Initials Hidden in the Engagement Ring Basket
By Clint Casmiro, Co-Founder, Smiro Studio, Toronto · Updated September 28, 2026
Short answer: Initials can be built into the basket under the diamond, where they only show when the ring is turned over. On this ring, an M sits on one side of the basket and a P on the other. From the top it is still a clean 3 carat oval on a thicker band. The basket, the bridge and the inside of the band are the three best places to hide something personal.
This client wanted part of them somewhere in the ring. So we put both of their initials into the basket.
Read the video transcript
Custom rings you'll never find at a big box store featuring initials in this basket. So this client came to us and said they wanted part of them somewhere in this ring. So what better way than putting both of their initials tucked away into the basket. So one side there's an M and on the other side there's a P just tucked away into the basket. It's still a super clean ring, so it's this 3 carat oval with a thicker band. And unless you flip this ring over, you don't even notice the initials tucked away there in the basket.
The ring in the video
A 3 carat oval on a thicker band. From the top you see the stone and nothing else. Turn it over and there is an M on one side of the basket and a P on the other, built into the metal that holds the diamond. Unless you flip the ring, you would never notice.
Where else can you hide something personal?
- The bridge. The part under the head, between the stone and the band. It does not affect how a band stacks, and it is Clint's favourite spot to engrave. We have engraved a constellation there.
- The petals of a tulip basket. Birthstones or sapphires in the petals, invisible from the top.
- A hidden halo in colour. Rubies or sapphires instead of diamonds.
- Inside the band. Laser engraving for names and dates, or a birthstone set flush.
Why hide it at all?
Keep the top clean and timeless, and put the personality underneath. The ring never goes out of style, but it is still entirely yours. That is how we design most of our rings.
Tell us what you would hide in yours.
A free 30 minute video call with Clint or Karina. Bring a photo, a budget, or nothing at all.
Book a free callGet a 60 second estimateQuestions we get about this
Do initials in the basket make the setting weaker?
No. They are designed into the basket in CAD, so the structure is planned around them.
Can you add initials to a ring I already own?
Engraving inside the band, yes. Initials built into the basket have to be part of the original design.
Can I see it before it is made?
Yes. You approve a 3D design before production.
How much does a ring with hidden initials cost?
A fully custom ring from us starts at about $4,000 USD, and most of the rings we build land between $4,000 and $5,000. Our Ready To Order settings start at $1,299 CAD, plus the diamond. The centre stone moves the price most: in September 2026 a 2 carat lab grown diamond ran about $2,500 CAD and a 3 carat about $2,700 CAD. A small hidden detail adds very little compared with the stone. Real numbers are in our cost guide.
Where can you hide a secret message in a ring?
Inside the band, on the bridge under the stone, or built into the basket. Only the inside of the band can be added later.
What do people engrave inside engagement rings?
Initials, a wedding date, coordinates of where you met, or a short phrase. Keep it short so it stays legible.
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