Process of Hand Engraving

custom fine jewelry and hand engraving

The Hand Engraving Process

Hand engravers use a tool called the graver. It is a piece of rectangular steel rod with one end sharpened and the other end finished with a rounded wood knob that is cradled in the palm of the hand

The graver is pushed along the surface of the metal leaving an angled groove. The cut is very bright and shiny and makes for a very crisp line. Gravers can have different shapes on the cutting end for a variety of decorative techniques. The shank of the graver can also be bent so it can used on the inside of rings.

Hand engraving is different from other decorative techniques in the sharpness of the lines and its permanence. Rings engraved in the 1500s still look great with a clear image of the pattern. Machine engraving cannot cut as deeply as the hand technique. Stamping and etching are sometimes confused with hand engraving, but the result is not as sharp. Lasers and die cutting can also be used to cut into metal but the results look machined rather than finely crafted.

An engraver's block is used to hold many types of jewelry and silverware for engraving. Pins with different types of heads are inserted the the holes in the split, flat top of the block. The pins are shown slightly enlarged here. The two top halves are screwed closer to together so the pins hold the piece to be engraved.

Eric Margry is shown here engraving the bottom of a cup using an engraver's block. If he were working on a ring, most of the action would be covered up. He begins with drawing the design onto whatever surface will be engraved. A special white paint lets him lay out a visible pattern. Details are especially important in this type of work and he is adept at condensing designs and adapting them to the scale of jewelry and small objects.