How Logos and Hallmarks Are Applied to Jewelry: Hand Stamping, Laser Engraving, and CAD Embedding

In the world of custom jewelry manufacturing, one detail often overlooked but critically important is the application of logos and hallmarks on the final product. Whether you’re a budding jewelry designer or a growing brand, understanding how these marks are added to your pieces can help you maintain a consistent, professional aesthetic and meet legal requirements—especially when dealing with precious metals like sterling silver and gold.

At Evyny jewelry manufacturer, a professional jewelry manufacturing business based in China, three primary methods are used to apply logos and hallmarks on jewelry: hand stamping, laser engraving, and CAD embedding during the design stage. Each method has its own strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases depending on the style, finish, and production process of the piece.

The Importance of Logos and Hallmarks in Jewelry

A logo is not just a decorative element—it’s the visual identity of your brand. For jewelry designers, the logo on a ring, bracelet, or necklace can be the most enduring touchpoint that customers associate with your craftsmanship. Hallmarks, on the other hand, serve as proof of authenticity and material quality, especially when working with precious metals. In the UK, for example, hallmarking is a legal requirement.

Kaven, business partner of Evyny jewelry manufacturer, emphasizes that for her hundreds of clients around the world, almost all jewelry pieces include a unique logo and legally required hallmark like “S925” for sterling silver or “750” for 18K gold. Let’s explore how each marking method works in a professional jewelry production facility.

1. Hand Stamping: Traditional and Timeless

Hand stamping is one of the oldest and most traditional methods of applying a logo or hallmark to jewelry. Using specially crafted metal stamping tools, experienced silversmiths press logos and hallmarks into the surface of the metal one piece at a time.

When Is Hand Stamping Ideal?

• Jewelry with organic or matte textures
• Chunkier or heavier pieces where the stamp can be visibly pressed
• Designers seeking a rustic or artisanal look

Pros of Hand Stamping

• Creates a deep, tactile impression that feels handmade
• Perfect for small-batch or one-of-a-kind designs
• No need for expensive machinery

Cons of Hand Stamping

• Time-consuming and less scalable
• Requires skilled labor and consistent pressure
• If the stamping is too light, it may fade during polishing

Kaven notes that while technology has advanced, hand stamping remains a favorite for some of her clients, particularly silversmiths who appreciate the tactile look and feel of a stamped mark. Some customers even provide their own custom stamp tools, which are kept in-house at the facility for regular use.

2. Laser Engraving: Precision Meets Efficiency

Laser engraving has revolutionized the jewelry industry by allowing high-speed, ultra-precise marking of logos and hallmarks directly onto finished pieces. Evyny jewelry uses a high-power fiber laser capable of engraving up to 300–500 pieces a day.

Ideal for:

• Fine, delicate jewelry
• Designs that require tiny logos or detailed inscriptions
• Brands with high-volume production needs

Pros of Laser Engraving

• Unmatched accuracy—even micro logos can be engraved
• Consistent and repeatable results
• Cost-effective for bulk orders
• Faster turnaround compared to hand stamping

Cons of Laser Engraving

• Requires cleaning and polishing afterward (due to laser burns)
• The engraved mark may appear shallower than stamped marks

Before they invested in their in-house laser machine, Evyny jewelry team used to outsource the engraving work, which sometimes led to errors like misspelled words, incorrect sizes, or wrong logo placements. Today, by doing everything in-house, they’re able to ensure faster production, better quality control, and fewer mistakes.

“Having our laser engraving machine in-house has made a huge difference to our production timeline and is more cost-efficient too,” says Kaven.

If you’re working with a manufacturer, it’s wise to check whether they outsource their laser engraving, as this could impact both turnaround time and quality.

3. CAD Embedded Logos: Built into the Mold

The third and most advanced method involves embedding the logo and hallmark directly into the CAD (computer-aided design) file. This means that when the resin is 3D printed and the master mold is cast, the logo is already part of the jewelry’s surface.

Ideal for:

• High-volume production where scalability is key
• Brands with precise design specifications
• Jewelry pieces with clean, polished finishes

Pros of CAD Embedding

• No need for post-casting marking (like stamping or engraving)
• Fully integrated design = sleek, professional finish
• Reduces production steps

Cons of CAD Embedding

• Requires very careful planning
• Minimum logo depth of 0.3–0.5 mm is essential
• If the logo is too shallow, it could vanish during polishing
• Once the mold is made, the logo can’t be resized or relocated

Kaven emphasizes that logos embedded in CAD must be reviewed carefully by her team to ensure they remain visible after polishing. Factors such as shrinkage during 3D printing and casting must also be considered.

“We have to be super sure that the logo is nice and visible after filing and polishing. It’s all these checks that my development team has to tick off the checklist.”

Comparing the Methods: Which One Should You Choose?

Tips for Jewelry Designers Planning Their Logos

If you’re a new jewelry designer or planning to outsource production, here are some practical tips Kaven shares:

1. Choose the Right Size and Location

• Ensure your logo isn’t too small or thin, especially if embedded in CAD.
• Work with your manufacturer to find a discreet but visible spot for your mark.

2. Think About Texture and Finish

• A deeply stamped logo might be more suitable for matte finishes.
• Laser engraving works best on high-polished surfaces.

3. Factor in Shrinkage and Polishing

• CAD logos should account for about 10–15% shrinkage from resin to metal.
• Be aware that heavy polishing can dull shallow engravings.

4. Communicate Clearly with Your Jewelry Manufacturer

• Share vector logos or high-resolution files.
• Decide early whether you want the logo stamped, engraved, or embedded.

Conclusion: Make Your Mark the Right Way

Adding your logo and hallmark to your jewelry isn’t just about compliance or branding—it’s a critical part of crafting a recognizable, memorable product. Each method—hand stamping, laser engraving, and CAD embedding—offers distinct advantages based on your design, budget, and volume.

At Evyny jewelry manufacturer, the team’s expertise and in-house technology help ensure that every mark—whether stamped, engraved, or embedded—is applied with precision, passion, and care. For jewelry designers aiming to build a brand that lasts, knowing your options is the first step toward creating iconic pieces that carry your signature in every detail.