Business Details
15 Years
experience
Award-Winning Engraving Services in London
Established in 2011 at the Goldsmiths Centre in London, Sam James has become synonymous with exceptional engraving craftsmanship. Our founders, Samantha Marsden and James Neville, bring over 50 years of combined expertise to every project, blending traditional hand engraving techniques with modern machine precision. We specialise in transforming metal surfaces through intricate designs, from delicate portraiture to elaborate heraldic crests, using specialist tools honed through generations of artisan practice. Our machine engraving department offers cost-effective solutions for corporate gifts and trophies while maintaining meticulous attention to detail. With a full design service available, we collaborate closely with silversmiths, jewellers, and designers to realise bespoke commissions of unparalleled quality.Recognised through industry awards, our team of master engravers and apprentices continues to push creative boundaries while preserving centuries-old techniques. Every piece we create carries the weight of history and the promise of enduring value for future generations. Our commitment to excellence has earned the trust of clients seeking both personal mementos and prestigious awards. By embracing both heritage and innovation, we ensure that the ancient art of engraving remains relevant in contemporary design. Whether executing simple inscriptions or complex enamel work, our dedication to perfection remains unwavering.
Services
Hand Engraving
Machine Engraving
Design Service
Artistic Engravings
Corporate Engraving
Trophy Engraving
Jewelry Engraving
Portrait Engraving
Enamel Work
Custom Inscriptions
Details
- Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years combined experience in traditional engraving techniques
- Our team includes master engravers recognised through industry awards
- We combine heritage craftsmanship with modern machine precision
- We provide full project management from concept to completion
- We maintain partnerships with leading silversmiths and jewellery designers
Services
Hand Engraving
Traditional hand engraving using specialist gravers to create intricate designs on metal surfaces. Our master craftsmen produce detailed lettering, heraldic crests and portraiture through painstaking layering techniques. This time-honoured method allows for unique artistic expression in creating cherished heirlooms.
Machine Engraving
Precision machine engraving for corporate gifts and trophies using computerised systems. We translate client artwork into engraved designs with exacting detail, specialising in diamond-tipped engraving for precious items. This method offers cost-effective solutions for larger volume projects while maintaining quality standards.
Design Service
Full design consultancy from initial concepts to final execution. Our team develops inscription layouts, monograms and artistic interpretations, working closely with clients to transform ideas into tangible creations. We manage complete projects from start to finish in collaboration with industry partners.
Artistic Engravings
Creating decorative engravings for artistic pieces including enamel work and fine portraiture. Our craftsmen specialise in transforming metal surfaces into intricate artworks for display pieces, ceremonial items and collectible objects requiring exceptional detail and artistry.
Corporate Engraving
Specialist engraving solutions for corporate awards, branded gifts and commemorative items. We handle bulk orders with consistent quality, offering both traditional and machine engraving options for trophies, watchbacks and other corporate memorabilia requiring professional presentation.
People
Samantha Marsden
Founder, Managing Director, Master Hand Engraver
Master engraver with decades of experience, Samantha co-founded Sam James to preserve traditional engraving techniques while pushing creative boundaries in metalwork artistry.
James Neville
Founder, Managing Director, Master Hand Engraver
Award-winning engraver James Neville brings extensive craftsmanship expertise to Sam James, combining technical mastery with innovative approaches to contemporary engraving projects.
Louise Sorrell
Hand Engraving Manager, Senior Hand Engraver
As hand engraving manager, Louise oversees complex projects requiring meticulous detail, mentoring apprentices while maintaining the highest standards in traditional engraving techniques.
Celeste Heathcote
Hand Engraver
Skilled hand engraver Celeste contributes to intricate projects with precision, specialising in detailed portrait work and decorative elements that showcase traditional engraving artistry.
Isabel Freeman
Apprentice Hand Engraver
Apprentice engraver Isabel is learning the craft under master engravers, representing the next generation committed to preserving and evolving hand engraving traditions.
Questions
What engraving techniques do you use?
We combine traditional hand engraving using specialist gravers with modern machine engraving techniques for different project requirements.
Can you handle both small and large projects?
Yes, we welcome commissions of all sizes from individual items to bulk corporate orders with equal attention to quality.
Do you work with other designers and craftsmen?
We regularly collaborate with silversmiths, jewellers and designers to realise complex creative projects.
What materials can you engrave?
We specialise in metal engraving including precious metals like gold and silver as well as semi-precious materials.
How experienced is your team?
Our engravers include master craftsmen with decades of experience and award-winning expertise in the field.
Can you recreate existing artwork in engraving?
Yes, our machine engraving department can accurately translate artwork into engraved designs with high precision.
