The Process of Hand Chisel Engraving
by Shane Hinton
To begin the process of hand engraving, each disc is hand pierced from milled gold or silver plate. The metal must be milled and not cast. Cast metal often contains tiny air pockets within it (Shane likens it to an Aero chocolate bar). If his chisel finds one of these air pockets, it will slip on it, which will ruin the design.
White, yellow or rose gold in 9ct or 18ct are his preferred metals, as is sterling silver, as they all provide a suitable solid surface to produce the required cuts.
Shane then draws each design by hand onto the metal, using years of experience to interlock the letters and create a visual balance to each piece. The disc is then secured by melted wax to his working block and then clamped into his rotating ball vice ready to be engraved. Shane uses an eye loupe to magnify the piece so that he can see in detail each tiny aspect of the design.
He then pushes specially tempered and sharpened chisels through the metal by hand to create the cuts. Any slip at this point would ruin the work. Each cut must be made with exacting pressure and skill so as to create a cut at the precise depth and angle needed to complete the design. A cut is begun at one end of a letter to its centre line, then the whole piece is rotated and another cut begun from the opposing end to meet at its centre.
The chisels are kept sharp and highly polished which leaves the cuts bright and reflective. This adds a depth and beauty to the engraving that cannot be reproduced by a computer or laser engraver.
Once the engraving work is completed, the disc is removed from the wax block. Then it is highly polished and ready to be worn.
The Initially Collection, designed and exclusive to Shane Hinton of Hinton Jewellers displays the craftsmanship of this intricate art form. Book an appointment with Shane personally to design your own piece of The Collection or contact him here or telephone him on (08) 8398 0005.