Looking for the best jewelry engraving machine?
Perfect!
In this LearningJewelry.com guide, you’ll learn:
- What are jewelry engraving machines?
- What are the different types of engraving machines (and the differences)?
- What should you look for when buying an engraving machine for jewelry?
- And much more!
Below is a quick list of all my top picks. Keep scrolling to learn more about my best buying tips and tricks.
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Dremel Engraver Rotary Tool |  Editor's Choice |
Reputable Company
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| 2. GanGou Laser Engraving Machine |  Best In Precision |
Accurate Cuts
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| 3. Afantti Electric Micro Engraver Pen |  Best Budget Buy |
Value For Money
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| 4. Utool Engraver 24W Engraving Tool |  Most Ergonomic |
Soft Rubber Grip
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| 5. Engraver Pen Set 2pcs Etcher |  Best On-The-Go |
Pen-Like Design
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| 6. Easy Etcher Precision Engraving Pen |  Tiniest Sized |
Tri-Lobal Grip
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| 7. AxPower Electric Micro Engraver Pen |  Best Value Buy |
Quiet Tool
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Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
Updated On August 30, 2024
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- Lightweight
- 4 extra carbide points
- Warranty included (2 years)
Out of all of the best jewelry engraving machines, Dremel 290-01 120 Volt Engraver Rotary Tool was my favorite.
Why?
It not only comes from a reputable seller, Dremel, but this engraving pen is versatile and actually works on hard surfaces like metals. The Dremel 290-01 is upgraded with four carbide points and a stencil for your decorative functions.
The five-position dial makes the transition between surfaces a breeze. You can use it on soft plastic and quickly shift to engraving metals by turning the knob all the way down.
It engraves a couple of materials like stone, glass, ceramic, porcelain, plastics, wood, leather, among others. I’d vouch for this tool anytime someone asks me about jewelry engraving machines. It is perfect
Top 7 Best Jewelry Engraving Machine
There were quite a few decent engraving machines on the market. Below is a summary of some of the best I found. Continue reading for more information on each as well as in-depth guides on these machines.
- Dremel 290-01 120 Volt Engraver Rotary Tool (Best Overall)
- Laser Engraver Laser Engraving Machine (Best In Precision)
- Afantti Electric Micro Engraver Pen (Best Budget Buy)
- Utool Engraver 24W Engraving Tool (Most Ergonomic)
- Engraver Pen Set 2pcs Etcher (Best On-The-Go)
- The Original Easy Etcher Precision Engraving Pen (Tiniest Sized)
- AxPower Electric Micro Engraver Pen (Best Value Buy)
Best Jewelry Engraving Machine Reviewed
At the top of my list is this Dremel 290-01 rotary tool for jewelry engraving.
With such an impressive price point, you can easily grab this one for engraving wood, leather, glass, plastics, stones, and more.
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In terms of ergonomics, the rotary tool has a comfortable grip and its lightweight design makes it easy to use for longer periods.
If you’re unsure of the product's durability, Dremel gives you a 2-year warranty on all manufacturing deficits. Plus, it has both a 9924 carbide point and a 9929 diamond point. The former is ideal for normal applications while the diamond’s hard surface allows for extended use.
While this piece doesn't come with all the jewelers accessories, the engraving letter template is enough to get you started. Dremel is not a new name for someone who has bought jewelry tools before. It is a reputable company and this product alone has over 2,000 ratings on Amazon.
Pros
- Portable
- Adjustable dial for engraving depth
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Few accessories
- Frozen set screw
The powerful laser engraver has a whopping 3000MW laser marking machine power great for laser engraving applications with grayscale printing.
With the offline engraver from GanGou, you can do DIY engravings for different picture formats like BPM, JPG, GIF, ICO, PNG, DIB, and CUR.
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As long as you have an image editing software, you can engrave any image you want in its recommended format. It is usable in desktop laser engraving or through a USB stick.
The compact laser engraver can carve just about any material from IC cards, dark plastic, wood, acrylic, to acrylic surfaces. Transparent and other reflective surfaces can as well be engraved, but you must paint black.
The type of laser technology used in this cutting machine bounces off when put on reflective surfaces which can be dangerous. A CO2 laser welder is the one ideal for reflective surfaces as the laser beam penetrates through.
With every purchase of the laser cutter or laser welding machine, you get a one-year warranty and a lifetime customer support. It is an excellent starter kit for those looking to do professional deep engraving work, creating laser jig, or for custom engraving purposes.
Pros
- Improved laser engraving system
- Easy to use
- Industry-standard design
- Works on a variety of materials
Cons
- A little slow
- Software issues
When you’re just starting out your engraving projects and need something within a starters budget, the Afantti Electric Micro Engraver Pen is what you need to look forward to.
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The piece comes in a variable speed from 3,000 to 20,000 RPM. For finer projects with minute For finer projects with minute details, there is a subscriber pen included.
