What is an Intaglio Ring?
Intaglio (Italian for “carving”), as a term in jewelry refers to incised (negative) engravings, typically used to create seals and signets. Although the demand for signets that can be conveniently used to seal letters has decreased drastically intaglio designs are still quite popular as decorative elements. Intaglio rings are excellent collectors’ items. It must be noted that very often intaglio designs are produced without lettering. This makes their reversed character less obvious, but they can still be properly called intaglio rings.
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".
This list contains a few select inscriptions taken from antique promise rings. The spelling of the actual engravings has been preserved, so if you pick one of them it might be a good idea to stick with an “old looking” font. Most engravers these days can easily accommodate such a request. You can also customize these engravings in any way you like (which includes updating the orthography), or simply use the rhyming scheme to create your very own and very special engraved rings. Some of these inscriptions are more fitting for promise rings, some are more suited as engravings on wedding rings. Be warned, most of these little poems have an Elizabethan “ring” to them. I believe that this creates some additional charm. Also, keep in mind that rings can be engraved on the inside , so that the engraved phrases may only be known to you and your loved one.
