Milgrain Engraving Explained – Could This be Your Killer Design Detail?
Milgrain Engraving on Rose Gold Band
Milgrain engraving could be the detail you don't want to forget. Sometimes you barely see it, and yet if you have your custom wedding ring made and it's not there you could feel like something is missing. My clients have commented frequently that milgrain engraving is that one tiny detail that gives a big impact to their forever ring.
Milgrain Engraving Defined
I've been asked, what is milgrain engraving? Literally, it translates to “a thousand grains.” Milgrain can be spelled with either one “l” or two. Regardless of spelling, milgrain is a row of tiny beads or hemispheres along the edge or boundary of a section of jewelry.
Often, you'll see it all along the outer edges of band rings.
Milgrain Has History
A Triple Milgrain Accents This Modern Ring
Milgrain has a history. It’s been used as a jewelry decoration in many different cultures for thousands of years. Milgrain comes in different sizes. You are more likely to be aware of the larger milgrain engraving examples with their visible detail.
When you run into a super small milgrain edge, you need to run your fingernail along the edge to feel it. Clients have said to me, "I don't know why, but I like this one better." It'll be a ring with such a fine milgrain that it's not that obvious to the eye. And yet somehow we sense it.
Then there are bigger versions of milgrain, that don't suggest vintage, yet are super appealing, like the ring to the above.
Three Ways Milgrain is Made
Large and Small Milgrain Engraving Make This Pendant Sing
There are three different methods of incorporating milgrain into a piece of jewelry:
1. Tiny balls can be fabricated and individually soldered onto a piece.
2. A knurling—or milgraining—tool can be rolled over a metal surface creating a row of bumps and depressions, after which they are rounded, smoothed, and polished.
3. Computers are used to draw milgrain in a CAD (Computer Aided Design) creating the program to carve the subsequent wax with milgrain details.
Milgrain Engraving and Jewelry Restoration
Carole's Antique Ring Needing Milgrain Details
When older inherited rings come to me for repair, sizing and restoration, I frequently suggest we restore the missing milgrain engraving.
Many people who have inherited antique rings don't know that they used to have this detail.
The Milgrain Engraving is Restored on Carole's Ring
We turn to milgrain engraving to bring back the feel of the era that your ring came from. Restoring period-appropriate engraving designs and milgrain edging makes a big impact on your older or inherited piece of jewelry.
Most importantly when you restore the old world engraving, you get to see what your ring looked like when your Grandfather gave it to your Grandmother. See Carole's Milgrain re-engraving blog post.
Milgrain Engraving or a Plain Edge?
Milgrain on Rose Gold and a High Polish Edge on White Gold
Why milgrain? Why not just leave the outer rim of the ring smooth and shiny? Milgrain engraving can add an antique feel to your jewelry. Other times, milgrain suggests artistry and hand craftsmanship. Sometimes…it just looks cool!
In the picture above, you can compare either milgrain edging or high-polish edging on two similar rings. Let your eyes tell you whether you gravitate toward one or the other.
It's Like a Picture Frame
The Milgrain Engraving on this Ring Frames the Engraving Design
Like a picture frame surrounding a painting, milgrain engraving is a design element used to set off—or frame—certain elements of jewelry design, like gemstones or swirly hand engraving.
When I propose a pretty hand engraved design for a piece of jewelry, I like frame it with the milgrain edging.
What's the Takeaway Message Here?
Detail of Hand Engraving Framed by a Milgrain Engraving Frame
Whether you’re designing a special ring from the bottom up, or are wanting to infuse some old world beauty into your existing ring, think about including milgrain engraving.
My Milgrain Video
With more pictures, choices and information check out my video.
You Can Call Me!
Are you curious about milgrain, and how it might it work for you? Call me and let's talk about it. (805)963-4157.
Your Personal Jeweler,
Calla
More Posts in the Engraving Series:
Restorative Engraving For Older Rings
Engraved Rings – Five Things You Need to Know
Pinterest Page with Engraving Pictures
Signet Ring, What Should You Engrave? Vanilla or Chocolate?
Why You Should Engrave Your Wedding Rings: And What to Engrave
Engraving a Kiss Inside a Wedding Ring! Laser Engraving is Awesome!
All hail the milgrain! It’s in the details.
