| The Articles of Engraving - Information for the | | | | be worth it to them or not. |
| engraving consumer | | | | ..(3) Is The Item Engraveable? |
| Copyright (C) Shayler Engraving 2004 All Rights | | | | Items that lack certain qualities can be ruined by |
| Reserved | | | | attempts to engrave them. Many items today are |
| Purchasing engraving or an engraved gift can be a | | | | not solid metal but are cast in an inexpensive alloy |
| daunting task. An inexperienced buyer is | | | | and plated finish. In most cases quality plating can |
| presented with more questions thananswers. An | | | | survive some engraving processes but more |
| unprepared consumer may be forced to make | | | | often than not the plating will peal or allow |
| hurried decisions they later regret. A little | | | | corrosion under the engraving causing severe |
| preparation is definately in order. | | | | problems down the road. |
| ..(1) Have you selected your engraver? | | | | It can be difficult even for an experienced |
| You may find a store where you can purchase an | | | | engraver to detect the quality of an item before |
| item that also has limited engraving capabilities. | | | | the cutting begins. An item made of a poor metal |
| This type of store usually relies on | | | | alloy covered with a gold plating will look and feel |
| pre-programmed systems to perform their | | | | real nice but when the engraving starts the plating |
| engraving rather than skill or expertise. This is a | | | | separates from the base metal and the item is |
| good option if the results meets your | | | | ruined. |
| expectations. | | | | Quality may be reflected in the cost of the item. |
| A more common scenario is to purchase your | | | | If you are considering engraving an inexpensive |
| item at one store and then look for someone to | | | | item you will probably not be satisfied with the |
| engrave it. | | | | results. Do not be fooled because the item is |
| Unless you are knowledgeable on the subject, it is | | | | expensive. Many marginal quality items have been |
| a good idea to select an engraver before you | | | | sold to unsuspecting customers at to high a price. |
| purchase your item. The engraver can advise you | | | | Purchase your item from a reputable dealer who |
| before you purchase as to what to look for and | | | | will guarantee your purchase is engraveable. One |
| whether or not they would be willing to do the | | | | that will refund your money as well as your |
| job. They may be able to refer you to a | | | | engraving costs if a quality problem occurs. |
| reputable dealer that you can trust, or talk to the | | | | ..(4) Can your item hold all you want to engrave |
| dealer you are considering to ensure that the | | | | on it? |
| resulting product is as you expect it to be. | | | | Be realistic. The more engraving you put on a |
| Many engravers and jewelers will not engrave | | | | small area the harder it is going to be to read. We |
| articles they do not sell. There are valid reasons | | | | have equipment in our studio that has the ability |
| for this: | | | | to engrave letters so small they look like dots. |
| ...a. First and foremost, they may not be able to | | | | This is interesting but what is the value? Engraving |
| replace the item if the customer is not satisfied | | | | usually involves a sentiment the purchaser would |
| or something goes wrong. | | | | like to be readable. Try to keep the message as |
| ...b. The engraver may not have the necessary | | | | short as possible. Font choice will play an |
| tooling to perform the task requested. | | | | important part as well. |
| ...c. The engraver may lack the confidence or | | | | ..(5) Have an idea what you want to say... |
| expertise in the particular area of engraving | | | | It is not fair to expect the engraver to create |
| required. There are many forms of engraving. | | | | your message. Most are more than happy to help |
| Most engravers do not specialize in all areas. You | | | | you craft your words to fit the item but the you |
| may need to be referred to another engraver | | | | must have a good idea of what you want to say. |
| better equipped to perform the task. | | | | Have your ideas written down. You will be making |
| ..(2) Is the item worth engraving? | | | | many choices during your conversation with the |
| Professional engraving is expensive. It takes many | | | | engraver concerning fonts, layout or design, you |
| years experience to develop the skill and to | | | | do not want to forget what you want to engrave |
| collect the tooling necessary to do the work. It is | | | | or be incorrect in your information. |
| not unusual for the cost of the engraving to | | | | With a little preparation, the purchase of engraving |
| exceed the cost of the item by many times. Only | | | | can be a very enjoyable and satisfying |
| the consumer can decide if the finished article will | | | | experience. |