What is acrostic jewellery?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
Acrostic jewellery spells out a hidden word using the first letter of each gemstone in the piece. The idea borrows from acrostic poetry, where the opening letters of each line form a message, so a row of stones becomes a secret note you wear. The most famous example is the DEAREST ring, set with Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Topaz. Hugely popular in the Georgian and Victorian eras, acrostic pieces were given as tokens of love and friendship.
Frequently asked questions
- What does a DEAREST ring spell?
- A DEAREST ring spells the word dearest using the first letter of each gemstone: Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Topaz, set in that order along the ring.
- What words can acrostic jewellery spell?
- Any word you can match to gemstone names. Historic favourites include DEAREST, ADORE and REGARD, and modern jewellers will often create custom pieces spelling a name or a personal word.
- When was acrostic jewellery popular?
- It was especially popular in the Georgian and Victorian periods, roughly the late 1700s through the 1800s, when sentimental jewellery carrying secret messages was very much in fashion.
Designing a ring
Talk through acrostic jewellery with us
Tell us what you have in mind, even if it is only a budget and a piece of jewellery type, and we will help you weigh up the options. We reply to every enquiry, usually within one business day.
Contact the studio