Engraving is nothing like printing. Instead of applying ink to a surface most engraving techniques use a diamond to literally plow through the engraving material or a laser to burn off a layer. Now that you have that under your belt, take a look through a few of the nuggets of advice we pass on to folks interested in engraving.
All metal surfaces can be engraved
Nope. If the surface of the metal is rough, grainy or uneven the engraving will be nearly impossible to distinguish. Also, plated surfaces, usually extremely cheap gifts and awards, can occasionally chip away and start to peel as the surface begins to be engraved.
All engravings can be buffed out and re-engraved
Eh – sort of. Solid metals, like gold or silver, can be buffed and re-engraved but most jewelry and gift items are plated. When buffed, the plated material is removed which exposes the core metal and ruins the piece. I good indicator of whether your item can be buffed and re-engraved is the price. The more expensive the item the more likely it’s solid metal and not plated.
Triple check spelling and dates
Was is Meagan, Megan, Meghan, Meaghan, Maegan, Maeghan, Meegan, Meeghan, Meghann, Megen, Meagen, Megyn, Meggan, Meggin, Maygen, Meagin, Meagen, Meaghean, or Mehgan? Then there’s her last name…
Don’t trust your memory when placing an order for engraving. Triple check the spelling on names and places, and make sure the dates are correct too.
What type of occasion warrants an engraved gift?
Oh there’s a ton:
- BABY
- ACHIEVEMENT / CONGRATULATIONS
- ANNIVERSARY (MARRIAGE)
- ANNIVERSARY (SERVICE)
- APPRECIATION
- DEDICATION
- MEMORIAL
- MONOGRAMS
- RECOGNITION
- RETIREMENT
- QUOTES / SENTIMENTS
- SCHOLASTIC / COLLEGE
- SPORTS / HUNTING
- FRIENDSHIP / HUMOR
- WEDDING
