The 6 Most Sentimental Words and Phrases to Engrave on Jewellery

Jewellery often speaks without words but an engraving can make it speak just to you. Whether it’s a quiet message tucked inside a ring, or a simple name on the back of a pendant, the right engraving turns something beautiful into something deeply personal.

At Walter Bull & Son, we’ve helped our customers mark life’s most meaningful moments for generations. From discreet messages to heartfelt phrases, here are seven of the most sentimental engraving ideas to consider.

Initials and Monograms

A set of initials remains a timeless and elegant choice. Whether it’s your own, a loved one’s, or two initials intertwined, it creates a quiet statement of identity and connection. Whether you prefer traditional monograms or something more contemporary, engraved initials are a timeless way to add significance without saying too much. On the back of a watch or pendant, it’s a subtle yet powerful way to carry someone with you.

Dates That Matter

Few things are more personal than a date. The day you met, a wedding anniversary, or a birth date can all be marked with a quiet engraving. Some opt for traditional numerical dates while others prefer Roman numerals for a more understated look. These inscriptions often appear on wedding bands, eternity rings or cufflinks, where they serve as a permanent reminder of a moment in time.

Name

A name says everything. It could be your own, someone you love, or someone you miss. Some choose to engrave a child’s name on a charm bracelet, while others place a partner’s name on the inner band of a ring or the back of a pendant. A name can be bold or discreet, shown proudly or hidden close to the skin, but it always carries weight.

Names are often chosen for christening gifts, anniversary pieces, and sentimental everyday jewellery.

Location

The location of a moment can be just as powerful as the moment itself. Some people choose to engrave a town or city name. Others opt for coordinates, a subtle reference to a spot only they understand. It might be the place you met, a shared holiday, or the location of a proposal.

Coordinates are perfect when you want the message to feel hidden yet deeply personal. They’re often engraved inside rings or on the reverse of pendants and bangles.

Time

For something truly precise, consider engraving a time. It could be the hour your child was born, the time you said “I do”, or the moment of a quiet personal milestone. While less common than dates or initials, engraved times feel poetic and exact, capturing a split second in a way that only you might understand.

When paired with a date or place, a time can make an engraving feel complete, a full memory etched in metal.

Zodiac Signs

Astrological signs are often chosen for their symbolism. Whether it’s your own star sign or someone close to you, a zodiac engraving brings a quiet sense of identity and fate. Some opt for the word itself - Virgo, Pisces, Taurus - while others choose a symbol or glyph for something more discreet.

Zodiac engravings are particularly popular on pendants, bracelets and charms, where they can be worn every day.

When choosing what to engrave, think about what holds meaning not just today, but years from now. It’s not about trends. It’s about sentiment, memory, and meaning.

At Walter Bull & Son, we offer both traditional hand engraving and precision machine engraving, depending on the piece and your preference. Whether you already know exactly what you’d like to say or need help deciding, we’re always happy to guide you.

To speak to us about engraving or personalising a piece, visit us in Cirencester or get in touch through our website.