eleven knobs would signify eleven Aves and one Pater Noster . Such rings were called "decade rings", the term which was occasionally used in a corrupted form of "dicket rings".

The Greek letters Alpha and Omega are also often used in Christian ring designs, as well as Chi and Rho.

To an untrainted ear the words Claddagh Ring can easily seem like some sort of Hebrew reference. Well, actually Claddagh is a village in Ireland. An old magazine describes the population of this village in such words:

"They are an industrious and self-respecting people, those fisher folk, but somewhat as exclusive in their manners as were their old burgher neighbors, who invited no mere Irish within the doors over which were sculptured the trefoils of the Lynches, the chevron of the Frenches, the fret of the Blakes and the squirrels of the Skerretts.
This does not mean that they are inhospitable: the are as courteous as anywhere in Ireland; but for ages they had a king of their own, and they are a people among themselves, whose parents were married for far back generations with the Claddagh ring, bearing two hands grasping a heart, who lived the same, adventurous, sea-defying lives and let the changeful stream of outer events glide all unnoticed by."

It must be added that the Claddagh ring often becomes a family heirloom, and is handed down from mother to daughter. As a result, some women still posses rings that are very old and show traces of an even older design. In past times the villagers of Claddagh were known to acknowledge no other pattern for their wedding rings. The reason behind this probably lies in the fact that fishermen are often superstitions. Claddagh ring is most properly made out of gold. There is a slogan that is often linked with these rings: "Let Love and Friendship Reign".