Why do you must keep your gravers sharp? (Essay #1, of 3) => 11 photos

 This topic is not easy, but if it isn't repeated often, it might get lost among other issues in this tutorial blog. There has been no "Computer-Aided Designing" involved in any of these photos.

 These gravers are our workhorses in our profession; we need them to be in pristine condition...100% of the time.

 All of the metal cuting was originaly just flat metal. Gravers were the only tools that I used to create these intricate patterns.

 This metal carving was cut by a 'Flat' graver. You will notice the shiny surface as it mirrors light from my bench lamp.

 As I mentioned previously, this silver plate was not designed via CAD. It was carved with only an Onglette graver (along with my 65 years of training.)

 

 Here is one of my largest metal cutting designs. This disk took me an estimated 5 days of designing and metal carving.

 This double-photo shows some historical features. The top photo was set about 75 years ago. Then my client asked me to remove all of the diamonds as he didn't want the ring anymore. I took many photos, just to save them for posterity.

 The lower photo was set with CZ's with my initials. CAD was not involved and using only my Onglette gravers.

On this one 'photo page' displays a selection of gravers that I used on a typical gemsetting day. These multiple photos are an example of intricate metal carvings that only Onglette gravers can create.

 

 This flat metal displays "Bead Setting in silver" all of the metal carving was created with only ONE ONGLETTE graver.

 I cut this circle not with any expensive power tools, but using only an Onglette graver. 

 The total costs involved is estimated at $45.00 for the graver handle and the blade.

 Again, no CAD was used in creating this intricate pattern. All I used were the simplest collection of engraving tools. 

  From a flat plate of metal, this was turned into a claw-setting in using only Onglette gavers. (No other tools were involved. 

 All of my gravers have to be in top condition, I rely on only the sharp pointed tools to cut into the metal.

 This technique is aptly named "Pre-Cutting" as all of the metal carving has been done before any stone setting was done.

 Even long before any stones were set. I used my Milgrain and Bead-Burnisher to prepare for eventual gemstone setting.

 This ring was a collection of many designing techniques. I used only an Onglette blade to execute these patterns into this gold ring.

 I used both the "Onglette and Flat gravers" in creating these metal designs. This pattern is a precursor to "Fish Tail Setting"

 Thus completes the first of 3 essays on graver shaping and sharpening. I preferred to keep them separated as there are too many steps involved to explain & display.