What coordinates actually mean

Coordinates pin an exact point on Earth using two numbers: latitude (how far north or south of the equator) and longitude (how far east or west of the Prime Meridian). Together they describe one spot precisely enough to engrave — the corner where you met, the hospital where a child was born, the altar, the house. Read the full breakdown in our guide, what are coordinates and why do they matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What format should coordinates be in for engraving?

Decimal degrees is the standard most coordinate jewelry uses — for example 40.7128° N, 74.0060° W — because it is short enough to fit on a small pendant or bar. Some people prefer DMS (degrees, minutes, seconds), like 40°42'46"N 74°00'22"W, which reads a little more like a technical map reference. Either is correct; it comes down to which fits your piece and your taste.

How many decimal places do I actually need?

Four decimal places (about 11 metres of precision) is what most jewelers engrave, and it is more than enough to mark a specific building, altar or street corner. Two or three decimals is still recognisably "the right city block" and reads cleaner on a narrow bar — it is a style choice, not an accuracy problem.

Where do I find the coordinates of a place I do not have handy?

Open the location in Google Maps, tap and hold the exact spot to drop a pin, then tap the pin — the coordinates appear at the top or bottom of the screen. You can also just copy the map link at that point and paste it into the box above; this tool reads the coordinates straight out of a Google Maps link.

Do I need the ° N / ° W letters, or can I use plus and minus?

Both are used in coordinate jewelry. Letters (N/S, E/W) read more clearly to someone who is not used to reading coordinates; a leading minus sign for south or west latitudes is more common on minimalist, numbers-only pieces. This tool shows both so you can pick what suits your engraving.

Does this tool send my location anywhere?

No. Everything happens in your browser — your device works out the coordinates locally, and nothing is sent to FARUZO or anyone else. Nothing is saved either; refresh the page and it is gone.