How to Turn a Loved One's Handwriting Into Jewelry

Handwriting is one of the most personal things a person leaves behind. The way someone signed a birthday card, wrote "love you" on a lunch note, or scribbled a recipe on an index card is completely theirs. Engraving that handwriting onto jewelry is a way to keep it close, whether it belongs to someone you have lost or someone you simply love.

Here is how the process works, and how to get the best result.

Step 1: Find the right piece of handwriting

Look through cards, letters, recipe cards, notes and even checks or school papers. The best choices are:

• Short phrases: "Love you," "Love, Mom," "XO Dad," a name or a signature.
• Clear, dark writing with good contrast against the paper.
• Something meaningful, like the way they always signed off.

You can also combine words from different notes, for example "I love you" from one card and a signature from another.

Step 2: Take a good photo

• Lay the paper flat in natural daylight, without shadows.
• Take the photo straight on, not at an angle.
• Get close so the writing fills most of the frame.
• If the ink is faint, that's okay. We can usually clean up the image before engraving.

Step 3: Choose the piece

Different pieces suit different amounts of writing:

• A few words or a signature: the Handwriting Bar Necklace or the Handwriting Ring.
• A short note: the Handwriting Disc Necklace or the Handwriting Cuff Bracelet, which has room for longer messages inside or outside.
• Something to carry every day: the Handwriting Keychain or the Handwriting Money Clip, a favorite gift for dads and grandpas.
• A memorial keepsake: the Handwriting Urn Necklace and the Cremation Cross Necklace can also hold a small amount of ashes.

Step 4: Upload it with your order

On the product page, upload your photo in the personalization section before you add the piece to your cart. Add a note if you want only part of the writing used. We engrave the handwriting exactly as it was written, so it looks just like theirs.

Frequently asked questions

Can you engrave a child's drawing? Yes. Simple line drawings work beautifully, especially on money clips, keychains and larger discs.

Will it look exactly like the original? We keep the natural shape of the letters, including the little imperfections that make it theirs. Very tiny text may be scaled up slightly so it stays readable.

Is it waterproof? Our handwriting pieces are made from stainless steel that won't tarnish or change color, so they're made to be worn every day.

See every design in our Handwritten collection.

Every Torianic piece is handmade to order and engraved just for you. Free US shipping on orders over $50.