History of Monogramming

The Monogram, a brief history

For the modern day shopper, a monogram is a way to personalize one’s favorite bag, or a newborn baby’s sweater. This delightful detail that evokes nostalgia in many, however, dates back as early as 350BC, where its purpose was utilitarian long before it became decorative. Monograms were first used in Greece; coins were branded with letters so as to designate their origin. Eventually monograms were also used by artists and craftsmen to identify their work, and over time, monarchies across Europe came to use the use monograms as a way to identify their families, leading them to be symbols of status and luxury.

That which once connected a monarch to its people, the past to the present, still adds a personal touch to something that could be passed down. Monogramming creates nostalgia; it takes an everyday ordinary item and makes it symbolic. It can turn an ordinary baby sweater into a family

Today, monograms adorn everything from fine linens to water bottles and glass ware. While the traditional, created with the three initials is most widely used, the sky is the limit as Nantucket Monogramming strives to offer whatever speaks to the customer. Almost anything is possible, ranging from different fonts, formats, or the full name; it is also possible, and often preferable to choose a graphic, or a symbol (like the shape of your favorite island!).