I have been an engraver for over two decades now. I have worked on many levels, doing work for jewelry stores, operating our own stores and now more recently, on the internet.

I have performed hand engraving, pantograph engraving and computer operated engraving.

I take great pride  in the performance of my trade.

Over the years many objects have been brought to me with the hopes of having them engraved. Some items were purchased as gifts other for personal use. Some just wanted their item marked for identification.

Most of the time I preferred not to attempt to engrave the item.

The truth is, most things are not engraveable.  Engraving involves stresses and forces placed on the surface of the item that includes cutting and the moving of metal. Inexpensive, plated items will not withstand these actions. Neither will many synthetic materials and plastics. Sometimes you can get away with it but the results are typically not good.

Before an item can be engraved it must be fixtured securely into the machine or a vise so it will not move during the engraving process. Every item is different and requires special tooling to securely hold it in place. If it moves during the engraving process it is possible that it can never be realigned perfectly. Sometimes the tooling itself will mark the object where it is gripped.

Many inexpensive items are made of zinc and plated to look like gold. This works well for many purposes but not for engraving.  Most engraving methods will damage and loosen the plating from the zinc. Many times the plating will separate and peel from the zinc during the engraving process. This can make a customer who does not understand this very angry.

Engraving is expensive, and for good reason. The equipment used is extremely expensive and a great deal of skill is involved.

Many engravers will not engrave on anything they do not sell. This is not because they want to sell more of their products. The reason is that it is just not worth the risk.