Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I get a quotation?
You can send us details of your specifications via email or fax or use our online quotation form. We will then issue you with a quotation within 3 days.

What sort of information do I have to give?
Please see our order form that can be downloaded for your use, on this are all the questions we need answered for us to fullfil your order. This is a blank template that you can add your own company information to.

How do I place an order?
We would need an official order sent to us stating any applicable quotation reference numbers. We cannot accept any verbal instructions or alterations. If any details have been altered you MUST let us know in writing.

What happens after I place an order?
Once you have placed an order – if you have requested us to produce artworks for you these will be produced in approximately 2-3 days (depending on what is required). We will then forward you a hard copy of the artwork for you to approve. You must then check that ALL the details are correct. If any changes are required please write them on the artwork and send it back to us. Once you are happy with artworks we will then proceed with your order.

How long will my order take to process?
This will depend on what is ordered. On your quotation the delivery timings will be shown for your specific enquiry. Delivery timings are approximate but standard service would be 4-7 full working days. An EXPRESS SERVICE is available from a 1-day turn around time. But express charges will apply at an additional 40%.

When do I have to pay?
If this is your first order with us, payment will be required PRIOR to despatch/collection of goods. Please Note: If your first order is over a set amount you may be required to pay a deposit prior to production.
Most subsequent orders will be put on account, but it will be at our own discretion, with terms being strictly 30 days net from invoice date.

How can I pay?
Payment would be required via cash, cheque or Credit/Debit/Switch Card. Card payments can also be taken over the phone.

Are you able to supply us with samples?
Yes we can with engraving and corporate gifts. We will only charge you if you decide to keep the sample or for larger sample orders we may require a credit card as desposit.

I'm not sure how to best layout my inscription?
We have over 35 years hand and machine engraving experience. You can chose a style from our style card and we will break up the inscription and scale the artwork to best suit the piece. We can curve lines of text, work text around logos and crests and combine different font styles. If you are working with a designer we can also follow their guide lines.

What happens if you slip, make a spelling mistake, etc.?
Occasionally mistakes will occur but by using our silversmithing skills these are rectifiable.

What is origination?
Origination is the process of translating a visual image/language to a digital language. A lot of work is needed to tidy up and replace areas of the image. We can work from ‘bad’or coloured artwork but the origination process takes much longer which can increase cost and lead times.

Can you engrave glass?
Yes we can.

Can you engrave inside rings?
Yes, by hand and by computer. Hand is far more attractive and is cheaper if it is just for one or two rings. If you have batches for branding it is far more cost effective by computer.

Do I need to supply artwork?
Only if it is a specific badge or logo. We can layout inscriptions to best suit the job, please see our style card, which should serve, as a guide. We can also replicate engraving for restoration or reproduction work. Photographs are adequate for architecture, scenes and portraits. Wax impressions are also adequate for reproduction seal or surface engraved crests.

Are you able to research our family crest?
Yes we can but we cannot guarantee this will be 100% accurate as this is a Victorian reference book. For comprehensive heraldic research please see our link to the Royal College of Arms.

Why is a seal engraving always reverse?
This is because a seal engraved ring or desk seal is only a tool cut as a negative to create a positive wax impression.

What is your turnaround time?
For seal engraving it is 2-3 weeks. For machine or hand engraving 3-5 days depending on quantities.

What happens if the base metal shows through once engraved?
We do have a silver-plating plant to ‘rag-in’ any show through.

Why does silver-plate occasionally peel after engraving?
We believe the cause of this begins at the manufacturing stage. The items have not been properly cleaned/degreased prior to silver-plating, therefore the plating does not adhere to the surface and once our cutters pierce this it begins to peel. Unfortunately we cannot repair this kind of damage.

Can you combine hand and machine engraving?
Yes we can e.g. hand engrave a coat of arms and machine cut the inscription.

Can you machine engrave around the rim of an Elizabethan/Armada dish?
Yes we can.

Can you in-fill engraving with coloured paints or enamel?
Yes, we have the basic colours and metallic waxes; the latter looks very effective in pens. If it is a specific colour you need please find out what the pantone reference number is. Your designer or printer should be able to supply you with this information.

Are you able to engrave foreign languages?
Yes we can. We can engrave any language by hand; we also have an engraver fluent in Hebrew. We also have most languages in our computer engraver.

NEVER COMBINE CAPITAL LETTERS IN A SCRIPT SENTENCE, IT WILL LOOK LIKE A SERIES OF INITIALS.

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Testimonials

Click links below to view letters.

LINLEY – Corporate Gifts
A happy customer who used our embossing service

Doug Holt
A happy customer who discovered our website

The Times
A thank you for one of those last minute jobs.

Anthony Holt Silversmiths
We often work closely with silversmiths and designers to achieve optimum results.

Watches of Switzerland
Thank you letter for our service

The Goldsmiths' Company
Letter from the curator of the Goldsmiths Company, Rosemary Ransome Wallis

10 Downing Street
Thank you letter for Engraving we completed on a silver plate for Chancellor Kohl

Merriman Silver
A commendation for our effort on a 16 inch presentation plate

Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair
A thank you for our work on the present for the Her Majesty the Queen

The Silver Trust
A message conveying appreciation of our work from Her Majesty the Queen

Prime Minister, Mr John Major
Thank you letter for the work on the gift presented to President Mitterrand

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