I couldn’t agree more!
That is so cool Calla Gold, I have always loved milgrain. I didn’t always know it was called milgrain though. Now I know.
I think milgrain engraving adds so much to jewelry designs. It seems like such a great old world design detail, yet you can add it to modern designs.
I can’t say you are another convert to milgrain engraving since you’ve loved it for so long. I’m glad you see it’s possibilities!
Calla Gold
Hi,I am writing to you to ask, please as a big favor I need the address of the manufacturer of the lathe millgraing tools.
Yours truly,
Daniel
Hi Daniel,
Here’s the supplier of the milgrain tools: http://www.riogrande.com. They may or may not be the manufacturer.
Calla Gold
I like that milgrain detail. And I’m a sucker for good before and afters. They really sell it as far as I’m concerned.
Your video on milgrain with lots of examples was very helpful as well.
Tracey,
Thanks for visiting the blog. It’s great to hear that you like before and after pictures. I always have too!
Perhaps there is some milgrain detail in your jewelry future!
Your Personal Jeweler,
Calla
Please accept my compliments on your video presence on YouTube. I was semi convinced that the engraving work done to antique rings was a lost art until seeing your video. Your video about milgrain is excellent and very compelling.
Marc
Dear Marc,
I’m so glad you found the video helpful. There are indeed many craftsmen out there who keep the old style hand engraving craft alive. It’s their artistry that allows me to design in the vintage style I so love.
One of the most rewarding projects for me is the restoring of hand engraving on a very old inherited ring. It is so wonderful to see again how a ring looked when first it was worn fifty or more years ago.
Your Personal Jeweler,
Calla
Hello, I am a metal smithing hobbiest of around six years. I feel I am pretty capable, with experiences in silver, copper, a little gold, fold forming, and repousse/chasing. I am going to make my future son-in-law’s gold band and have already completed a successful practice ring in silver. I would love to milgrain the edge but don’t have a lathe or milgrain machine. Buying either one of those doesn’t make sense for me but I would be ok buying a quality hand tool to do the job. Is it possible or practical to do this by hand? Am I… Read more »
Hi Todd, This discussion thread seems to really talk about your milgraining wishes. Especially the comment from Willishance. This is such a helpful forum for jewelers. Here’s the discussion: https://orchid.ganoksin.com/t/bead-and-milgrain-tools/40504/2 That said, practicing on the silver sample ring is a great idea. And you can always grind it off and practice some more. Doing it by hand is doable, just with practice to get your groove on with it. Find gold to practice on too before going at the real ring, as the two metals have a different response, with silver being more malleable. Rio Grande carries good hand tools… Read more »
Hello!
Is it possible to make an engraving on the ring like this – lalaserengraving.com/gold-ring/mens-white-gold-wedding-bands/ . (it should be white gold). I want to write names of our children with their dates of birth. If yes, how much it can cost? Thanks!
Hello Marianna,
I went to the site and saw a ton of rings. So I don’t know if there is a special ring and style you prefer as there are a ton of rings there. This is a ring I laser engraved on top of a man’s wedding band. See 11th picture in this blog post:
https://www.callagold.com/rings/signet-ring-what-should-you-engrave/
Are you thinking of something like this?
Your Personal Jeweler,
Calla
Thank you for this informative post! I would like to ask: of the three methods of incorporating milgrain into jewelry, what results in the most authentic antique look? And if the wax (from a CAD drawing) has milgrain, will it look antique and fine? Thank you –
Judy
Hello Judy,
I personally like hand engraving for the tightess and sharpest look for milgrain. Even though it is a framing element, getting it right enhances the engraved design it frames beautifully.
From an authentic standpoint hand engraving is what they used then and what you should use now.
Your Personal Jeweler,
Calla
hello i want to add milgrain to my fiancee custom wedding band but I don’t know if it would look ok with the style… i need opinions… down bellow are picture of the band. Please help! Thank you
Hello Alex,
Neither of your links worked. I also do not show links in my comments. If you’d like to send a picture, email me at callagold@gmail.com. I will give you my opinion. Helpful views are detailed in this blog post:
https://www.callagold.com/education/how-to-send-ring-pictures-to-your-jeweler-effectively/
Your Personal Jeweler,
Calla