The short answer: the best pendant engravings are short and clear, such as initials, a date, a name or a set of coordinates, and the surface size decides how much text fits. Keep the main message on the front or back, and a private message on the reverse.
Engraving turns a pendant into a keepsake. Here are ideas and tips to help you decide.
Ideas
| Idea | Notes |
|---|---|
| Initials | Clean and easy to read. |
| Name | Works best on a larger plate or bar. |
| Date | A wedding, birth or anniversary. |
| Coordinates | Marks a place that matters. |
| Short phrase | Needs a larger back. |
Ideas by occasion
- A new baby: a first name and a date of birth, or a tiny footprint outline.
- An anniversary: the wedding date and both sets of initials.
- A graduation: the year and the place of study, kept short.
- A memorial: a name and dates, or a word that person used often.
- A move abroad: the coordinates of the home you left or the one you have found.
Where to engrave
- Front, for a visible message.
- Back, for a private one.
- Edge, for a very small mark.
Font and size
Simple capitals are easiest to read at small sizes. Script can look elegant but needs space.
Coordinates
Check them carefully before engraving. Use the format you prefer and confirm each number. Coordinates can be written in degrees or in decimals, and decimals are usually shorter and fit better on a small surface. A good tip is to paste the coordinates into a map before you send them, to be sure they point to exactly the right place.
Methods
Different designs suit different engraving methods, from classic lettering to finer detail. We talk through what suits your design and your wording before anything is made, and we explain what to expect from the finished result.
Shape and space
The shape of the pendant changes what fits. A round disc suits a short word or initials in the centre. A bar suits a name or coordinates along its length. A heart has less usable space than it seems, because the curves narrow at the top and bottom. If you have a long message in mind, we can suggest a shape with room for it, or a design that splits the wording between front and back.
Think about the future
Choose a message you will still like later. Names and dates are common choices. A private message on the back can be more personal than one on the front.
Other languages and symbols
If you would like another alphabet or a symbol, tell us and we will advise on what will reproduce clearly at a small size. Simple shapes work best.
Proof
We show you a proof of the engraving before it is done, so you can check every letter and digit. Nothing is made until you approve the design in writing, and our standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, which can vary with your location and how busy we are. Pieces start from £600.
- Choose the text.
- Choose the font and place.
- Approve the proof.
Wear over time
A pendant rubs against clothing and skin every day, so very fine engraving on the back can soften over many years. Slightly deeper lettering lasts longer, and a message on the front is protected less than one on the back. If the engraving fades, it can often be refreshed, so keep a note of the original wording and font.
See fingerprint and handwriting jewellery, bespoke pendants, memorial pendants and engraved cufflinks.
Frequently asked questions
How many letters fit? It depends on the piece.
Can it be removed? Not easily.
Can I use a different alphabet? Often yes, and we advise on what will reproduce clearly.
Which shape fits the most text? A bar or a larger disc usually has the most usable space.
Can I order from overseas? Yes, by video consultation, with insured, tracked FedEx delivery.