# Hand and laser engraving in jewelry

> Engraving cuts lines and letters into metal with gravers or a laser: styles (bright cut, monograms, Florentine), tools and uses.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/engraving-in-jewelry/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-06-25
- Updated: 2026-07-03
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/grabado-en-joyeria/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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To engrave is to remove metal with a graver to draw lines, letters or motifs. It is one of the finest crafts in jewelry and the basis of seals and monograms.

![Steps of the technique: Sharpen the graver, Hold the piece, Trace, Engrave, Remove the burr, Polish](https://www.711grados.com/media/diagrams/grabado-steps.en.svg "Summary of the steps")

## With a graver

The piece is held in an engraver's ball and the graver, pushed with the palm of the hand, cuts a chip of metal. There are flat gravers, point gravers (onglette) and lozenge gravers.

## Styles

- **Bright cut:** polished facets that reflect light.
- **Line and shading:** drawing with fine strokes.
- **Letters and monograms:** in script or block lettering.
- **Florentine:** crossed lines that give a satin finish.

## Machine and laser

Pantograph engraving and lasers allow quick, regular lettering, and are common on rings and plates. A laser can engrave the inside of a ring with great precision.

## Tips

Ask to see a sample of the typeface and how many characters fit; on curved surfaces, a machine is safer than hand engraving.

## Step by step

1. **Sharpen the graver.** Form the edge and check that it cuts cleanly.
2. **Hold the piece.** Secure it in the engraver's ball.
3. **Trace.** Draw the design with a scribe.
4. **Engrave.** Push the graver in one continuous furrow.
5. **Remove the burr.** Take off the raised metal.
6. **Polish.** Tidy up with charcoal or fine sandpaper.

## Tools and materials

- Gravers of various shapes
- Engraver's ball and holder
- Loupe or microscope ([loupe](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelers-loupe-and-microscope/))
- Sharpening stone

## Common mistakes

- Badly sharpened graver: it slips and scratches.
- Pushing with the arm instead of the palm.
- Engraving on a loose piece.
- Cutting too deep: no metal left.

## See also

- [Chasing and repoussé](https://www.711grados.com/en/chasing-and-repousse/)
- [Texturing metal surfaces in jewelry](https://www.711grados.com/en/texturing-metal-surfaces/)
- [Signet rings: history, engraving and how to wear them](https://www.711grados.com/en/signet-rings/)
- [Jewelry spatulas and chisels](https://www.711grados.com/en/spatulas-and-chisels/)