The 9 most common mistakes and misconceptions about engraving

Misspelled name – Always check the spelling of names. Don’t trust your memory. Many names have different spellings. Example: Terry or Teri or Terrie and so on.

Wrong date – This is the same mistake as number 1. Always get it in writing before recording. Remember, the engraving cannot be erased.

Recording is like printing. Wrong! In engraving, we use diamonds to plow the surface, like a farmer plows his fields. Or we use lasers to burn a layer off the surface of the etching material. None of these etching processes are adding ink to the surface. Note: There are other engraving processes, but diamond dragging and laser are the most common.

All metal surfaces can be etched – The answer is no. A ruff metal surface is almost impossible to see engraving. Roughness competes with engraving. Also, many metal surfaces, especially gifts, are plated. Most of the time, plated surfaces will etch well. From time to time they have bad plating. Defective plating is only discovered when engraved. The bad stain, the plating peels off. This only happens about 5% of the time.

Assuming what you have can’t be recorded – We’ve all brought gifts to the award shops only to have them say, “You can’t record.” They are implying that no one can record it. They can’t actually record it. Many times it can be recorded by another company. A great example is clocks. The manufacture loves to put all kinds of markings on the back, leaving almost no room for engraving. We solved this by etching in an arc, many times around the edge.

Engraving is too expensive. Yes, it is too expensive, if you take it to a jewelry store. Most jewelry stores do not engrave. They send it. Both the jeweler and the engraver need to make a profit. It is better to go to a recorder first. Save some money. Also, all your concerns can be delivered directly to the engraver, not through jeweler’s notes.

Lack of engraving options. Most small awards and engraving venues have limited capacities. Do your research. Ask what the engraving options are for your engraving job. Ask for testimonials from the engraver’s clients. If they don’t have any, continue your search for a recorder.

It takes forever to record something. Yes, if you take it to a jewelry store. They have to send it and time passes. Bringing your engraving work directly to an engraver reduces shipping time between jeweler and engraver (both ways). Direct offer!

It can be polished and re-engraved. The answer is yes and no). Solid metals like gold or silver can be polished and re-engraved. But most jewelry and gift items are plated. When polished, the silver surface is removed exposing the metal core. Then the piece is ruined. Gold pieces that are solid gold will be stamped 10kt, 14kt, etc. The silver will have a sterling silver stamp. These items can be polished and re-engraved. Almost everything else cannot be polished. Another trick to know if it can be polished is the price of the item. If it’s cheap, it’s silver. If it is expensive, it is more likely to be solid metal and can be polished and re-engraved.

The goal is to have a positive experience recording your gift or award. A little knowledge can increase your chances of success. Happy engraving!

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