Engraved vintage style engagement rings and wedding bands are at the height of popularity in today's market place. However, buyer be warned, not all engraved jewelry is alike. Many patterns are made using a cast method rather than being actually hand engraved by a skilled artisan in a dense die struck setting. At Jabel we believe there is no substitute and our collection of die struck one-of-a-kind engagement rings and wedding bands are the proof!
Hand engraving has a long and rich tradition. Engraved jewelry, pottery, sculpture and other art objects grace the collection of museums around the world. It is a technique that is thousands of years old. It was widely used on 20th century jewelry until its decline in the 1950's when a variety of influences resulted in its decline.
At Jabel we honor the tradition of hand engraved jewelry by employing a skilled Artisan who meticulously crafts each piece of jewelry without using a single template. Yes! These beautiful rings are truly a one-of-a-kind work of art!
Designs OfferedWhile original designs can be commissioned, Jabel uses two popular hand engraved jewelry motifs; scroll and millgrain or wheat. Our popular Wheat pattern as pictured in the seamless gold band to the above, #SW2339 can be applied to any number of die struck jewelry styles. To discuss commissioning a custom pattern please contact your local Jabel retailer. If you need help finding a jeweler please email us at info@jabel.com
The ProcessThe process of hand engraved jewelry begins in the die striking department where multiple steps are taken to create a smooth metal pieces of jewelry including careful alloying of metal, a heating and rolling process, and finally a series of strikes using our vintage die striking presses, and an elaborate assembly by our jewelers. At this point the near finished piece of jewelry is given to our skilled hand engraver who expertly carves the pattern using only hand-eye coordination and years of professional experience as demonstrated in the mounting and bands shown throughout this blog. Our engraver uses a scriber to indicate the pattern, a wood handled gravers that is able to cut into the precious metal as well as burnishers, used to eliminate any burrs that he may create. In order to guarantee accuracy our engraver uses a 'block' with vise like pins to hold the jewelry in place while he is engraving it. The entire block is set on a swivel base allowing for maneuvering. These tools make it so that every wedding band, engagement ring, pendant and bracelet is to truly a one-of-a-kind work of art. To learn more about the die struck process please watch our documentary.
Carved JewelryWe also use hand engraving in our popular carved jewelry collection, pictured above in this pink and green floral band. After the floral pieces are struck in relief our jewelers carefully assemble them into a band. Finally, the hand engraver enhances the pattern by applying a matting texture to either the flower or leaf depending on the style number. The end result is a virtual floral garland that can be worn as a wedding band for generations to come!
Email us to find a local Jabel jeweler at info@jabel.com