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Hand engraving is cut by hand at our bench, line by line, with a graver pushed through the metal. It is a craft skill in its own right, distinct from the design and setting of a piece, and it carries the small variations only a human hand leaves. Our founder has engraved by hand since 1999, with a family in the trade since the late 1960s across three generations.

What we hand-engrave

  • Family crests cut from your armorial, ready for a signet or a seal.
  • Monograms and initials, single letters or interlaced ciphers, in a script of your choosing.
  • Signet and seal engraving, cut in reverse and in intaglio so the seal reads true in wax.
  • Decorative scrollwork and millgrain worked by hand along shoulders, shanks and bezels.
  • Messages and dates inside bands, cut to sit close against the finger.

Why hand engraving

A graver cuts with depth and angle. The bright facets it leaves catch light in a way a machined groove cannot, and the character of the cut belongs to the hand that made it. For crest and seal work, hand engraving holds the fine relief and crisp edges a heraldic device asks for, tailored to your design rather than a stock font.

We are glad to engrave pieces not bought from us. Bring in an heirloom signet or a piece from elsewhere, and we will assess the metal, the wall thickness and the space available before we quote, so the work is done only where it can be done safely. For fine modern lettering or repeated text, see our laser engraving service, which holds very small type with machine consistency.

Can you engrave a piece I did not buy from you?

Yes. We engrave heirlooms and pieces bought elsewhere once we have checked the metal and thickness, in person or from clear photographs.

Do you work from a family crest?

Yes. Send us your armorial or a clear image and we will prepare the engraving, including reversed intaglio for seal use.

For crest, monogram or seal work, book a free, no-obligation consultation at our contact page. We reply within four working hours, Monday to Friday. You can also call +44 20 7206 2705 or message us on WhatsApp. The studio is at Unit 1.02, The Goldsmiths' Centre, 42 Britton Street, London EC1M 5AD, by appointment.

Hand Engraving
Engraved with Love

Much of our hand engraving work is date engraving. A birthday, an anniversary, or any date that matters can be cut into your chosen piece, where it stays for good.

We also engrave personal messages. A few words inside a band can make a gift feel more considered and more personal.

And if you have a design in mind, our team can work with you to bring it to life as a bespoke piece.

Hand Engraving
Truly Unique

Wedding and engagement rings are some of the pieces we engrave most often. They are kept for a lifetime, so the detail matters. Initials, a date, or a private message inside the band is a quiet way to mark what the ring stands for.

Our engraving is careful, close work, and that care shows in the finished piece. Whether you are marking an occasion or simply adding something of your own, hand engraving turns an everyday piece into one worth keeping.

Begin Your Bespoke Journey

Visit our Hatton Garden studio or arrange a private video consultation with our design team.

Book a Private ConsultationWhatsAppCall +44 20 7206 2705
What is hand engraving?

Hand engraving is the traditional technique of cutting directly into metal with hardened steel gravers. Each stroke is guided by the engraver's eye and hand, producing a distinctive shimmering line that no machine can replicate. It is the technique used on royal jewellery, heirloom family pieces, and signet seals.

How much does hand engraving cost?

Hand engraving at Hatton Garden Bespoke Jewellery starts from £85. Heraldic seals, full monograms in period script, and decorative wriggle-work borders are priced individually based on design complexity and the metal being engraved.

How long does hand engraving take?

Hand engraving typically takes five to ten working days depending on complexity and engraver availability. Detailed seal engraving or crest work can take longer. A pencil transfer is laid on the piece for sign-off before any cut is made.

What can you hand engrave?

We hand engrave signet rings, family crests, heraldic devices, classical monograms, decorative borders, and pictorial motifs. Common applications include signet rings, cufflinks, wedding bands (exterior ornament), eternity rings, pendants, and locket faces. Inherited pieces with worn engraving can also be re-cut.

Can I combine hand and laser engraving on one piece?

Yes, and it is a popular luxury approach. A hand-engraved decorative motif on the outside of a ring combined with a laser-engraved inscription on the inside gives you both the tactile character of hand work and the consistency of laser lettering.

Can you restore worn engraving on an inherited piece?

Yes. The specialist engravers we work with specialise in heirloom restoration, re-cutting monograms, seals, or decorative borders that have faded over decades of wear. Bring the piece to a consultation and we will assess condition and quote for restoration.