Journal

Followers of this blog will no doubt have read about what value we believe an engraving has.

An engraving tells a story all in itself, it makes the item unique and it transforms a replicable object into something truly special.

However, for this blog post – and this post only – we’re going to highlight the most obvious advantage of engraving a simple name… it identifies the owner.

Indeed, an engraving is like a super name-badge.

Just as every school child turns up on their first day with their name-tape stitched onto the inside of their jumper, so people through history have branded with their name what is owned in their possession.

Much of the time, this is for vanity’s sake.

But to lay claim to your property and possessions speaks to a deeper human instinct about protecting what you have worked to accrue.

And sometimes this proves to be a very wise action, as recently events have shown.

It was reported this week in the Telegraph that the distinguished British sailor, Philip McColl, could be reunited with a £10,000 Rolex that was thought to have been lost overboard 20 years ago.

Mr McColl was then a yacht engineer in the employ of Raul Gardini, an Italian billionaire and competitor in the America’s Cup.

Having won the San Francisco Cup in 1988, the Rolex was gifted in recognition of the achievement.

However, ten years later when boating near the British coast, the engraved gift went missing and was assumed to have gone overboard.

Later feeling that the timepiece may have been stolen, though, Philip McColl reported the item as missing to the Falmouth and Cornwall police.

For 20 years, that seemed to be the end of the matter.

But in 2018, the sailor received a call from an auction house in Geneva saying that they had come in to possession of a Rolex watch with his name engraved on the back.

You might think at this point that the story ends here with a happy conclusion… but come back in a week to read of how it continued.

It’s summer (or, at least it’s nominally summer in parts of Britain, despite the weather)!

And come the sun, means come the competitions.

Over the summer runs a marathon of sporting events, from the women’s football to the cricketing world cup.

With such glory ready for the taking, there are trophies aplenty to be engraved.

However, the summer awards season has kicked off on a rather unexpected note.

Upon winning the ladies’ French Open title at Roland Garros last week, Ashleigh Barty was quick to inspect her predecessors on the presentation trophy.

As an Australian, she reviewed back to see when was the last time a fellow Aussie lifted the cup… and was surprised at what she found.

Under 1976, our very own Sue Barker was duly credited as the winner, but was misappropriated to the nation down-under.

Back then, Sue was an up and coming tennis champ at the tender age of 20, and went on to notch appearances in both the Australian Open and Wimbledon the following year.

However, despite becoming a national treasure on our island state, her most notable achievement has been credited to a foreign power… something which most definitely should be corrected.

At Engravers Guild, we often say that the beauty of an engraved gift is that the engraving lasts forever.

As such, someone now has a very tough job of polishing out an impression that was designed to last for time immemorial.

Our engravers here certainly sympathise with the conundrum, as there are few ways back from salvaging a mistaken engraving.

But, with the pride of the nation at stake with a few engraved letters denoting the nationality, we’re sure that solutions are indeed possible.

From recasting erroneous old engravings, though, we wish all British athletes the very best of luck this sporting season, and hopefully there are more GBR initials soon to be engraved on more trophies in the coming weeks.

At Engravers Guild, we understand how important it is to say thank you to the ones you love.

And, with Father’s Day this weekend, we’re busy creating beautiful engraved gifts for just that.

As Antoine Prevost, the acclaimed eighteenth century French novelist, said:

“The heart of a father is the masterpiece of nature.”

So for those still not sure on how best to show their appreciation for their father’s love, we’ve compiled our Top 5 Engraved Gifts for Dad.

Personalised Pocket Watch

There is no better way to commemorate a special day than with the gift of a timepiece. While not an accessory for common use, the best gifts are ones which win a marathon, not a sprint. Engrave it with the date and have it as a reminder of your affection for many years to come.

Personalised Cufflinks

Engraved cufflinks should be a staple of any man’s wardrobe and are a beautifully discreet detail to any smart shirt or suit. A simple set of initials on the cufflinks are most popular, but perhaps add a special name as well for a more personal touch.

