Block Engraving

Block Engraving in San Francisco, CA

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.

(650) 726-4321

Call for a Consultation

Block

These pages from our Burgundy Book show you full alphabets of our most used and versatile Script fonts, as well as giving you an idea of how small or large we can engrave each style. If you are giving an engraved gift to a woman or girl you are most likely going to want to use a script font, and we’ll help you choose the perfect one for your Heirloom in the making

The Craft and Where It Shines

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:

Popular items:

When you request block engraving in San Francisco, CA, we help you size, space, and position letters so your message looks balanced and confident.

(650) 726-4321

Call for a Consultation

How We Work

We keep the process simple and communicative so you can relax and look forward to a great result.

  1. Consultation and planning

Share the item, the text, any logo, and the due date. We recommend letter height, layout, and depth based on the metal and finish.

  1. Proofing for complex work

For multi-line layouts or logos, we prepare a clear proof for approval so you know exactly what will be engraved.

  1. Engraving and finish

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.

(650) 726-4321

Call for a Consultation

Results You Can See

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.

(650) 726-4321

Call for a Consultation

Why Choose Heirloom Engravers

On-Time Promise

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.

Text Guidance

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.

Local Convenience

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.

FAQs

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.

testimonials

GALLERY