The huge variety of beautifully engraved gifts offers a very special way to display your affection or appreciation.
But what are they, how are they produced and when can you use them? Here are a few answers that may interest you.
The process People have been engraving and etching for millennia.
It might be done to commemorate a special event, a personal achievement or a rite of passage - or even as a very early version of engraved gifts.
The point is that the process can serve to commemorate a very specific point in time as a powerful reminder for the person or people involved for years, if not centuries, to come.
Traditionally, the process was largely two-dimensional.
Typical examples might be those sporting trophy inscriptions seen on cups or on presentation plaques.
Some images were done in relief to give a 3D effect, but by and large, for most of history engraving was essentially inscribed into the surface of something.
Today, of course, things can be considerably more sophisticated.
Lasers and digital design files can together create 3D images inside solid blocks of transparent material.
These are virtually eternal and true 3D representations.
Uses Today, there is a wide range of potential uses for engraved gifts including: corporate gifts at events or for clients etc; commemorative - perhaps recording things like an AGM, an anniversary, an acquisition or merger and so on; personal appreciation - including possibly recognising an exceptional contribution from an employee or team of employees; or a personal gift - something that might involve emotions or gratitude.
In fact, they can be used for almost any purpose, including simple decoration and corporate art.
The quality of the images contained in engravings can vary hugely and it's worth taking the time and effort to find a craftsperson capable of delivering high-quality work.
Keep in mind that whatever the purpose you intend for your item, it may achieve exactly the opposite of your objectives if the final result is shoddy and clearly of poor quality.
That applies even in the high-tech world of laser engraved gifts.
Even the most sophisticated lasers will produce a final result that will vary depending upon the quality of the digital design file used to 'drive' the process.
So, just as you might carefully choose an experienced craftsman to work in silver, you'll need to apply similar discrimination when selecting a digital image designer.
Antique precious metals Remember if you're planning to engrave antique precious metal objects (e.
g.
a tray) that adding text, names and initials to antique articles can seriously diminish their open-market value.
There may be nothing wrong with that if you wish to do so but, if you're in any doubt, prior to etching antique precious metal objects, it might be prudent to consult an expert.
Such markings in silver or gold can be removed, but it is specialist work and expensive.
So, be cautious about engraved gifts that will take, as their start point, antique items.