We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Items Traditionally Have Monograms?

Amy Pollick
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,683
Share

Since the advent of writing, people have made up monograms. A monogram is a symbol of someone’s or something’s name, usually made up of two or more letters. Even when people wrote in cuneiform, all persons of importance had a monogram.

Later on, the monogram took the form of seal rings or ornate stamps. Anything sealed with a person’s monogram was considered to be that person’s official word on the subject. Monograms have also served to represent individuals no longer bodily present, such as the Chi-Rho monogram that is commonly used to represent Jesus Christ.

In more recent times, monograms usually take the form of someone’s initials and mark an item as belonging to that person. Items such as attaché cases, linens, flatware and glassware have long carried monograms, and during the preppie fad in the early 1980s, monograms were standard on sweaters, handbags, wallets and the like. It was a status symbol to have one's monogram on a variety of items.

Some brides do not feel their wedding preparations are complete until they have ordered cards, notepaper and envelopes with their new initials monogrammed on the paper. Monograms also may appear on gold foil stationery seals. In times past, brides also ordered all their household linens and flatware marked with their monograms. Some sterling or gold flatware today is still monogrammed.

Many business people have monograms on their briefcases, and some men have their monograms on the cuffs of their shirt sleeves. Some business people have monogrammed pens or pencils. Jewelry can also carry monograms. Cufflinks, class pins, class rings, signet rings and signet pins may all have monograms.

I.D. bracelets, popular in the late 1970s, frequently had monograms, although they were also imprinted with the wearer’s name, astrological sign or a witty phrase. Monogrammed sunglasses were popular at this time, as well. Some luxury cars carry the owner’s monogram on the dashboard or on the seats. Athletes may have their monograms on their shoes or uniforms. Many people also have their luggage monogrammed.

Monograms serve to confirm identity, but they also allow people to individualize their belongings. A monogram is often a personal statement. Monograms appeal to those who like to add a personal touch to their belongings.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Amy Pollick
By Amy Pollick
Amy Pollick, a talented content writer and editor, brings her diverse writing background to her work at WiseGeek. With experience in various roles and numerous articles under her belt, she crafts compelling content that informs and engages readers across various platforms on topics of all levels of complexity.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Amy Pollick
Amy Pollick
Amy Pollick, a talented content writer and editor, brings her diverse writing background to her work at WiseGeek. With...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-items-traditionally-have-monograms.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.