Memorializing a loved one with a hand-worked etching or custom engraving is a beautiful and time-honored tradition. After 80 years as the premier name in personalized memorials for the Mount Orab, OH, area, Hirons Memorial Works knows how important it is to memorialize the deceased with grace. Here, they answer a common question about their craft and explain the difference between etching and engraving.

Etching

A hand etching is an individual piece of hand-drawn art carved into the surface of the memorial stone with a diamond-tipped etching pen. Lettering can be etched, but etching illustrations and other detailed work is more common. Sometimes, etchings serve as a background for custom engraving. Etchings can also be performed with lasers so photos such as portraits can be etched onto the stone with high detail.

Engraving

Engraving is a popular means of carving names, dates, and even quotes or Bible verses into memorial stones. What separates engravings from etchings is engravings are carved into the stone by a sandblasting machine. This allows for a deeper cut into the stone that gives a bolder look to the text being displayed.

Which Is Right for You?

While both etchings and custom engraving are lovely in their own right, it isn’t always necessary to choose between the two when honoring the deceased. In fact, it’s often recommended that etchings and engravings be combined to complement each other. Layering the two creates depth that can otherwise be difficult to achieve with stonework. Letters are usually engraved so they can be bold and easy to read from a distance, then higher detailed images are etched onto the stone.

Your loved ones deserve to be memorialized in an elegant, permanent way. For style and dignity, consider a headstone adorned with an etching or custom engraving. If you’re in the Mount Orab area, trust Hirons Memorial Works to produce a personalized work of art that will draw visitors to spend time fondly remembering the deceased. Call (888) 444-6356 to learn more about their services, or view completed projects with customer testimonials on their website.