Creating Heirlooms with Hand Engraving: The Basics, Part 1 Knowing Hand-Engraving Techniques Demonstrates Another Aspect of Quality in Your Shop By Mark Mann
(This article was orininally published in Professional Jeweler. August 2005)
Photo 1	The art of hand engraving has long been used around the world to decorate and inscribe fine metal work of all kinds, including silver wares, embellishments on furniture, apparel (including animal), utensils, accessories, weapons and tools, important symbolic, ceremonial and commemorative items and of course, jewelry.The hand engraving on this money clip (Photo 1) features an Old English style monogram and was completed by Hermanson using techniques covered in this article. Hand engraving is a value-added service for jewelry consumers. In this series of articles that follow, Steece Hermanson of Heirloom Hand Engraving will review the layout, tools and techniques for engraving on flat and curved pieces (Part 1) and on inside rings and domed pieces (Part 2).
Photo 2	If you are a regular reader of this series, you have seen a variety of Hermanson’s jewelry making techniques. He is a Certified Master with 26 years of experience. Over the last 8 years he has focused on hand engraving while continuing to manufacture fine jewelry. He recently began a new business, Heirloom Hand Engraving, through which he provides quality hand engraving of monograms and inscriptions in a range of styles to fine jewelry retailers. This baby cup (Photo 2) was designed by artist Grainger McKoy. You can see this and other original McKoy designs at www.graingermckoy.com.
Photo 3	Monograms (Photo 3) are typically engraved with one, two or three initials. This monogram features a solid bright cut style of script hand engraving. Continue to Next Page of Article