Personalised Hip Flask

There are times in life which always go better with a little tipple. Our engraved hip flask collection has something for every occasion, with premium pewter hip flasks made in England to a standard six ounce stainless steel hip flask. Presented in a beautiful gift box, they make a perfect gift to mark Father’s Day.

Personalised Money Clip

Being a Dad is an expensive occupation, so why not help him keep his financial affairs in order with a personalised money clip. Choose from either stainless steel or solid silver and add a custom message to ensure he always thinks of you when standing at the cashpoint.

Personalised Lighter

You’re probably already the light of his life, so make that point again with a stunning engraved lighter. A personalised Zippo lighter has a lifetime guarantee, making sure you will never be far from his mind for all his days to come.

A Rolex.

And an engraving.

What costs more?

Followers of this blog will note that we have made the case many times before that the typical value of an engraved gift lies not in the movement, the springs, cogs, wheels or bracelet of the watch… but in a few letters engraved on the back.

Paul Newman’s watch (which set a record at auction for the most expensive Rolex ever sold), Elvis’ watch, J. F. Kennedy’s watch and many more besides have all been hotly coveted at auction because they bear an engraving which hints at the history of the item.

And so again we’re proud to further make our point today.

Currently listed in the Beverley Hills based GWS Auction House is a Rolex watch engraved on the back with:

“Vito’s / MB”

The “Vito” is reference to a famous film character, and the “MB” notes the initials of the actor who played the part: Marlon Brando.

It was reportedly gifted to the Hollywood icon in 1973 when he won the Academy Award for Best Actor with the part.

Though he notoriously declined to receive the recognition, some acquaintance still bought the watch as a memento of the achievement.

However, the significance of it may not have meant a lot to the legend of the silver screen.

In 1976 he apparently gave the watch away to his friend, Patricia Norris, who was the costume designer on “The Godfather”.

The current owner has a letter from the Norris family confirming that it was bought from them – but, beyond that, there is little further evidence of authenticity.

Nevertheless, despite the question marks, the mere suggestion of the provenance still commands a lofty price guide… $20,000.

At Engravers Guild of London, we’re proud to offer a selection of beautiful personalised pocket watches.

We consider our top of the range models an investment. But, it is the engraving you choose that brings the real worth to an engraved pocket watch.

In homage to a forthcoming international day of celebration, this week we wanted to write about… Star Wars.

Indeed, in a few days’ time is international Star Wars Day. On 4th May.

May the 4th be with you.

Apparently the occasion properly caught traction with the advent of social media, when fans across the world tweeted the hashtag to millions of the Twitteratti.

However, the phrase, in fact, has earlier origins.

The play on words “May the 4th be with you” was actually first used in 1979, the first day that Margaret Thatcher took office as Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

It was run as an advert in the London Evening News, dedicated to Margaret Thatcher from her Conservative Party to wish her luck at the beginning of her premiership.

Since then, though, it has been adopted by the Star Wars franchise, with Disney even running special events at its theme parks.

But, as ever, the real reason we’re writing about Star Wars on the Engravers Guild blog is so that we can talk about… special engraved gifts.

There is perhaps no more iconic an item for Star Wars fans than the light sabre.

Every light sabre that has been used in the films has become one of the most coveted piece of film memorabilia in the history of cinema.

But one particular light sabre perhaps is better than all the rest.

When Samuel L Jackson took part as a Jedi in one of the instalments, the crew did something a little special for his light sabre.

Just above the grip of the handle of the weapon, the crew had engraved the characters: “BMF”.

As the Hollywood actor revealed on the Graham Norton Show, this was in reference to one of his most famous lines from Pulp Fiction: “Bad Mother F****r”.

And that is the beauty of an engraving. Where the initials B M F mean nothing on their own, it’s the story behind them which gives life and brings value.

So on this May 4th, choose from any of our engraved gifts such as personalised pocket watches and create your own piece of memorabilia.

