It hails back to Victorian England when a bride’s registry was as elegant and as meticulously chosen as her wedding trousseau. Monogrammed china was a sign of wealth and prestige. Today, it’s more a reflection of good taste, and there’s no better way to proudly display your new married initials.

Monogrammed china can range from a simple pre-stamped gold or silver initial to more elaborate colorful custom-painted designs. The initials can either be hand-painted before the china is glazed and fired—resulting in a permanent, protected work of art—or can be added afterward, resulting in the embellishment possibly wearing off with use. Higher quality pieces are hand-painted before the plates are fired, creating a lustrous look that withstands the test of time.

So why is monogrammed china a popular registry item? “In one word: uniqueness,” says Leonard Lowland, of kitchenshop.com, an online kitchen resource that offers high-quality monogrammed and family crest pieces. “Monogrammed china is beautiful, unique, and especially personal. It’s functional, and yet is seen almost from the day you open it as a family heirloom. It’s an exceptional gift.” And “in this overly commercial world, monogrammed china offers something special,” Lowland adds. “It is a unique reflection of the bride and groom, because they get to design it themselves. A wedding is the special moment in a couple’s life, and custom-monogrammed china offers a way to commemorate it for years to come.”

When designing china, keep in mind the placement of your initials. For a dinner plate, you may be better off putting your monogram on the rim rather than in the center, avoiding any inevitable cuts of a knife. However, if the pieces are decorative or used infrequently, it’s fine for your initials to appear front and center.

Order an entire set with all pieces proudly displaying your new initials, or use your monogram sparingly on accessory pieces, such as dessert plates, a platter, gravy boat, or tea set. But above all, have fun. It’s not often that you get to design a work of art that will become a family heirloom.

Here are some great sources:

kitchenshop.com. This online company offers fine-quality Japanese porcelain place settings and serving pieces. Their fine white china is trimmed in gold or platinum bands, with modern block or elegant script monogramming. Custom designs and family crests are also available. (913-438-2511 or kitchenshop.com).

Ann Marie Murray. This hand-painted porcelain from New Hope, Pennsylvania, offers a romantic alternative. Place settings can be ordered in a variety of styles and colors. (Available at F. Gerald New, Chatham, 973-635-6770; and Morristown, 973-425-4485.)

Pickard China. American-made Pickard’s gold-banded “Reflection” pattern can be personalized with a single 24-karat-gold letter on the dinner plate and cup. Monogramming is also available on the “Palace” service plate. (847-395-3800 or pickardchina.com.)

Raynaud Limoges. This French manufacturer offers a fresh take on the monogram with its “Tropic” pattern, available in two fonts and three colors—pink, blue, or green. (See devinecorp.net for New Jersey retailers.)