What will you do?
In Dutch the trade is also known as ciseleerder, etser or kunstgraveerder. You analyse the customer's request and define the artisanal production steps. You then select the right materials and tools, keep your instruments sharp and reproduce motifs by hand on each object.
- Analyse the customer's request
- Define the artisanal production steps
- Select the right materials and tools
- Sharpen your tools
- Reproduce motifs by hand on objects
- Stamp, incise or remove material from workpieces
- Finish each workpiece with care
Skills to develop
- A steady hand and fine motor skills for detailed work
- An eye for detail and a feel for aesthetics
- Knowledge of materials such as metal, glass, crystal and natural stone
- Patience and precision during long, focused work
- Customer-oriented communication about designs and wishes
Your foundation for this occupation
Engraving needs drawing skills, steady control and material understanding. Hand engraving, chasing and machine personalisation are different techniques; ask which the workshop uses. Start on practice plates rather than a customer's valuable object.
From preparation to your first day
Develop the practical skills
Develop a full-size design and practise spacing, lettering and placement. Learn secure holding without damage. Obtain approval for wording, spelling and position beforehand. Test on comparable material, since a curved surface behaves differently from a flat sample.
Check your work
Inspect line quality, consistency and finish under suitable light. Remove residues without damaging surrounding finishes and compare with the approved layout. Record existing scratches or damage before working on customer pieces.
How can you grow?
Specialisation includes jewellery, lettering, heraldry and decorative relief. Use clear close-up portfolio images with materials and techniques identified. Include preparation and trials in pricing even for a small inscription.
Frequently asked questions
Why must wording be final before engraving?
Engraving removes or displaces material. A wrong date or spelling cannot simply be erased. An approved full-size layout prevents misunderstandings about wording, type and position.