It is comfortable and has a nice grip to it. Plus, it’s lightweight and easier to use in fine jewelry engravings on rings, men's wedding bands, pendants, etc. Jewelers can use this micro engraver on wood, plastic, metal, glass, stainless steel, ceramic, etc.
The whole kit comes with 30 bits and high-quality stencils. There are 10 round bits, 4 jujube-shaped bits, 11 flat bits, 5 round bits, 4 graphic stencils and 4-letter/number stencils. The stencils are helpful if you have no idea about engraving or trying out new DIY projects.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Comes with an extra scriber pen
- Works on most materials
Cons
- Short cord
- Not suitable on hard surfaces
Up next is the Utool handheld jewelry engraver tool with soft rubber grip.
With a power rating of 24W, the engraver can effectively work on wood, plastic, and even hard surfaces like metals.
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It comes in a preset speed of 7200 RPM. It's an effective tool for marking your items, branding, jewelry crafts, and an ideal birthday gift as well.
Utool has backed this engraver with a 1-year warranty with 100% money back if the etching tool fails.
Other details of the warranty are included in the user manual. The jewelry engraving machine is easy to use for long hours as it has a rubber grip that’s comfortable and brings a more precise application.
Along with the handle is an adjustment tool that allows you to quickly shift from engraving softer wood to hard surfaces like metals and ceramic. The adjustment knob can help in doing different engraving depths as well. The kit includes 4 tungsten carbide tips great for handling different surfaces.
Pros
- 1-year money-back warranty
- Soft rubber grip
- 5 depth adjustment tools
Cons
- It is loud
This engraving tool set stands out to us as it's the only double etcher on our list.
It allows you to keep one at home and one at the job, or just for a backup in case you need.
Plus...
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It comes with 30 drill bits, 8 different stencils featuring both letters and numbers, as well as 6 different styles of polishing bits. Each etcher also comes with it's own charger.
They also give you an extra engraving pen, which is perfect for on the go. Instead of packing up one of your tools, you can just keep the engraving pen in your pocket.
The engraver tools have two speeds: low and high, making it simple for new users as well as experienced ones. The low setting should be used for metals and wood, but the high setting should be reserved for glass and ceramics.
The tool functions from 3,000 to 20,000 RPM, so it's got some good power.
Lastly, this company also gives you 100% satisfaction and a 30 day money back guarantee.
Pros
- Double Set
- Portable Pen
- 30 day returns
Cons
- Power cord too short
- No wireless option
When looking at the Original Easy Etcher Precision Engraving Pen, you’d think you’re looking at a regular pen or pencil. It is probably the tiniest engraver in this list.
But don’t take the size for granted, as it can work on a number of surfaces with laser precision.
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I was impressed by the fact that it could handle 20,000RPM without getting shaky.
At such high speeds, you can do plenty of projects on wood, bamboo, metal, ceramic, stones, plastic, and more. The set includes 10 free stencils with different designs that you can trace from.
It is a perfect piece for beginners, hobbyists, and professional jewelers looking for an effective engraving tool. It comes with a 6-month warranty and the company promises to buy back the etcher if it doesn’t impress you.
The aluminum frame makes it extremely light, and the tri-lobal grip is a great design for holding the engraver pen.
Pros
- Super light
- Easy to use
- Great for most surfaces
Cons
- Lacks adjustable knobs
- Warranty time very short
- Durability concerns
As we conclude this list, let’s take a look at the AxPower Electric Micro Engraver Pen.
The Vibro kit comes complete with a scriber etcher, 30 bits, and 6 polishing heads with 16 stencils.
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Such accessories are great for someone looking to start engraving but still unsure of where to start. The engraver comes in a black, pencil-like design that’s comfortable to use on both soft and hard surfaces.
The kit has multiple accessories such as pointed bits, round bits, jujube-shaped bits, graphic stencils, flat bits, and a polishing head with a standing ring.
The engraver pen is great for small DIY applications and can do fine lines and deep grooves as well. The 2 in 1 rotary button controls speed and also acts as an ON/OFF button.
As motors must produce a sound while at work, this piece has a built-in technology that allows rotators to run without too much noise. The maximum speed reaches 20,000RPM and lowest is 3,000RPM.
Such a broad range allows for engravings on soft to hard surfaces. Besides, you can choose which speed to use with the rotary button.
Pros
- Variable and adjustable speed
- Multiple accessories
- 2 in 1 rotary button
Cons
- Confusing instruction manual
- Short extension cord
What Is A Jewelry Engraving Machine?
A jewelry engraving machine is an essential tool used in the decoration of jewelry using specific images, words, or symbols. Engraving jewelry not only decorates the piece but also increases its worth and provides texture.
Engraving jewelry has been a fundamental hallmarking genuine metal like gold and silver. They are marked with specific serial numbers to identify them. With the rise in technology, there are various types of engraving machines for jewelry that use laser, drills, hand power, etc.
