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ENGRAVING WITH ‘GRAVERS’

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  Jewellers use ‘gravers’ to engrave the surface of metals, (cutting patterns into the surface). This adds decoration and designs to a plain surface. Engraving can also give the illusion of depth, on a surface that would lack appeal and interest, if left plain.
Gravers are also used for setting stones in jewellery.
The handle of a graver is designed to fit the palm of the hand comfortably. One side of the handle is flat, to allow the graver to be held close (almost parallel), to the metal surface.
Various graving tool cross sections, are available and the jeweller will select the one that feels right, for the type of engraving and surface effect being created.
 
 
 
  To transfer a design, rub the surface of the metal with plasticine and overlay it with carbon paper. The plasticine makes it possible for the carbon to stick to the metal surface. A paper design is then laid on top of the carbon and the design traced in pencil. The carbon paper transfers the pattern to the surface. Finally, use a scriber to accurately ‘scribe’ the pattern into the surface of the metal.
     
To start engraving, dig in the graver ‘slightly’ into the surface and push forward it 2 to 3mm. Remove the resulting swarf / waste. Repeat this procedure, following the pattern on the surface of the metal.
 
 
 
 
The metal being engraved can be carefully held on a sandbag. Or, it can be ‘glued’ temporarily to a block of wood, with setters cement, pitch or shellac. This is removed after the engraving is complete.
 
 
GRAVER CROSS SECTIONS
 
 
 
 
  This is a graver with a curved shaft. Some jewellers find this style easier and more comfortable to use. It means the jeweller’s hand is slightly above the surface of the metal being engraved.
 
 
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