Laser Engraving and Hand Engraving
At Jewelsmith in Durham, NC, our team personalizes jewelry, watches, and other keepsakes using both laser and hand engraving. Whether you want a monogram, a meaningful date, a loved one's handwriting, or even a photograph, we'll help you choose the engraving method that best fits your piece.
Laser Engraving
Personalize jewelry, watches and other objects with monograms, initials, dates, wording, and even photos!
Laser engraving uses a computer-guided laser to etch a design directly into metal, without any physical contact with the piece. Because the laser is digitally controlled, it can reproduce fine detail, handwriting, dates, and even photographs with a level of precision that's difficult to match by hand. This makes it the better fit for text-heavy engravings, photo etching, and pieces with delicate or hard-to-reach surfaces, like the inside of a ring band.
photos: our laser engraving machine mid-portrait of Ace, our beloved shop dog. And a wristwatch engraved on the back. Jewelsmith's president, Kristine Wylie, asked goldsmith Denis Alzhanov to laser engrave her late father's handwriting onto a watch he gave her at her 1998 high school graduation.
Hand Engraving
Embellish your custom jewelry project or existing jewelry with classic or custom patterns and even inlay gold or silver.
Hand engraving is a traditional goldsmithing technique in which an engraver uses hand-held tools called gravers to cut a design into the metal's surface, one stroke at a time. Unlike laser engraving, it's a fully manual, artisan process, so the engraver can vary the depth and texture of each line for a more dimensional, sculpted look, and no two pieces come out exactly alike. It's the traditional choice for decorative scrollwork, custom patterns, and gold or silver inlay work.
photos: custom North Carolina pendant with a phrase hand engraved on the back, hand engraved features and silver inlay to represent a mill stone on the front. Here are just a few examples of the many possibilities of hand engraving, including a classic scroll pattern on a band, a custom created ocean wave pattern on a band with diamonds incorporated, and custom hand engraved bee earrings that feature family diamonds.
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Hand Inscription
Hand inscription gives your piece a genuinely handwritten look, with a homey, personal feel that some clients prefer over the cleaner lines of laser or hand engraving. It's created by writing directly onto the metal with a small, spinning bur, a process that takes less time than full hand engraving, which also makes it our most affordable engraving option.
Engraving FAQ
What's the difference between laser engraving and hand engraving?
Laser engraving uses a computer-guided laser to etch a design into metal with no physical contact, which makes it ideal for text, handwriting, dates, and photographs. Hand engraving is a traditional technique where an artisan cuts the design into the metal by hand using specialized tools, producing decorative patterns, scrollwork, and inlay with a more sculpted, one-of-a-kind look. Many clients choose laser engraving for personalized text or images and hand engraving for classic decorative detail.
What can be engraved at Jewelsmith?
We engrave rings, pendants, bracelets, watches, and other small jewelry pieces with monograms, initials, dates, wording, handwriting, and even photographs. We also engrave small non-jewelry keepsakes such as baby cups, baby rattles, and small plaques. Our laser engraving is best suited to smaller items, with a maximum engraving area of 6 by 6 inches.
Can you engrave a photo onto jewelry or a watch?
Yes. Our laser engraving machine can reproduce photographs with fine detail directly onto metal, which makes it a popular option for memorial pieces, pet portraits, or preserving a loved one's handwriting. We recommend bringing in a clear, high-resolution image for the best result. Note that some watches may not have enough room for portraits. Your designer will help you with your best options.
How much does engraving cost?
Hand engraving starts at $350 and increases based on design complexity and the amount of area covered. Laser engraving starts at $175, with pricing that similarly increases with complexity. Hand inscription starts at $90. Because every piece is different, one of our goldsmiths or designers will give you a specific estimate during your free, no obligation consultation.
How long does engraving take?
Most laser and hand engraving projects at our Durham, NC studio are completed within 1 to 4 weeks. Turnaround can vary depending on the complexity of the design, as well as the method, so we'll give you a specific estimate when you bring in your piece.
Do I need to buy my jewelry from Jewelsmith to have it engraved?
No. We're happy to laser or hand engrave jewelry, watches, and other eligible items regardless of where they were originally purchased. Bring your piece to our Durham studio and one of our designers will discuss options with you.
Can you engrave the inside of a ring band, or only the outside?
Yes, we can engrave either the inside or outside of a ring band, depending on the look you want. Inside engravings are more private and tend to be the choice for wedding bands and sentimental dates, while outside engravings become part of the ring's visible design.
Can you engrave gold, silver, or platinum jewelry?
Yes, we can laser or hand engrave gold, sterling silver, platinum, and most other jewelry metals. Bring your piece in and one of our goldsmiths will confirm the best approach for the specific metal and design.
Can you engrave a memorial piece in memory of a loved one?
Yes. Many clients ask us to laser engrave a meaningful date, handwriting, or message onto a ring, pendant, or watch as a lasting memorial. It's one of the most personal requests we take on, and we're glad to help you find the right wording and placement.
Note: We have also created custom urns, wearable urns and cremation jewelry that can also be personalized with engraving. Text or call a designer about this service 919-286-2990
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