engraved

Engraved is the past participle of engrave and is used as an adjective to describe designs, inscriptions, or patterns incised into a surface. An engraved surface bears marks produced by removing material with a sharp tool or by chemical means, and the result may be decorative, commemorative, or functional. The term applies across many materials and contexts.

Traditional engraving uses a burin or graver to cut lines directly into metal, typically copper, silver, or gold. The incisions are recessed, so ink can be applied in intaglio printing for precise images, or the surface can be read as a decoration. Engraving is distinct from etching, which relies on acid to bite lines after a ground is applied to the plate.

Beyond metal, engraving can decorate glass, stone, wood, and ceramics, and is common on jewelry, plaques, gravestones, and weaponry. In modern practice, laser engraving and CNC engraving are widely used to reproduce or personalize designs on a range of materials.

Historically, engraving has ancient roots in metalworking and later became central to European printmaking from the 15th century onward, with artists such as Albrecht Dürer developing the medium. Today, engraved items range from art objects to commercial markings and personal keepsakes.