If we begin by going through the stages of engraving a piece of jewellery then we can see the various tools used. Firstly the VICE is used to hold the item to be engraved firmly .I have found that making my own vices from wood are usually the best, the item can be held firmly without damaging the jewellery.The vice sits upon a SANDBAG to allow easy manouvreability of the vice. Secondly we need to draw onto the item the lettering or Seal,I use childrens PLASTICINE dabbed onto the item and a sharp PENCIL to draw the lettering on.

Once the lettering or seal has been drawn onto the item a SCRIBER is used to lightly scratch over the pencil marks, this enables you to start engraving without rubbing out the scribed lines you have made.

GRAVERS :

There are a variety of gravers and graver handles, each graver is sharpened to achieve different cuts. A good CARBORUNDUM STONE is used to cut the graver to the required angles rather like the facets on a diamond.Once the graver has been sharpened as required i use an ARKANSAS stone which gives a bright finish to the graver.

1 - Flat Graver : A flat graver is used for engraving block lettering and for cutting depth in a shield while seal engraving.

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2 - Square Graver :Cross-section of this is square and used mostly for outlining and engraving script lettering. .............................................................................

3 - Spitzer :The Spitzer is used for cutting fine lines cleanly to a required depth.

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4 - Threader,Stitch,Shading or Line Graver : A flat tool with a number of fine grooves running along its cutting face so that it cuts several thin parallel lines at the same time. Used for shading letters or parts of a crest.

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5 - Round Nose Graver : Generally used for cutting dots and in ornamental work such as that seen on victorian salvers.

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In order to follow the lines scribed earlier a good MAGNIFYING EYEGLASS is used, with this you can see exactly how the graver is moving over the metal being engraved.

The most important thing is to keep your gravers sharp, flick the end of the graver over your thumbnail, the graver should stick into your nail and not slide over it. Over the years a variety of gravers will be built up suitable for doing certain jobs but you will always find yourself reshaping and resharpening gravers.