Frequently Asked Questions....
1) Why should I choose London Engraver?
Ray Hood FIPG has been hand engraving since he was 16 years old – giving him 24 years experience in the trade. Ray has won many awards for his work and has a true gift for this ancient art. Rays passion and skill shines through on every job and no commission is too large or too small.
Ray and his wife Carly will work with you every step of the way to ensure you get the results you deserve. Being a husband and wife team allows you to deal directly with the owners every time, nothing is lost in communication and you know exactly who you have working for you.
Ray and his wife Carly will work with you every step of the way to ensure you get the results you deserve. Being a husband and wife team allows you to deal directly with the owners every time, nothing is lost in communication and you know exactly who you have working for you.
2) What is the difference between hand engraving and machine engraving?
Hand engraving is an ancient art which has been carried on at a high end level by very few craftsmen, it is now an extremely rare trade.
On a personal level, by choosing hand engraving over machine engraving you are helping to keep this art form alive, which can only be a good thing. On a practical level there are a couple of reasons why traditional hand push engraving is advantageous over machine engraving.
Firstly, there’s longevity. Hand engraving removes metal and will last a lifetime if not longer, allowing jewellery to be handed down to the next generation. Laser engraving has a much shorter lifespan.
Secondly, there’s a lot more flexibility with hand engraving. Ray can work on curved surfaces and in small areas, adding minute details and altering designs easily to suit shapes and your needs.
On a personal level, by choosing hand engraving over machine engraving you are helping to keep this art form alive, which can only be a good thing. On a practical level there are a couple of reasons why traditional hand push engraving is advantageous over machine engraving.
Firstly, there’s longevity. Hand engraving removes metal and will last a lifetime if not longer, allowing jewellery to be handed down to the next generation. Laser engraving has a much shorter lifespan.
Secondly, there’s a lot more flexibility with hand engraving. Ray can work on curved surfaces and in small areas, adding minute details and altering designs easily to suit shapes and your needs.
3) What should my engraving design be?
It really is up to you! Let your imagination run wild as the options are endless.
If you are wanting an inscription you could consider the following ideas –
If you are thinking about a design you could consider these ideas –
If you are wanting an inscription you could consider the following ideas –
- Name/nickname/initials
- Date of birth/anniversary/wedding
- Wedding vows
- A secret message
- Personal saying
- Company motto
If you are thinking about a design you could consider these ideas –
- Scrollwork
- A design incorporating special things in your life
- Celtic
- Fingerprints – your partners and/or your children
- Company logo
- Heraldic – Coat of Arms of Family Crest
4) What items can be hand engraved?
All precious metals are able to be hand engraved – sterling silver, all golds and platinum.
Stainless steel and titanium can usually be engraved but there is a higher fee due to the hardness of the metal and the time it takes to complete.
Stainless steel and titanium can usually be engraved but there is a higher fee due to the hardness of the metal and the time it takes to complete.
5) What items cannot be hand engraved?
Items which are unsuitable for hand engraving include –
- Glass
- Plated items (i.e gold or silver plated)
- Powder coated items
- Stone
- Wood
- Ceramics
6) Can I meet with you in person?
Yes, absolutely, although there is a non-refundable private consultation fee of $150 payable upfront. Consultations will last between 30 minutes to 1 hour and you will be able to try on our stock rings, get your finger sized and discuss your design ideas and the various engraving styles with Ray. If you go ahead with a commission your consultation fee will be deducted from your order.
We have a private studio located centrally in Adelaide CBD, South Australia. If you wish to arrange a private consultation please contact us via email to discuss your requirements and arrange a suitable time – enquiries@londonengraver.com.
Appointments are only available between 8am-10am and 3pm-6pm, Monday-Friday.
We do not complete ‘while-you-wait’ engraving.
We have a private studio located centrally in Adelaide CBD, South Australia. If you wish to arrange a private consultation please contact us via email to discuss your requirements and arrange a suitable time – enquiries@londonengraver.com.
Appointments are only available between 8am-10am and 3pm-6pm, Monday-Friday.
We do not complete ‘while-you-wait’ engraving.
7) What should I consider when purchasing a signet ring?
Below are some of the things you should consider when purchasing a signet ring –
Click here to request your complimentary finger sizer (Australian based clients only)
- Face shape
- Face size
- Which finger will you be wearing it on? Do you know your finger size?
- Material – sterling silver, 9ct yellow/rose/white gold, 18ct yellow/rose/white gold or platinum
- Engraving design
Click here to request your complimentary finger sizer (Australian based clients only)
8) What makes London Engraver signet rings different?
All of our signet rings are hydraulically stamped from a solid sheet of metal – rather than being cast. The benefit of this is that porosity in the ring is greatly reduced, which creates a perfect canvas for hand engraving.
When a ring is cast, micro air pockets are created and trapped in the metal during the casting process, this makes it extremely difficult to get a bright cut when engraving and a high polished finished without drag marks. Cuts can be gritty and in extreme cases small pieces of metal can be lost when engraving. A stamped ring has a good weight and a longer lifespan. All of our signet rings are sourced from the UK and all bear UK hallmarks. All rings are totally solid and have not been hollowed out.
When a ring is cast, micro air pockets are created and trapped in the metal during the casting process, this makes it extremely difficult to get a bright cut when engraving and a high polished finished without drag marks. Cuts can be gritty and in extreme cases small pieces of metal can be lost when engraving. A stamped ring has a good weight and a longer lifespan. All of our signet rings are sourced from the UK and all bear UK hallmarks. All rings are totally solid and have not been hollowed out.
9) Do I need to provide an artwork?
No you don’t need to provide a full artwork, but rough sketches or inspirational photos are a great help in conveying your ideas. Don’t be embarrassed if you aren’t the best artist – it really doesn’t matter.
If you require Ray to design an artwork of your idea that’s not a problem. All artworks are drawn by hand and there will be a design fee, per artwork - this will vary depending on the specifications.
If you require Ray to design an artwork of your idea that’s not a problem. All artworks are drawn by hand and there will be a design fee, per artwork - this will vary depending on the specifications.
10) Will you engrave my own ring or cufflinks or do they need to be purchased through London Engraver?
This varies from item to item. Usually it is fine to engrave your own item (assuming the item you have is able to be engraved, please see questions 4 & 5!). You need to be aware that if your item is cast this can affect the quality of engraving and is not something we can control.
Please email us an image of your item, along with the material, dimensions and what you want engraved and we can go from there – enquiries@londonengraver.com
Please email us an image of your item, along with the material, dimensions and what you want engraved and we can go from there – enquiries@londonengraver.com
11) Can you help me find my family crest?
We do have a copy of the Fairbairn’s Crests book which we are happy to consult if you require some assistance. Unfortunately this book only covers Great Britain and Ireland, so if your ancestors are not from this region it’s unlikely we will be able to help. Please also bear in mind that this book only covers family crests, not full coats of arms.
12) Still have other queries?
No problem! Please email your questions to enquiries@londonengraver.com and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