Everybody knows there is nothing that can repay a mother’s love. But…

…we think we may have the next best thing.

This year, Engravers Guild wanted to create a special engraved gift for all the mums – we wanted it to be touching and something that would be an enduring keepsake.

The famous saying goes: “A picture speaks a thousand words”. As such, we thought that instead of inscribing just text, we would engrave a picture.

A locket was felt to be the perfect canvas for this work of art, as further pictures could be added inside to create a story in itself.

And so became… The Mummy Locket.

Offered in sterling 925 silver with additional options of gold plate or rose gold plate, The Mummy Locket is a beautiful oval locket that is exquisitely crafted and finished to a brilliant polish.

Send us a drawing (preferably a line drawing, and with high colour contrast), and we’ll send you back a preview of your engraved locket for you to review.

Our engraved lockets collection has been a favourite amongst social media influencers and bloggers, with a number of our pieces featured by some of the most followed online channels.

Every item is inscribed with the finest diamond-tipped cutters so as to ensure a lasting impression that will endure for years to come.

Presented in our signature packaging and with custom gift card, opening The Mummy Locket is a memorable experience that will come to life again and again every time she wears the piece of jewellery.

Let us know if you would like some text engraved on the back, and we’ll also add that for free of charge. Whether is be your name, the date or just a couple of kisses, it’s all the little touches that add up to make it something truly special.

So have a look, send us a picture, and we’ll send you back something that is guaranteed to make a great Mother’s Day.

As our customers would hopefully testify, at Engravers Guild of London we care deeply about customer service.

When we launched the engraved gift business in 2016, we wanted to create the best personalised gift experience, right from the first time visiting the website till when the item arrives through the front door.

Integral to this, therefore, was the customer service.

It goes without saying, but we think it is worth repeating… absolutely every single product we send out is personalised.

There is no “standard” gift ordered from Engravers Guild, as no one engraved gift is exactly the same to the next. From a personalised pocket watch to an engraved necklace, everything is unique.

With such a high level of customisation, we understand that you might have some specific requirements, and so we go to every effort to make sure we’re responsive and can accommodate your requests.

It is with great pleasure, therefore, to learn that we have been awarded a Gold Trusted Service Award from Feefo for our engraved cufflinks and personalised hip flasks and everything in between.

According to Feefo, the recognition is for companies that offer “exceptional experiences”, as endorsed by real customers.

To be considered for the award, a business had to have collected more than 50 reviews across 2018, so we thank the more than 500 customers who left feedback on our page in the last 12 months.

Only those businesses with a rating between 4.5 and 5.0 out of 5.0 were eligible for the award, with our engraved gifts meeting this criterion in 2018.

Being such a young company, we are always striving to build and improve. Customer feedback is an essential component to this process and we always welcome customers to get in touch with us directly to pass on their thoughts about our engraved gifts, whatever they may be.

So should you ever want to let us know what you think about our personalised lockets or anything else, do get in touch at customerservices@engraversguild.co.uk

Followers of this blog will no doubt be aware of the value of an engraving and how it can convey a precious sentiment which brings enormous value to the recipient.

However, there is also another role that an engraving can play, and one which is especially favoured by royalty. Because, while an engraving is commonly used to express a sentiment, it is also deployed to communicate distinction.

For no one is the role of status more important than for royalty.

The concept of royalty is built on the foundation that they are somehow different to the rest of us.

In centuries bygone, the enduring narrative was that they were somehow selected by god and their other-worldly status therefore had to be supported by accoutrements that were almost beyond the reach of ordinary man.

Bespoke ornamentation was the bread and butter of royal households around the world.

Whether it be hand painted initials on furnishings, engravings on jewellery or stone carvings in monuments, everything had to show and confer the importance of the ruling monarch.

While the belief that kings and queens are ordained by god has dwindled, the need to distinguish royalty from ‘commoners’ is just as important (albeit requiring much more subtle and nuanced messaging).

