# Stamping and die striking

> Stamping imprints a relief on metal with punches and dies (by hammer or press); used for textures, hallmarks and serial pieces.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/stamping-and-die-striking/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-06-15
- Updated: 2026-06-15
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/estampado-y-acunado/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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Stamping imprints a design on metal by pressing it with a steel die. It is the technique of coins, medals and hallmarks.

![Steps of the technique: Design the die, Anneal the sheet, Position, Press or strike, Remove, Trim](https://www.711grados.com/media/diagrams/estampado-steps.en.svg "Summary of the steps")

## Punches and dies

A steel punch with a relief design is struck against the metal; a die holds the design in intaglio and receives the metal. They can be done by hand or with machinery.

## Press and coining

A hydraulic press compresses a metal disc between two dies to reproduce a fine relief in identical pieces. It is the basis of serial production.

## Marks and hallmarks

Purity hallmarks (925, 750…) are stamped with small punches (see [hallmarks and stamps](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelry-hallmarks-and-stamps/)).

## Tips

Anneal the metal so it takes the mark well and use a firm base to avoid rebound.

## Step by step

1. **Design the die.** Engrave or carve the motif in negative.
2. **Anneal the sheet.** Prepare the soft metal.
3. **Position.** Put the sheet between die and counter-die.
4. **Press or strike.** With a press or a single sharp blow.
5. **Remove.** Take out the piece and check the relief.
6. **Trim.** Cut out the shape and tidy the edges.

## Tools and materials

- Steel punches and dies
- Press or heavy hammer
- Copper, brass or silver sheet
- File and sandpaper

## Common mistakes

- Stamping hard metal: it does not copy the detail.
- Misaligned die: shifted relief.
- A weak or double blow: the outline comes out bent.
- Stamping on a soft surface.

## See also

- [Hand and laser engraving in jewelry](https://www.711grados.com/en/engraving-in-jewelry/)
- [Texturing metal surfaces in jewelry](https://www.711grados.com/en/texturing-metal-surfaces/)
- [Jewelry hallmarks and stamps: what 925, 750 or 585 mean](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelry-hallmarks-and-stamps/)