Engrave A Watch

The difference between drypoint and engraving is that these two types of prints involve different techniques. An engraving is a print made by incising lines into a metal plate with a sharp tool called a burin. After the image is drawn, the plate is inked, wiped clean, and then firmly pressed to paper so the ink remaining in the incised grooves is transferred. Considerable force is required to mark the metal, so the lines made by engraving tend to be stronger than those made through etching and characterized by gentle tapering. Light and shade have to be created through cross-hatching since the technique is line-based. Drypoint is similar to engraving in that an artist incises a metal plate with a sharp tool. As the metal is carved, metal shavings, also called the burr, build up in the grooves. But unlike with engraving, the burr is not cleaned away with drypoint, resulting in very soft, velvety lines. Since the burr slowly wears away with each printing, fewer impressions can be made, and the first impression tends to be stronger than the last, a characteristic that sets the technique apart from many other printing methods. Explore a selection of engravings and drypoint prints on 1stDibs.

Whether or not an engraving is real depends on the material, region, or era the engraving is from. Consult an encyclopedia or art expert for precise information on the authenticity of an engraving. Find a collection of expertly-vetted engravings from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Wood engravings differ from woodcuts due to how the wood used to produce the printing plate is prepared. With a woodcut, an artisan saws the wood right along the grain so that they can easily carve into its surface with a knife-like tool. For wood engravings, an artisan uses end-grain wood. Because the wood is much harder, it must be worked with a special needle-like tool, allowing an artist to produce an image with a much higher degree of detail. On 1stDibs, explore a collection of woodcut prints.

Rolex started laser-engraving the rehaut in 2005 in an attempt to make their famous timepieces harder to counterfeit. The Datejust was the first model to receive this treatment. You can shop a collection of expertly vetted timepieces from some of the world’s top reputable sellers on 1stDibs.

Yes, all Neil Lane rings are engraved. The designer's name appears in script lettering along the inside of the band. Personal engraving is available from some authorized dealers of Neil Lane jewelry. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Neil Lane rings.