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Are Jewelry Engraving Machines Expensive Or Cheap?
Jewelry engravers are not as cheap as most online sellers show. If you want to do a simple DIY project, then you’ll be fine getting those for a couple ten bucks. Cheaper ones are usually handheld and use a simple engraving technology.
However, for the professional jeweler, an engraving machine is a huge investment that could cost you up to five-figure digits. The current fiber laser engraving machine costs around $10,000.
That’s not something you can buy for small DIY projects. When you put these machines for jewelry-making only, then you are better off getting the slightly cheaper ones. Just remember to look for something decent and worth the price.
What Should You Look For In The Best Jewelry Engraving Machine?
Even if you’re a jewelry guru, engraving is a whole different beast. You need to know which works best for soft/hard metals, plated jewelry, precious/semi-precious stones, etc.
With so many products in online stores, jewelry engraving machines can be difficult to select. Just knowing the right budget can cause headaches. Regardless, if you’re looking for the best jewelry engraving machine for your DIY or professional projects, then here’s what you need to look at.
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Size Of The Machine
How much workspace do you have available for this machine? Do you need to add something extra for the jewelry engraver? As the prices of these machines go up, you’ll notice that the size increases with extra features like CNC routers in engravers with CNC machines.
Here, you will need ample space to work with. If you’re short on space, you might consider to go for smaller machines and maybe compromise a feature or two for the purposes of size.
Online stores have a witty way of showcasing products and making them look larger/smaller. Always take measurements of what you’re ordering and compare to your workspace before checking out.
Power Output Source
The power output is an important consideration when buying an engraving machine for jewelry. Typically, choosing the power output depends on what kinds of material you’re working with.
If you are engraving hard materials such as stones and marbles, you need a high power rating of 40W-150W. Simple engraving projects that don’t require deep grooves can use those with minimal power of 20W- 50W.
It is important to note that the power rating does not dictate the quality of your jewelry engraving machine. The quality will depend on a combination of power output, the technology of engraver, and more. If you have experience with jewelry engravers, then you understand that a higher power wattage can get the job done twice as fast.
Ease Of Use
There’s also the aspect of comfortability. You need to check how the machine will sit on your workspace. A handheld etching machine is easier to use for small projects and longer hours.
However, it is not easy to engrave hard metals and large engravings. If you choose a machine that’s not easy to use, you’ll be risking inaccuracies. An ergonomic one will make the engraving projects a breeze.
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Warranty
Since jewelry engraving machines are quite technical, it is crucial to check on the warranty to give you peace of mind while doing your jewelry crafts. Most models will have a one-year warranty with expensive ones backed by longer periods.
Some manufacturers will even back their engraving machines with a lifetime warranty. Warranties are only as good as their terms and conditions. So, it is important to check if the terms suit your preferences.
Price
Of course, I wouldn't skip this, above everything else. Like in any purchase, how much you are willing to play plays a role in what to choose. Engraving machines and cutters have a wide price range and can cost anywhere from $200 to almost $10,000.
While the norm for professional engravings is to go for costly ones, sometimes adding the extra bucks are not worth it. In fact, you will find companies that have pro engravers for a few hundred dollars. The general idea is to have something that’s comfortable with your budget.
How To Clean Jewelry Engraving Machines??
As you engrave your wood, glass, or plastic jewelry, the dust remains on the machine. In larger machines like laser engraving cutting machines, the dust may cause unwanted processing results such as discolorations, distortions, and burnt debris. Luckily, you can do a few cleaning techniques to ensure your jewelry machine is clean and well-maintained.
The first tip is to clean your machine after every period of use. Cleaning this way saves time as the dust does not accumulate on the engraving material. Check all ventilation slots and monitor your engraver’s exhaust system. If you use a workspace along with other jewelry supplies and tools like jewelry pliers, make sure you cover unused areas of the work surface.
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Another trick used in laser engraving machines is reversing the engraving direction. Doing this will ensure that the engraving dust doesn’t settle on the engraved surface. Also, the reverse engraving process makes you see the results better because the axis does not obscure the result. Frequently servicing the machine will also help increase the lifetime of your engraving machine and prevent unscheduled downtime.
Our Top Pick: Dremel Engraver Tool
We’re still sticking to Dremel as the best jewelry engraving machine. While it does look professional, you can do fun designs with it and use the adjustment knob to work around different surfaces. It is perfect for engraving plastic, metal, wood, ceramic, glass, among others.
Honestly, Dremel is one of the few engravers with such a lengthy warranty of 2 years. It means the company gives full trust of its products and makes sure customers get the ultimate satisfaction. You can do your jewelry crafts with the engraver since its carbide point and diamond point can be used interchangeably.
The soft grip will ensure that you do your work for long periods without fatiguing your hands or fingers. There’s an extra stencil with numbers and letters perfect for necklaces included in the package for basic wording and numbering.
