Engraving on the Side of a Ring: Top, Sides or All Three
By Clint Casmiro, Co-Founder, Smiro Studio · Updated October 22, 2026
Short answer: Outside engraving comes in three amounts: the top side of the band only, which shows when you look down at your hand; three sided, which adds both edges and shows from every angle; and part way, often 75 to 80% down the band. Top side is the quietest; three sided is the full vintage look.
"The side of the ring" can mean the face you see from above or the edges you see from the side. When we quote engraving we describe it by surface, so here is what each one looks like on a real ring.
What does top side engraving look like?
The pattern runs along the surface facing up when the ring is on, so it shows every time you look at your hand, and the edges stay plain. It is the quietest way to engrave a band. Joe's ring has top side engraving that continues into a 2.5 mm band tapering to 2 mm.
3D render of Joe's 3.55 carat oval: engraving on the top side only.
What is three sided engraving?
Engraving on the top and both edges of the band, so the pattern wraps around what you can see. It is the most detailed option and the one that looks most antique. Emen and Rayyan's 2.5 mm flat euroshank is engraved on all three sides, and so is Riley and Tyler's band.
Three sided: Emen and Rayyan's band, left, and a 3D render of Calen's, engraved on all sides, right.
Can engraving stop part way down the band?
Yes. D'Angelo's ring has top side engraving running 80% down a 3 mm band. Stopping short leaves the bottom plain, which is where a band takes the most wear and where any future resize would happen.
Which should I choose?
| Amount | Shows from | Look | Resizing later |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top side | Above, when you look at your hand | Clean, subtle | Bottom of the band is plain |
| Part way (75 to 80%) | Above and three quarters round | Fuller, still practical | Bottom is plain |
| Three sided, full band | Every angle | The full vintage look | Usually cannot be resized |
From our client rings and the resizing rules in our guides, October 2026.
A fully engraved band usually cannot be resized without breaking the pattern, so settle your size before we start. Details in can you resize an engraved ring.
How wide does a band need to be for side engraving?
Our engraved client rings sit on bands from 2 mm to 4 mm. Edge engraving needs some band height to show; a wider, flatter band shows top side engraving best. If you like a lot of engraving, see thick band engagement rings.
Not sure how much of the band to engrave? We will mock up both.
A free 20 minute video call with our team. Bring a photo, a budget, or nothing at all.
Book a free callGet a free estimateFrom our collection
Oval Outer Halo Vintage Engraved
Radiant Hidden Halo Floral Engraved
Emerald Full Bezel Floral Engraved
Marquise Bypass Vintage Engraved
Questions we get about this
What is three sided engraving?
Engraving on the top and both edges of the band, so the pattern shows from every angle.
Can you engrave the outside of a ring?
Yes, by hand: the top side, the edges, or both. Laser is only used inside the band.
Is top side engraving visible?
Yes, it faces up when the ring is on, so you see it whenever you look at your hand.
Can a three sided engraved ring be resized?
Usually not without breaking the pattern, so get the size right before engraving.
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