The Art of Metal Stamping (or How I Bang on Things for a Living)

February 24, 2025

Ever wondered how I create the designs on my bracelets? Do I laser engrave them? Use some high-tech machine? Magically whisper them into existence?

Nope. I do it with a hammer, metal stamps, and a whole lot of hope.

Metal Stamping 101: How It Works

Unlike engraving, which just scratches the surface, metal stamping literally presses the design into the metal—kind of like leaving a footprint in the sand, but, you know, more permanent (and less likely to be washed away by the tide).

Step 1: Start with a Blank Canvas (aka, a Strip of Metal)

Every bracelet starts as a raw piece of sterling silver, bronze, brass, copper, or aluminum. I cut, smooth, and shape it before the real fun begins.

Step 2: Hammer Time

Here’s where things get loud. I take handheld steel stamps (which have little designs or letters on the end) and hammer them—one strike at a time—into the metal. No fancy machines, no automation, just me, a hammer, and a little bit of faith that my aim is good today.

The best part? Every piece is unique. The worst part? If I mess up, I can’t just hit “undo.” But hey, that’s what makes handmade jewelry so special—it’s made by a human, not a factory.

Step 3: Make It Shine

Once the design is stamped in, I shape the bracelet into a cuff, oxidize the letters and images to make them stand out, and give it a final polish. And just like that—you’ve got a handmade, deeply stamped, and totally one-of-a-kind bracelet.

Why Metal Stamping is Awesome

Stamped designs don’t wear off or fade over time, because they’re literally part of the metal. And since every strike is done by hand, no two pieces are ever exactly alike. That’s the beauty of it—you’re getting something as unique as you are.

So next time you slip on one of my bracelets, just know that somewhere in my workshop, there was probably a moment where I was holding my breath, hoping I didn’t misplace a letter. (Spoiler: I triple-check to make sure I don’t.)