No, I am not talking about the wedding ring engravings that spell out the couple’s initials and birthdays or the date of the wedding. Not even the ones that have wedding vows engraved on them or feature memorable quotes, mottos and mantras – what have you. I am talking about all of the above, but from a very different perspective.

In an interview with The Star, John Thompson, director of Birks on Bloor St. W., says that has seen a lot of shy and nervous soon-to-be newlyweds. “I find people take the buying of the wedding bands very seriously,” he says. “The trend now is for something quite plain, and often people have the date and their initials engraved inside – which indicates to me that they intend to wear it a long time, they are taking it seriously, and they want something that they won’t get tired of.”

He added that men are somewhat hesitant about wearing a wedding band, not because of lack of commitment but simply because they’ve never worn a ring before. “A lot of men say it feels kind of strange, and it is their first and only piece of `jewellery.’” (I highlighted the most important parts)

In my opinion, these are very important sociological observations. Most interestingly, if you choose to engrave your wedding rings you are sending a signal to everybody, including your future spouse! The signal that says, “This is a serious thing. We will wear these rings for a long-long time.” The psychological motives behind this may be simple. By creating special memories and unique shared experiences people tend to become closer to each other. Traditionally this is meant to be achieved by having an expensive wedding with many guests. True, this is a sure way to create memories and family ties. We all know, of course, that expensive weddings do not insure against divorces any better than modest ceremonies. Why would a wedding ring engraving create any hopes for a better married life?

As we have already noted, when couples choose to have their rings engraved they display the strength of their commitment. The actual engraved rings reinforce their commitment. While still a part of the wedding ceremony held in public (expensive of not), the traditional exchanging of the rings becomes more intimate and meaningful for the bride and the groom. The memories associated with engraved wedding rings are more personal and enduring than the recollections of a public event that is a wedding. And that’s the reason why engraving your wedding bands has the potential to add lasting value to a relationship.

Now, of course, if you look from this perspective, choosing an inscription for your wedding rings becomes an even more serious task. Wouldn’t it seem that the more personal the message on the wedding rings, the better?

And, speaking of unique and unusual engravings on wedding rings, how does “Lobster” sound to you?

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.

ALL THINE IS MINE

ALL MINE IS THINE

ALL PERFECT LOVE

IS FROM ABOVE

AS GOD HATH KNIT OUR

HEARTS IN ONE

LET NOTHING PART BUT DEATH

ALONE

AS GOLD IS PURE LET LOVE INDURE

BODY AND MINDE IN THEE I FINDE

BY GOD’S DIRECTION WE JOYN AFFECTION

CONSTANT AND TRUE I’LL BE TO YOU

CONTENTED WITH MY CHOICE

DESIRE AND DESERVE

ENDLESS AS THIS SHALL BE OUR BLISS

GOD SAW THEE MOST FIT FOR ME

GOD’S INTENT NONE CAN PREVENT

I BID ADIEU TO ALL BUT YOU

I DO REJOYCE IN THEE MY CHOYCE

I FANCY NONE BUT THEE ALONE

I LIKE MY CHOICE AND DO REJOYCE

IN CONSTANCIE I LIVE AND DYE

IN LOVE’S DELIGHT SPEND DAY AND NIGHT

KEEPE FAYTH TILL DETH

LOVE EVER OR LOVE NEVER

LOVE IS SURE WHERE FAITH IS PURE

MY GIVING THIS

BEGINS MY BLISS

MY LOUE TO THEE SHALL ENDLESS BE

NO LOVE MORE TRUE THAN MINE TO YOU

NOT THINE NOR MINE BUT OURS

ON THY RETURN FROM SEE

UNITED WEE WILL BEE

PREPARED BE TO FOLLOW ME

REMEMBER HIM WHO DIED FOR THEE

AND AFTER THAT REMEMBER ME

REMEMBER MEE WHEN THIS YOU SEE

RINGS AND TRUE FRIENDS

ARE WITHOUT ENDS

THIS AND I UNTILL I DIE

THY CONSENT IS MY CONTENT

TO GOD’S DECREE WEE BOTH AGREE

TO LIVE IN LOVE I LOVE TO LIVE

TO ME TILL DEATH AS DEAR AS BREATH

TWAS GOD TO THEE DIRECTED ME

UNITED HARTES DEATH ONLY PARTES

VERTUE AND LOVE ARE FROM ABOVE

WHERE ONCE I CHOOSE I NE’ER REFUSE

Also see:

Ideas for Engraved Rings. Part 1: Latin Quotes on Engraved Wedding Rings, Promise Rings and Purity

Promise Rings: History and Meaning