Engraving Masterclass

Level: Intermediate/ Advanced

Discover the art of hand engraving in this inspiring two-day masterclass with award-winning engraver Dario Batzella.

Designed for jewellers with previous making experience, this practical workshop introduces the traditional techniques of hand engraving, from preparing and sharpening a graver through to creating decorative cuts, repeat patterns and textured surfaces. While you don’t need to be a professional jeweller, you should be confident using hand tools.

As hand engraving is a highly specialised craft, this workshop is not suitable for complete beginners. It is ideal for jewellers looking to incorporate hand engraving into their work or with an interest in historical metalworking techniques. If you’re unsure whether this workshop is the right fit for your experience, please get in touch—we’re always happy to advise.

Working on copper throughout the weekend, you’ll build confidence in controlling your cuts, developing designs and creating beautifully engraved surfaces that can stand alone or provide the perfect base for transparent enamels. By the end of the course, you’ll have developed a solid foundation in engraving techniques that can be applied to future jewellery and silversmithing projects. You will go home with your own Engraving Tool Kit for you to continue engraving at home.

Day One – Skills & Techniques

Saturday focuses on developing the core skills of hand engraving.

Through demonstrations and plenty of practical exercises, you’ll learn how to:

• Prepare and sharpen a graver
• Understand the different types of gravers and their uses
• Prepare copper plates for engraving
• Develop confident, controlled engraving cuts
• Create repeat patterns and decorative textures
• Begin translating ideas into engraved designs

There will be plenty of time to practise throughout the day as your confidence grows.

Day Two – Design & Create

On Sunday you’ll put your new skills into practice by designing and engraving your own copper plate or chosen item.

Students are welcome to bring their own pieces to work on with Dario’s guidance and advice.

By the end of the weekend, you’ll have developed a solid understanding of traditional hand engraving techniques and the confidence to continue exploring them in your own work.

Please note: This is a skill-building masterclass designed to develop engraving techniques rather than produce a prescribed finished project.

Your Tutor

After studying engraving and a range of traditional techniques at the Italian Mint in Rome, Dario Batzella established himself as a professional engraver in Edinburgh. An experienced and approachable tutor, he is known for his patient, supportive teaching style and meticulous attention to detail.

Dario’s award-winning craftsmanship has received national recognition, including the prestigious Goldsmiths’ Silver Award for Senior Engraving in 2019. During his time training and working with Hamilton & Inches in Edinburgh, he designed and engraved the Cuttitta Cup, the trophy contested annually between Italy and Scotland in the Six Nations rugby championship.

What’s Included

We’ll provide everything you need to begin your engraving journey, including a complete Engraving Tool Kit for you to take home at the end of the weekend.

Your kit includes:

• Talcum powder pouch
• MDF block
• Wooden scriber
• Plasticine
• Two fully sharpened gravers

Copper sheet is also provided throughout the workshop. Silver will be available at cost price.

What to Bring

Please:

• Bring reading glasses if you use them for close work.
• Wear suitable clothing for a jewellery workshop, including closed-toe shoes.
• Tie back long hair.
• Bring a lidded cup for hot drinks in the studio.

Although we don’t have a dedicated lunch area, you are welcome to bring a packed lunch to eat at your desk, or we’re happy to recommend nearby cafés. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided throughout the weekend.

If you enjoy learning more before your workshop, take a look at our Pinterest board for inspiration and examples of hand engraving.

Course Info

Sat 26th Sept, 10 am – 4 pm
Sun 27th Sept, 11 am – 4 pm

Please note that classes may be cancelled if there are insufficient bookings. In the unlikely event of a cancellation, you will be notified the day before the scheduled class and will receive a full refund.