Description
Engrave custom lettering, monograms, patterns, and identification marks on jewelry and watches made of precious metals and other materials, using hand gravers, rotary tools, and laser systems; prepare, finish, and inspect pieces to meet fine jewelry standards and customer specifications.
- • Adjust engraving depth, width, and size by modifying tool pressure, stroke, feeds/speeds, laser power, and workholding height.
- • Engrave and personalize rings, pendants, bracelets, watch cases, and ID tags in gold, silver, platinum, stainless steel, titanium, and other jewelry materials.
- • Position and secure pieces in vises, jigs, or rotary fixtures, protecting stones and finishes with tape, shields, or shellac.
- • Determine machine settings and select fonts/artwork; program laser parameters to reproduce designs on flat, curved, or domed surfaces.
- • Inspect engraving under magnification for cut quality, burrs, chatter, and completeness; correct defects and rework as needed.
- • Measure and compute layout, letter size, spacing, and alignment on small surfaces using calipers, dividers, and layout software.
- • Set machine zeros and origin points; align to centerlines, datum marks, and ring inside diameters.
- • Clean, deburr, and polish engraved areas to match or contrast existing finishes (high polish, satin, matte).
- • Review customer sketches, notes, or proofs to confirm method, placement, orientation, and spelling.
- • Prepare and apply darkening or fill materials (oxidizers, enamel, paint/ink) to enhance contrast as specified.
- • Mask or protect non-engraved areas with tape, resist, lacquer, or shellac; remove masking after engraving.
- • Apply scaling and curvature compensation to achieve specified sizes on inside/outside ring surfaces and domed parts.
- • Verify depth, uniformity, readability, and alignment with loupes, microscopes, gauges, and test cuts.
- • Prepare pieces by degreasing, ultrasonic/steam cleaning, and light sanding or polishing as needed for adhesion and clarity.
- • Install and change cutters, gravers, collets, or laser lenses; sharpen and hone gravers.
- • Produce proofs on test blanks or digital mockups for approval; revise layouts per feedback.
- • Transfer designs by scribing, stenciling, laser preview, or printed guides and layout dyes.
- • Hand-cut scrolls, borders, florals, and other decorative elements freehand or following templates.
- • Remove completed pieces from fixtures; tag, document, and place in trays or protective pouches.
- • Apply and wipe back blackening/oxidizing or enamel fill; cure or set materials and clean residues.
- • Engrave hallmarks, maker’s marks, serial numbers, QR codes, and personalization per specifications and regulations.
- • Maintain and calibrate equipment; align laser optics, lubricate machines, and replace consumables.
- • Follow safety procedures for lasers, rotating tools, and chemicals; protect gemstones from heat, shock, and vibration.
- • Use CAD/vector and engraving software to design, scale, and format text and graphics.
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
