PERSONALIZING YOUR RING: ENGRAVING TIPS & IDEAS
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 The custom of inscribing romantic "posies" (poetry) onto rings began in the courts of Medieval Europe. Today, engraving a message on the inside of the shank -- even around the perimeter of the stone! -- is one of the easiest ways to personalize an engagement ring or your wedding bands.
HOW TO DO IT
It's easiest to have rings engraved by your jeweler; simply make the request when you order the rings (be sure to check the inscription when you receive them). If the jeweler can't do it, he should be able to refer you an engraver. (Knot Note: Having the ring engraved can be done while you wait or take up to one month. Plan ahead.)
The cost is usually based on the number of letters (or numbers) in the inscription, the font used, and whether it will be engraved by hand or machine. Machine engraving starts at about $1 per character. Hand engraving can cost up to five times as much, but can add unique embellishments and/or deliver the authentic hand-forged feel you may desire.
WRITTEN IN STONE
If you can't edit your sentiment down to a mere few words or would like to use a stanza from a poem or song, consider engraving your love letter -- or continuing the message engraved in your ring! -- around the rim of the stone itself. Not only is this the ultimate secret declaration of your love (the inscription is invisible to the naked eye but can be seen with a magnifying glass), it can also serve as a foolproof "birthmark" should the stone ever be lost or stolen. The Gemological Institute of America will do the deed on stones up to one carat for $28 for the first 15 characters (spaces count). Ask your jeweler for details.
WORDS TO LIVE BY
Although it's ideal to use a nickname, promise, date, or saying that bears significance to you two alone (the interiors of Courtney Cox's and David Arquette's wedding bands read "A deal's a deal," an expression used by a friend's father whose marriage Courtney admired), here are some inscriptions with timeless appeal:
 Deus Nos Iunxit (Latin: God Joined Us)
Semper Amemus (Latin: Let Us Love Always)
Semper Fidelis (Latin: Always Faithful)
Pari Passu (Latin: With Equal Step)
Amor Vincit Omnia (Latin: Love Conquers All)
Mizpah (Hebrew, Genesis 31:48-49: God watch between us when we are absent from one another)
Il Mio Cuore e il Tuo Per Sempre (Italian: My Heart is Yours Forever)
Amore Mio (Italian: My Love)
Ani L'dodi V'dodi Li (Hebrew, Song of Solomon 2:16: I Am My Beloved's and My Beloved is Mine)
En Bien Aimer (15th-century French: To Encircle With Love)
Por Tous Jours (15th-century French: For All Days)
A Vila Mon Coeur Gardi Li Mo (15th-century French: Here is My Heart, Guard it Well!)
Autre Ne Vueil (15th-century French: No One But You)
Une Dezir (15th-century French: My One Desire)
Mon Coeur Est a Vous (French: You Have My Heart)
Par Grant Amour (14th/15th-century French: For My Greatest Love)
Mon Amour (French: My Love)
Je T'aime (French: I Love You)
Myn Genyst (Old German: My Heart)
In Thy Brest My Hart Doth Rest (Old English)
God for Me Provided Thee (16th/17th-century English)
God Unite Both in Love (Old English)
Forevermore
Forever and ever
Forever entwined
Forever in love
Forever in my heart
Never shall we be parted
Never to part
Never another you
Love 'n kisses
XOXOXOXO
My best friend (wedding date)
For you alone
From this moment on
One life one love
One love one lifetime
Life has begun (wedding date)
Today-Tomorrow-Forever
Joy without end
All my love
Love is all
For always and forever
My heart is yours
My love is forever yours
You are the love of my life
With all that I am
With you always
How do I love thee
My beloved is mine
Bless this ring, bless our life
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