How to Take and Choose the Perfect Photo for Jewellery Engraving

Engraving a photo onto a piece of jewellery is a beautiful way to turn memories into something you can carry with you every day. To ensure the final result is perfect, choosing or capturing the right image is crucial. Let us guide you step-by-step to make sure your photo looks stunning!

1. The Importance of Image Quality

The first thing to keep in mind is the quality of the photograph. The clearer and sharper the image, the better it will translate onto the jewellery. Since the engraving space is small, any missing details may not be visible in the final product.

Tip: Always use the highest resolution possible from your camera or smartphone. Avoid blurry or pixelated photos.

2. How to Take the Perfect Photo

If you're taking a new photo, follow these instructions to make sure everything is just right:

• Good lighting: Choose soft natural light. Avoid harsh shadows on the face or object you're photographing. If possible, take the photo outdoors on a cloudy day or near a window with diffused light.
• Sharp focus: Make sure the face or detail you want engraved is well-focused. Tap the screen on your smartphone to adjust the focus to the most important part of the image.
• Simple background: The simpler the background, the better. A light or neutral background will allow the essential details of the image to stand out when engraved onto the jewellery.
• Centered composition: The most important part of the photo should be well-centered. If it's a portrait, ensure the face is centered and the eyes are level with the camera.
• Color contrast: For laser engraving on stainless steel, higher contrast between the colors in the photo will result in a clearer image. Photos with very similar or light colors can make it difficult to perceive the details when engraved on the steel. Images with strong variations of light and shadow ensure that key details stand out.
• Avoid filters: While filters are great for social media, they can obscure important details for engraving. Keep the colors natural and avoid heavy editing.

3. Choosing the Right Photo

If you already have the photo you want engraved, here are some things to check before using it:

• Resolution: Ensure the photo has a high resolution. Images that are too small or low quality will not work well for engraving. Choose images with at least 300 dpi resolution.
• Sharp and well-lit: Even if you have a favorite photo, make sure it's well-lit and focused. Dark or blurry photos will lose quality when reduced to fit onto a piece of jewellery.
• Simple and distraction-free: As with taking a new photo, choose an image where the background doesn't distract from the main subject. Photos with lots of details or background objects can result in a less clear engraving.
• Color contrast: To ensure the final engraved image is easily visible, make sure there's good variation in tones in the photo. Images with contrast between light and shadow work better than photos with very similar shades.

4. Pay Attention to Details

Engraving simplifies the image, so larger, sharper details work best. If you're engraving a face, for example, the expression and eyes should be clearly visible. Avoid images with too many small or complex elements.

5. Test the Image

Before submitting the image, it can be helpful to resize it digitally to the approximate size of the engraving and check if it’s still clear. This gives you an idea of how it will look on the final product.

6. Accepted Image Formats

We accept image formats such as JPEG or PNG. These are the most common formats, and most smartphones automatically save photos in one of these formats, so you don't need to worry about converting your image. Just make sure it's a clear and high-quality photo.