Discretion is now de rigour as a royal – it’s about being guardians of our heritage, bringers of continuity and protectors of values.

To fulfil this role, royalty must still be perceived as operating at a higher level to you and I, but they must not be bashful.

Hence, in the last century it was engraved gifts that royals often favoured more than anything.

The very process of engraving was something that spoke to the role that royalty wanted to play – royalty are representatives of the people, but there is something almost indefinable about them that makes them different.

Indeed, in their role, they need to have a connection to the normal person… but at the same time need to be above the issues that normal people face.

Taking an aspirational and not impossibly attainable item, therefore, speaks to the humbleness of new royalty – but then engraving it with something like a royal crest or initials, still manages to bring a higher distinction.

Next time you want to feel special, why not also gift an engraved piece, and enjoy the heirs and graces that will be soon to follow.

It’s the international day of love, 24 hours of unadulterated romance, and the one dedicated date in the calendar year devoted to celebrating Cupid’s pleasures.

Yes, it is Valentine’s Day soon on 14 February 2019.

But what is Valentine’s Day?

Jay Leno, the American comedian, actor, writer, producer, and television host, has said:

“Today is Valentine’s Day — or, as men like to call it, Extortion Day!”

However, we at Engravers Guild do not like to entertain such notions.

Instead, we abide by the sentiment expressed by Camila Alves, the Brazilian-American model, actress and designer and wife of Matthew McConaughey.

Recently, this particular quote of hers caught our eye:

“I enjoy celebrating Valentine’s Day. It’s a nice way to say you’re thinking about your family, someone special, or dear friends.”

What Ms Alves explains is that Valentine’s Day is all about expression, it is all about finding “a way to say” something.

Expressing love is not remarkable.

Love is probably the most written about thing in the history of humankind and there are artists from Shakespeare to Shakira who are there to help us find the words.

What is remarkable, though, is the way love is expressed – the special way that makes it personal.

…and that’s where we come in.

As a personalised gift company, we exist to help people express sentiments in a way that creates a special moment.

There is something about a declaration of love that is engraved in metal for time immemorial that makes it all the more powerful and full of emotion.

So this Valentine’s Day, why not browse our collection of personalised lockets, engraved necklaces and custom cufflinks to give the memorable gift of love this year.

Where a rose will wilt and die, your message of love will last forever.

As Sanober Khan, the Indian poet, wrote: “In a world full of temporary things, you are a perpetual feeling”.

At Engravers Guild of London, we look for ways for people to express a sentiment, and we’re always striving to find that extra special way.

We’re proud to offer beautiful jewellery, men’s accessories and touching keepsakes.

But, for the person who has everything, what can you get to really show that a particular person is ever so special?

We think we’ve come up with the perfect engraved gift.

The world is divided into two types of people: those who love Marmite, and those who hate Marmite.

Indeed, the world’s most iconic spread is famous for evoking strong emotions.

So we thought what better way to make an expression of love (for those people that love Marmite), then to create an extra special jar.

For this Valentine’s Day, Engravers Guild has developed a unique solid silver lid for Marmite with beautiful diamond-cut engraving of a Valentine’s scene.

At the bottom of the design is Cupid himself, shooting at a cloud of floating hearts. And, in the middle of the action, is the name of your loved one beautifully inscribed for all eternity.

Finally, around the rim is engraved the ultimate declaration of love for those who can’t get enough of the yeast extract spread: “I love you even more than Marmite”.

The reusable lid is made in a Birmingham silversmiths out of solid 925 sterling silver, which is then hallmarked in the Birmingham Assay Office.

Moreover, with Valentine’s Day actually originating as a Western Christian Feast Day, what more fitting way is there to mark the celebration of romance than dining on the food of love.

If the taste of the sticky black spread is not to your liking, though, then all is not lost.

You are still in time to order from the rest of our collection including engraved necklaces, personalised bracelets and even inscribed fragrances.