Engraving your wedding band makes your ring that extra bit more personal and meaningful. Having some kind of love note, special date, or the couple's names etched onto your band is a traditional act that has been in place since medieval times.
So it comes as no surprise that couples usually choose this extra personalised option when buying their wedding rings.
While many may opt to have their partner's name or both of their names inscribed on the inside band, the wedding date is another popular route to take – and means your spouse will never forget your anniversary.
Read on for five questions you need to ask before engraving your wedding ring, as recommended by diamond expert Lewis Malka...
The new Mrs Clooney flashes her wedding ring in Venice
Why are ring engravings so important for couples?
The significance can be very different for many people, but there are two main reasons; firstly as a romantic gesture, and secondly so the bride has piece of mind that the groom won't forget their anniversary, as traditionally couples have their wedding date engraved into their rings. Engraving can make the rings extremely personal as others rarely know you have your rings engraved.
When should you get your ring engraved?
The best time is when the rings are being made, however there is no problem with having it done at a later date. This is particularly the case if you also want to have your engagement ring engraved.
How should you go about getting your rings engraved?
In the first instance talk to the jeweller from which you bought or are buying your rings, however if you are working with an independent designer like Lewis, they can easily engrave the rings during the creation process.
How much do engravings cost?
The costs can start from as little as £40 per ring for basic engraving, but this can increase to a few hundred pounds if you were to include diamonds or other stones.
What you should get engraved onto your ring?
Typically couples would opt for: the date and the name of their partner; each other's nicknames; the wedding date separated with each other's birthstone as the dots (for example 28∙01∙15); a memorable quirky strap line ('A Whole New World' has been quite popular recently) or a small diamond set on the inside of the band.
In Lewis' experience, engravings are becoming a little more adventurous and are starting to move away from the more traditional wedding date route. "Once I had a client who wanted his to read 'Don't Be Nosey'," said the jewellery designer.
"It always important to remember not to go for something fashionable and to go for something meaningful," he added. "You want it to be romantic and last forever. However, in the worst case scenario, if you want it removed, it can be done."
Other popular things you may want engraved on your wedding ring:
Couple's initials and birth dates
Romantic phrases – I Love You; Forever; Always; I Promise; Beloved; Till Death Do Us Apart; From This Moment On; Truly, Madly, Deeply; Love, Honour and Cherish; My First, My Only
The title of your first dance
An excerpt from your wedding vows
Phrases in another language – Amore mio (My love in Italian), Je t'aime (I love you in French), Vivo per lei (I live for her in Italian)
The infinity symbol
Roman numerals
Short love notes or extracts from poems
You or your partner's fingerprints