For just about as long as humans have walked the earth, the art of engraving has been practiced in some form. It originated independently in several cultures.
Jump ahead to these sections:
- Engraving Ideas for Memorial Jewelry or Stones for Mom or Dad
- Engraving Ideas for Memorial Jewelry or Stones for Siblings
- Engraving Ideas for Memorial Jewelry or Stones for Children
- Engraving Ideas for Wedding Bands or Engagement Rings
- Loving Engraving Ideas for Him
- Loving Engraving Ideas for Her
Pieces with patterned engravings have been found that date back over 400,000 years. Part of the reason this art form has been so enduring is that it makes objects feel extra special and personalized.
While objects can be inscribed with patterns, many people like to inscribe them with messages. Jewelry, in particular, is often engraved with special messages, especially when given as a gift. Here, we explore some short and sweet messages to engrave on jewelry for all occasions.
Engraving Ideas for Memorial Jewelry or Stones for Mom or Dad
Parents are usually there for us from the very moment we’re born. When they die, it’s almost like losing a part of ourselves. One way people cope with this loss is by wearing a piece of memorial jewelry.
It helps to feel like you’re keeping them close to your heart. Here are some messages to make memorial jewelry in honor of your parents extra special.
1. “Forever in my heart.”
This is a sweet and touching variation of a saying like “in loving memory”. It would be perfect on a heart-shaped locket.
2. “Love is immortality.”
This phrase is from a poem by Emily Dickinson. It opens with the line, “Unable are the Loved to die/For Love is Immortality.” It’s a great way to remind someone that our late loved ones continue to live in our hearts and minds.
3. “Love you forever.”
The children’s book Love You Forever chronicles the close relationship between a mother and son. This would be a lovely tribute to a beloved mother.
4. “The melody lingers on.”
This is a quote from an Irving Berlin tune. The full lyric goes, “The song is ended, but the melody lingers on.” It reminds us that even after our parents die, their influence continues. You are their living legacy.
Engraving Ideas for Memorial Jewelry or Stones for Siblings
Siblings have a special bond. Even if your brother or sister drives you crazy, they also probably understand you like no one else. If they die, memorial jewelry can help you honor their memory. These messages can help you pay tribute to your unique sibling relationship.
5. “Until we meet again.”
If you believe in the afterlife, you know you’ll be reunited with your sibling once again. That still doesn’t make you miss them any less. This message can remind you that you will see your sibling again.
6. “All we are is dust in the wind.”
Sometimes people will have cremation jewelry made to honor a loved one. It holds a small portion of ashes. This song lyric about the ephemeral nature of life pairs well with the cremation jewelry concept.
7. “While I breathe, I hope.”
Was your sibling always looking on the bright side of life? If so, this translated quote from ancient Latin is a lovely way to pay tribute to their spirit. It can help get you through the difficult initial mourning period.
8. “I am with you always.”
When people have time to prepare for their own death, they often leave messages behind to comfort their loved ones. If you know the end of your life is drawing near, you can get memorial jewelry for those who will grieve you. This message could bring a lot of comfort.
Engraving Ideas for Memorial Jewelry or Stones for Children
There may be no loss more unfathomable than the death of a child. It’s difficult to deal with the thought of someone dying before their life has really had a chance to begin. Engraved memorial jewelry can help serve as a reminder of a short but beautiful life.
9. “Life gave me the gift of you.”
When people give birth, they say that they’re giving the gift of life. But children bring so much joy to us in return. Even if your time with your child was limited, you likely wouldn’t change it for the world.
10. “It is not length of life, but depth of life.”
This quote is attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson. It can serve as a sweet reminder to parents that even a short life leaves a big impact on the world.
11. “So small, so sweet, so soon.”
This saying is often engraved on children’s headstones. It also makes a lovely sentiment for some memorial jewelry. It would be especially fitting for someone grieving after a stillbirth or miscarriage.
12. “Little feet leave big footprints.”
This is another message that can bring comfort to families in mourning. Like earlier messages, it reminds people that children really make a big mark in a short amount of time.
Engraving Ideas for Wedding Bands or Engagement Rings
We’ve spoken about engravings you can put on memorial jewelry. But you can also engrave jewelry that’s meant for happier occasions. Many people like to customize their wedding or engagement rings with an engraved message on the inside of the band.
There isn’t a lot of room on these bands, so these messages need to be short and sweet. Here are some examples:
13. “Forever.”
It’s funny how one little word can hold so much weight. This sentiment is small enough to fit inside a wedding band, but it’s long on meaning.
14. “We belong together.”
Many married couples opt to get matching engravings on wedding bands. This message works well for all couples. It also shows that you and your spouse have an equal partnership.
15. “Lucky.”
This is another one-word inscription that has a lot of meaning. It could just mean you’re lucky in love. It could also refer to the song “Lucky” by Jason Mraz. That song has the lyric, “I’m lucky I’m in love with my best friend.” It’s a sweet sentiment for a married couple.
16. Latitude and longitude coordinates
This isn’t a saying so much as it’s an idea. Every place on Earth has latitude and longitude coordinates that pinpoints its location.
There may be a special place that holds significance to you and your partner. You can engrave its latitude and longitude coordinates onto your rings. It could be where you met, or where you went on your first date. It will be almost like a secret message you can share.
Loving Engraving Ideas for Him
If you have a partner who enjoys jewelry, you can make it extra special. Engraved messages can help a piece of jewelry feel more personalized. These messages can make a gift of jewelry into a custom treasure.
17. “I carry your heart with me.”
This line is from an e.e. cummings poem. The full line is “I carry your heart with me (I carry it in my heart).” It’s a romantic message that is still understated and masculine.
18. “I love you and I like you.”
Sometimes people love each other out of obligation. But sometimes you love them because you just genuinely enjoy them.
19. “You are my person.”
Sometimes a pop culture moment resonates with a bigger audience. On the show Grey’s Anatomy, one friend says this to another. However, you can engrave this message on a piece of jewelry for a friend, family member, or romantic partner. It will hold a lot of meaning, no matter the recipient.
20. “Us against the world.”
If there’s a guy in your life who is always on your side, this message is a great way to show you appreciate him.
Loving Engraving Ideas for Her
Jewelry is a popular gift for women. Odds are, if you have a woman you care about, you’ve bought her a piece of jewelry. There’s a reason why advertisers really crank up the jewelry ads around Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. If you want to make a gift of jewelry feel super special, a sweet engraving will really help it stand out.
21. “Best friends forever.”
When you’re a kid, it’s easy to show your affection for your best girlfriend. Just give each other a best friend necklace! For a more grown-up spin, get you and your bestie matching engraved pieces of jewelry. It’s a modern take on a nostalgic tradition.
22. “Kindred spirits.”
In the Anne of Green Gables series, kindred spirits refer to people who connect on a deep level. This message could be one of friendship or love.
23. “As you wish.”
The Princess Bride is one of the most well-loved films of all time. In it, one character always says “as you wish,” when he really means “I love you.” This is a sweet coded way for you and your partner to express your love.
24. “She walks in beauty.”
This is a line from a famous poem by Lord Byron. It’s a simple message, but one that’s filled with romance. This is a great engraving for a literature enthusiast.
Make Jewelry More Meaningful with Engraved Messages
Jewelry can be a thoughtful and special gift with a lot of meaning to it. Wedding rings symbolize a commitment to spend your life with someone. Memorial jewelry signifies a desire to keep a loved one close, even after their death. Other jewelry gifts can be a show that you hold someone in high esteem.
You can elevate any piece of jewelry by engraving a simple but heartfelt message. A simple inscription can raise a piece of jewelry to a family heirloom status.