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Bring clarity, balance, and durability to names and dates engraved on metal pieces. Heirloom Engravers create clean, geometric letters that read well and last for years. Since 1984, our Union Square studio has served private clients, businesses, and institutions that value block engraving and attentive care.
Most awards and business gifts are engraved in block letters, and most organization or club projects as well. However, you can always add in a signature line in our script fonts, use a logo, or even have us engrave your actual signature!
Block letters are usually thought of as masculine, but don’t let that fool you. Although not common, it is not inappropriate to engrave a lady’s watch with block letters, and then maybe use a simple script to sign your name at the bottom.
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Block engraving uses straight lines and sharp angles for instant readability. It works beautifully on metals such as gold, platinum, silver, stainless steel, and brass. Ideal uses include:
When you request block engraving in San Francisco, CA, we help you size, space, and position letters so your message looks balanced and confident.
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Share the item, the text, any logo, and the due date. We recommend letter height, layout, and depth based on the metal and finish.
For multi-line layouts or logos, we prepare a clear proof for approval so you know exactly what will be engraved.
We use traditional pantograph machines for deep, tactile cuts and modern systems when a project calls for them. Final inspection checks spacing, alignment, and clarity.
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Deep engravings reflect light and remain readable for decades. When you need the best block engraving in San Francisco, CA, you deserve lettering that feels intentional and looks refined. Our method and tools provide a classic, tactile result chosen for heirlooms, awards, and long-service recognitions.
We regularly produce detailed block letter engravings in San Francisco, CA, on jewelry, watch case backs, pens, and presentation items. Single pieces can often be completed the same day or a few business days, depending on complexity, workload, and material.
Quotes vary by item, method, layout, and volume. If you need custom block engraving services in San Francisco for a program or event, we can also staff on-site activations with live personalization.
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We plan your due date at intake and keep you updated, helping you gift with confidence and avoid last-minute stress for ceremonies or milestones.
We help you refine wording and line breaks so short phrases carry warmth and intent, turning a few characters into a keepsake they will revisit.
Downtown studio access makes drop-off and pickup straightforward, saving you time when you want the best block engraving in San Francisco, CA, for important moments.
No, just about any shape or size gift can be engraved.
Of course! We’ve engraved thousands of meaningful gifts and have great ideas for you.
Yes! We do all work in-house and can take your artwork and make it into a beautiful engraving.
We do this all the time. You can get more information on our Events page.
Block cuts sit below the surface, so normal wear will not remove the lettering. Depth and legibility depend on alloy, plating, and finish, which we assess at intake.
For small jewelry, we guide you toward compact heights that stay readable. For plaques and plates, taller letters create presence without crowding edges.
Share a sample or vector file. We will advise on feasibility at the final size and suggest the closest block style when an exact match is impractical.
Sometimes. We inspect the metal, depth, and spacing first. If safe to do so, we can deepen or refine. If not, we will suggest alternatives.
Use mild soap, water, and a soft cloth. Avoid aggressive polishing compounds on plated items. Ask us about light polishing when a refresh is needed.
Posted on Nancy HuangTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We needed to have a large volume of passport covers debossed last minute with company logo. Wade and his team were extremely helpful and accommodating. Highly recommend!Posted on phoenixsanfranTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. BEST place to trust your jewelry or items for engraving. Wade the owner can handle any job. Close to Powell Street station.Posted on Tyler McCulloughTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience. Wade is such a nice guy and really takes the time to give you a good result. He was also able to do a quick turnaround, which was helpful on my end. Fully recommend!Posted on Crystal Mackenzie GoldmanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The perfect place to bring your treasures. They engraved a precious ring of mine and it turned out truly wonderful. The team there is all very kind and professional. They are also VERY reasonably priced.Posted on Meghan DundonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had such a lovely experience at this place! Wade did an amazing job engraving a Mason Pearson hairbrush for me. The whole process start to finish was seamless. Highly recommend!Posted on Dennis CarrollTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have been using them for 2 and a half years now. Wade knows his stuff 😀Posted on Marcie Longoria-ChardavoineTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Heirloom Engravers did a beautiful job with the bible I took to get embossed with my child's name and date of his first communion. It took a few days to turn around and was able to get it back for the event. Staff and owner are professional and kind. I will definitely go back in the future. Thank you!Posted on Eric GavaletzTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent communication, and high quality results!Posted on I-Jong LinTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Heirloom Engravers did a very tasteful job on a series of three watches that I brought to them with custom requests for permanent and funky Latin verbiage. Very professional, quick turnaround, and results were better than I expected -- after adapting some aspects of the designs to their good taste and experience. Update 6/20/2023 Another awesome job, for a more scripty and dressy watch. Still going with the Latin from ol' Horace, thoughPosted on Roberto ArceTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Heirloom engravers were very productive, quality work done in a timely manner. Highly recommend.