Initials or monograms can be custom engraved in single quantities for $11.20.  Other text engraving is performed for a $10 set up fee (per engraved surface), and 40 cents per character for the first 30 characters, 20 cents per character for the 31st through 49th character, and 10 cents per character for engraving in excess of 49 characters.  View a chart of product engraving cost.  Engraving for small quantities is performed in-house and usually does not delay the shipment.  Most engraving orders are shipped the same business day.  The cost for engraving graphics depends on the density, quantity ordered, and level of difficulty.  There is a one-time $25 artwork fee for black and white artwork plus the cost to engrave.  A sample of the artwork is required for an estimate.  Contact us for information on engraving or ordering large quantities.

Most Dalvey products like this Dalvey Pocket Compass can be engraved with your camera-ready artwork, even in single quantities.  We will keep your artwork on file and there will not be another artwork fee if the same artwork is used in the future, even on a different item.  Artwork must be a sharp two to five solid color image with no shading, gradients, or shadows. The best format for a bitmap image is a .GIF file that measures at least 1100 pixels across (larger than full screen on most computers).  Vector artwork must have fonts embedded, and .PDF files are the preferred format as Adobe Acrobat files are the most compatible across different software versions.  Most artwork we receive from individuals or non-professionals is not of sufficient quality to engrave.  We also accept valid .AI, .CDR, and .EPS files (usually with limited to minimal success).  We cannot engrave bitmaps under 1100 pixels wide, pictures or gray scale drawings, but artwork with a limited number of solid colors can be engraved with different angles and densities of crosshatched lines to represent the colors.  Pre-engraving proofs are available by special order, but are usually not required.  Engraving proofs are only $10 on orders with a total engraving cost of $100 or more, or $25 if the engraving cost for the order is under $100.  Proofs typically delay an order 1 - 3 days, depending on how quickly the proof is approved.  Engraving proofs can be ordered on the bottom of this page.  E-mail your requirements and attach your artwork for a quotation.

Small Dalvey products like this Dalvey Pocket Watch can be engraved either around the Dalvey oval badge or on the back.

We can engrave your 2-color artwork or graphic designs, and we specialize in ultra-fine line crosshatching. We can usually ship a sample or low quantities the same day the artwork is received.

Initials vs. Monogram
There is often confusion on the difference between initials and a monogram.  Initials abbreviate a full name in the standard order of first, middle, and last name.  For example, Franklin Delano Roosevelt's initials would be FDR.  A monogram is where the first letter of the last name is placed in the center and made larger than the other two letters.  In this way, Franklin Delano Roosevelt's monogram would be FRD.
Initials Initials and Monograms can be engraved using any font. Here are just a few examples: Monogram
When ordering initials or a monogram, simply type the three letters in the order they will be engraved (i.e. FDR for initials and FRD for a monogram), then in the special instructions section specify whether your want initials or a monogram.  If you desire a monogram, you may wish to specify that the center letter is larger for clarity.
More Personal
Initials are great where space is limited, but people identify with their full name.  When space allows, consider engraving the recipient's full name.
The Most Personal
A heartfelt message definitely creates the most memorable and cherished gift.  Don't forget the recipient's name, your name, and a date for special events.
Engraving Tips: 1. Don't over specify your engraving request.  We use the best engraving equipment and our engravers have many years of experience.  We perform some of the best work in the industry.  Usually the more a customer specifies engraving details, the worse it looks. 2. Many customers specify too many words per line.  This forces the use of a small font size and makes the engraving hard to read.  We will format it for best appearance, and we know not to break up names, company names, and dates.  3. For round or square engraving areas, the number of words per line is approximately equal to the number of lines.  On round items, the engraving area should have a round shape, with shorter first and last lines. 4. It's all right to use one font for initials or a monogram, and another for a personal message but don't mix too many fonts within a message.  One font and its italic are usually sufficient. 5. Formal Old English is fine for initials or a monogram, but never for long messages.  Don't use any of the Old English fonts for lengthy messages as they are difficult to read.  Don't use Old English Newsprint font unless you have a good reason and use it sparingly as it is very difficult to read.  If your salutation contains the word "Love," consider Fancy Cursive Script or Connective Script fonts.  If this is for business, consider Times New Roman or the italic version.  If you have a lot of text on a small item and you know the font size will be very small, use Arial font.  If you don't know which font will look best, leave the font selection for our Master Engraver who has over 30 years experience. 6. Unless otherwise specified, we center all engraving.  It is almost always a mistake to right or left justify lines, especially on a round object.  Engraved gifts should not look like business letters. 7. Except for initials and monograms, never use all capitals with cursive or connective script fonts, or with any of the Old English fonts.  All capital letters in script or Old English fonts don't even look like English. 8. If you don't know if you want initials or a monogram, first consider if the recipient knows what a monogram is.  If you just learned what a monogram is today, there's a good chance the recipient doesn't know.  Monograms are more often used with older recipients.  Also, consider which results in the best symmetry: Albert A. Wilson's initials are AAW, but his monogram is AWA which is very symmetrical.  If you decide to use a monogram, read the above instructions on ordering carefully as you need to reverse the last two letters as they would appear in the initials format.  Unless otherwise specified, three letters are assumed to be initials. Initials are usually the best and safer choice.  When in doubt, use initials as they are what most people relate to (who ever put a monogram on their lunch sack?).  9. If you have lengthy text, such as a poem or a long message, consider Times New Roman or Arial fonts.  Script fonts are more difficult to read, especially when using a small font size.  You never see a newspaper, novel, or book of poetry written in a script font. 10. Carefully check your grammar and spelling.  We DO NOT check spelling.  Whatever you enter in the engraving section is electronically routed to our engraving machines.  We do not retype your engraving so we cannot make typographical errors. View our suggested fonts     View all characters     Chart of Engraving Cost We offer several Stock Graphics, as shown below.  When ordering Stock Graphics, place a unique character such as an asterisk in the Engraving Text box on the custom engraving order box, approximately where you want the Stock Graphic.  Then in the Special Instructions box, specify the Stock Graphic that you want engraved.  If you do not see the graphic you want, we can also engrave custom artwork.  In very large quantities some items may be customized.

View Fonts:

Suggested Engraving Fonts & Stock Graphics

Suggested Engraving Fonts

All Characters of All Fonts

Stock Graphics

One-Time Non-Recurring Custom Artwork Fee $25 plus $10 per Additional Color Separation Select Item... $25 2-Color Black-and-White Artwork (Most Common) $35 3-Color Artwork, 2 Densities of Crosshatching $45 4-Color Artwork, 3 Densities of Crosshatching $55 5-Color Artwork, 4 Densities of Crosshatching $65 6-Color Artwork, 5 Densities of Crosshatching Quantity

$25 - up

Optional Custom Engraving Proof Not usually required.  Delays shipping by 1 - 3 days Select Item... $10 Engraving Proof for Engraving Total Over $100 $25 Engraving Proof for Engraving Total Under $100 Quantity

$10 - $25