For The Love of Engraving
For The Love of Engraving
If you've ever marvelled at the intricate designs etched onto metal, then you'll be thrilled to know that we've dedicated the whole month of May to celebrating the art of hand engraving. From ancient times to the present day, hand engraving has been used to embellish weapons, coins, and jewellery with intricate patterns and designs. Today, it's still a popular technique in jewellery making, adding unique details that catch the eye and bring a touch of artistry to any piece.
To kick off our celebration, we held our "For the Love of Engraving” event earlier this month, featuring Carlos Koo (@ckengraving) the only motorcycle hand engraver in Hong Kong and it was a huge success! In a mesmerizing evening, Carlos took us on a journey into the intricate and stunning world of engraving where he showcased his passion for the art and demonstrated the techniques he uses to create his breathtaking masterpieces. Our Japanese Engraving Course is still running throughout May, providing the perfect opportunity for anyone to learn the basics of hand engraving or refine their existing skills.
A close look at our For The Love of Engraving Event:
Engraving Artists
As we celebrate “everything engraving”, we want to give a shout-out to all the master engravers who've made a name for themselves on Instagram. Here are some of the most talented engravers out there, each with their own unique style and technique:
Castro Smith engraved ring
Castro Smith (@castrosmith), a London-based hand engraver and jeweller, specializes in the ancient technique of seal engraving. His meticulous approach involves creating deep, three-dimensional engravings that were traditionally used on signet rings to seal important documents with family crests. Combining his expertise in European and Japanese engraving techniques, Castro Smith brings a contemporary twist to his designs, resulting in a unique fusion of styles and processes.
Cece (@cecejewelleryofficial) is a skilled jeweller who specializes in crafting bespoke fine jewellery that tells the story. With a focus on enamel-painted pieces, Cece creates personalized treasures and heirlooms, translating meaningful motifs into beautiful jewellery. Each bespoke creation by Cece is a unique work of art that weaves together personal mythology, capturing moments of love, remembrance, celebration, and reflection.
Firmo Fracassi (@fracassi.engravers) born in 1939 in Tavernole, Italy, is a renowned engraver known for his exceptional attention to detail. With his bulino-style engravings, he achieves astonishing levels of intricacy using simple tools. Firmo Fracassi's work is celebrated worldwide, solidifying his position as one of the finest engravers in the industry.
Joshua Ranger (@j.h.ranger_artworks) is a skilled hand engraver specializing in transforming coins into unique works of art and cherished family heirlooms. His craftsmanship extends to creating custom silver and gold fine jewelry, showcasing his exceptional talent in the field. With his meticulous hand carving techniques, Joshua Ranger brings beauty and personalization to each piece he creates.
Karen Wallace (@kw_engraver) is a visionary hand engraver pushing the boundaries of the ancient craft into the modern era, infusing her creations with unique and contemporary embellishments. With over a decade of honed craftsmanship, each piece is meticulously crafted in her Scottish workshop, reflecting her dedication to the art form.
Jane Short (@janeshort_silver_enameller) is a renowned artist in the field of enamelled silverware, specializing in individually designed pieces that showcase a painterly and evocative exploration of color and imagery. Her artistic journey has established her as a notable engraving artist, leaving an indelible mark on the world of decorative arts.
Hand Engraving Courses at HJI
Whether you're an experienced jeweller, a professional seeking to enhance your skills, or a complete beginner eager to explore the art of hand engraving, our courses are designed to cater to all levels. Join us for an immersive and enchanting experience this month as we delve into the ancient craft of Chokin Japanese engraving with the expertise of goldsmith and engraver Ruriko Ito in our Japanese Engraving Course. Stay tuned for more exciting engraving courses in the future, or feel free to inquire about private engraving courses with Ruriko. Unleash your creativity and master the intricate world of hand engraving at HJI.