Hi all, from Scotland

[srt9969]

Hello, engravers all,
I hope you don't mind, I 've popped up here to ask a bit of a specialised question; I hope someone can help.
I make glass beads for bracelets which have a sterling silver core fitted through the hole. I want to engrave a makers mark on the silver, as the glass behind it will not survive a traditional stamp. The mark will consist of alphanumerics, around 0.75 - 1mm in height, and must be legible to an unaided (if somewhat sharp...) eye. Having seen some of the work here, I know this is entirely possible, but what I need to know is this: Can I do it my (untrained and unpracticed) self? What tools and skills will I need? How do I go about acquiring them? Or will I be far better to hire a professional?

Thank you for your kind consideration,

Sean

[Daniel Houwer]

Hi Sean,
Welcom here. Scotland is a great place. Have to go there again!

On your engraving question,
Cant you pre stamp the silver tube before inserting it?
Engraving such a small size would ask for some high magnification and would take time to learn how to do. Pre stamping or even etching would be a lot quicker and easyer.

Hope this helps.

Daniel

[rbaptiste]

Welcome here

[srt9969]

Thanks for the welcome.

Tube can't be stamped before insertion, as the ends are flared to rivet the bead on to the tube. The outside of the tube lies flush against the glass, the inside of the ends forms the flare, and is hammered to shape, which would damage any engraving or etching done prior to insertion. In x-section, the bead looks like this:-
o)(o (well, roughly...)

Thanks for your help,

Regards,

Sean

PS How does etching work? I use ammonium bifluoride to etch glass - is it a similar process?

[SVD]

Etching would probably be your best bet and yes, you can use the same technique on the silver you use on the glass.

[Daniel Houwer]

Hi Sean,
What if you where to widen one side of the insert, stamp it ant insert the other end into the bead and widen that part. It should leave the first widened part with stamp intact.

Greatings,

Daniel.

[Soco]

mayb have a tool made so in the flaring process its left with a stamp as well?
or hire a bunch or ants willing to engrave for bread crumbs.