The Ultimate Glossary of Calligraphy and Engraving Terms
Have you ever gone to Google thinking you know what you are going to search for and then all of the sudden you don’t know the words to even use to have Google help you?
When stepping into the world of calligraphy and engraving, there are so many different ways to say the same thing. You’ll come across a variety of terms that describe techniques, tools, and styles. Whether you're a calligraphy enthusiast, a professional engraver, or a business looking to add a personalized touch, understanding these words will help you navigate the art form with confidence.
Calligraphy Terms
Modern Calligraphy – A contemporary, free-flowing style of hand lettering with artistic flourishes.
Copperplate – A traditional, elegant script characterized by thick and thin strokes created with a pointed pen.
Brush Lettering – A calligraphy style using a brush pen or paintbrush to create fluid, organic strokes.
Script – A cursive style of calligraphy often used for formal invitations and wedding signage.
Flourishing – Decorative strokes or embellishments added to calligraphy to enhance the design.
Ascender & Descender – The parts of letters that extend above (ascender) or below (descender) the main body of the text.
X-Height – The height of lowercase letters excluding ascenders and descenders.
Lettering – The art of drawing letters rather than writing them in a continuous stroke.
Nibs – Metal tips used with dip pens to create varying stroke widths in traditional calligraphy.
Ink Flow – The consistency of ink movement through a pen, impacting how smooth and precise lettering appears.
Baseline – The imaginary line on which most letters sit in a piece of calligraphy.
Calligraphy Paper – Specially designed paper that minimizes ink bleed and enhances smooth writing.
Engraving Terms
Hand Engraving – A technique where designs, names, or monograms are carefully etched into glass, metal, or wood by hand.
Rotary Tool – A high-speed tool with interchangeable bits used for engraving various materials.
Etching – A process of incising designs onto a surface, often used interchangeably with engraving but can also refer to chemical or laser-based methods.
Micro-Engraving – Ultra-fine engraving used for intricate detailing on jewelry and luxury items.
Deep Engraving – A technique that carves deeper into the surface for a more pronounced effect.
Surface Engraving – A shallow engraving style, often used for delicate materials.
Gold Inlay – The process of filling engraved letters or designs with gold paint or leaf for an elevated finish.
Diamond-Tip Engraving – A specialized engraving method using a diamond-tipped tool for precision on hard surfaces.
Monogram Engraving – Custom initials or decorative letter combinations engraved onto keepsakes and gifts.
Custom Engraving – Fully personalized designs tailored to an event, brand, or personal preference.
Glass Engraving – A technique specifically used to engrave delicate glassware, often for weddings and luxury gifts.
Metal Engraving – A method for etching names, patterns, or branding onto items like jewelry, pens, and plaques.
