That\u2019s just one of the intriguing elements of our new timepiece, the Vinton. <\/p>\n
Many features of the Vinton stand out\u2014like its classic design, its silhouette that flows seamlessly from the dial to the case to the strap or bracelet, and the way it fits so comfortably on the wrist.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the Vinton, we set out to make a much slimmer watch with a slimmer case,\u201d says Shinola Watch Design Director Bill Guy. \u201cWe then had this caseback with a big, bright steel surface right around the time engraving was taking off with our jewelry line. It was the perfect time to emphasize engraving.”<\/p>\n
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Engraving is a great way to commemorate a special moment in your life, or someone else\u2019s. A special message or a simple set of initials can make a thoughtful gift stand out. This past holiday season, Shinola saw a rise in engravings. Hundreds of pieces of jewelry were given a personal touch. <\/p>\n
The reasons and occasions for engraving are endless, but carving a message into stone\u2014or, in this case, stainless steel\u2014can be daunting. So we caught up with Aaron Decker, our Jewelry Services Manager, to find out a little more about engraving\u2014and the best way to go about it. <\/p>\n
There\u2019s a lot to consider when engraving a piece. Just like in real estate, Aaron advises to keep in mind location, location, location. <\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a time and place for different kinds of engraving,\u201d he says. \u201cInitials on the part people see is a little more private while full names are great for a less visible surface.\u201d <\/p>\n
The engraved message on the Vinton caseback wouldn\u2019t be as public-facing, so it’s an ideal canvas for something a little more personal. <\/p>\n
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\u201cYou want to consider how personal or private the person is in their normal life and if that reflects with their jewelry,\u201d he says. <\/p>\n
When deciding on the perfect message, Aaron suggests avoiding clich\u00e9s or corny lines and going for words with a little more meaning. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe best engravings I can think of are usually names, because it\u2019s super personalized. Everyone can have \u2018love you, Mom\u2019 or \u2018Happy Valentine\u2019s Day,\u2019\u201d Aaron says.<\/p>\n
He offers an example he used for the inside of his partner’s engagement ring.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen John was teaching in Detroit, he would say, \u2018Hey, kids, let\u2019s imagine . . . \u2019 So every conversation we would have, it would come up. It became our relationship mantra, it\u2019s something very personal,\u201d he says. <\/p>\n
Another factor to consider is the font. \u201cDelicate\u201d fonts are often associated with femininity, but Aaron says that notion is misguided. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou should look at font not for gender, but as sensitivity or impact,\u201d he says. \u201cFor a strong or bold personality, they should go toward Century, Franklin or Roman. They are more modern, more architectural. Script fonts, like Shelley are a little more delicate.\u201d <\/p>\n
Character count is another important aspect to engraving the right message on your piece. While you may be allowed to engrave a message with plenty of characters, \u201cless is more\u201d is an important adage to remember.<\/p>\n
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\u201cI\u2019d encourage people to be mindful of the space. When people are buying, they are trying to get the biggest bang for the buck. It\u2019s the wrong mentality,\u201d Aaron says. \u201cYou want it to look good, you don\u2019t want it to have a lot of text just because you could. Think minimal impact with the most emotional depth.\u201d <\/p>\n
For the Vinton, you can engrave up to 24 characters, including spaces, with a maximum of 12 characters per line, up to two lines. But choose carefully. Just because you get 24 characters doesn\u2019t mean you need to write a long message. <\/p>\n
While Aaron\u2019s excellent advice also applies to our select engravable jewelry pieces, it\u2019s important to keep in mind these words of wisdom for the Vinton. However you choose to engrave your timepiece, the personal touch you put on it will make it irreplaceable. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
That\u2019s just one of the intriguing elements of our new timepiece, the Vinton. Many features of the Vinton stand out\u2014like its classic design, its silhouette that flows seamlessly from the dial to the case to the strap or bracelet, and the way it fits so comfortably on the wrist. \u201cWith the Vinton, we set out […]<\/p>\n