What does engrave mean?

lemoncake2

Hello

Bought a silver picture frame and in the listing it states it will engrave any message for you.

Now to me engrave means embedded in the surface on the item you want engraved. I received the frame and the text is written on the surface if you know what i mean. As a result the message hardly stands out and i really don`t want it now as it is not what is stated in the listing.

Can i claim a refund? What is everyones thoughts on this?

lovinituk

When you say written, do you mean with a permanent marker or is it etched into the surface?

JillyCornwall

I don't think you can return personalised items unless it is an incorrect item

lemoncake2

It is etched onto the surface, it does look great however i wanted the text to be embedded in the surface so it stands out .

lovinituk

JillyCornwall wrote: »

I don't think you can return personalised items unless it is an incorrect item

If its clearly not as described then you can. The problem could be proving that it is not as described.

lovinituk

lemoncake2 wrote: »

It is etched onto the surface, it does look great however i wanted the text to be embedded in the surface so it stands out .

Then it depends what the listing actually stated and whether there were clear pictures showing what to expect. Can you post the listing id number?

JillyCornwall

Etched...v engraved.....not much difference, however it does probably depend on the material of the item..solid silver will allow full 'engraving'. Modern cheap silver plating will only allow machine etching due to the depth of the plating.

Mrs_Arcanum

With modern machinery engraved can be very subtle. Much will depend on the material being engraved. An aluminium surface will take a deeper impression, where EPNS may not due to the layer of plate.

antrobus

lemoncake2 wrote: »

It is etched onto the surface, it does look great however i wanted the text to be embedded in the surface so it stands out .

According to the OED to engrave is to "mark by incisions,to inscribe with incised characters" or to "carve (an inscription, figures, etc.) upon a surface". Certainly I would expect that an 'engraved message' would be cut into the surface of the object in question, but it seems that what you wanted was something different.

heronfolder

OP you aren't thinking of embossed are you?

Embossed means it stands proud of the surface, you can run your finger over it, like braille.

Engraved means the writing is carved/chiselled and lies deeper than the surface.

Etched is similar to engraved, but shallower.

lemoncake2

Thanks for the replies so far. I emailed the seller and this is the reply i got back-


We use a diamond drag cutter to score lines onto the surface. This is an engraving technique and is the most commonly used method. Certainly on eBay, most engraved goods for sale will use this method.

The depth of engraving achieved will depend on what the product is made of. Plastic will certainly be deep engraved. Items such as pens and trophy plates will leave an impression into the item which you can feel if you run your finger over it. Metal, like this keyring, will leave a scored finish due to its very hard nature.

We're sorry to hear you were under the impression that this item is deeply engraved however there is no mention of this in the listing and as mentioned, being metal, that type of finish couldn't be achieved. Your keyring has been engraved by adding the letters using scored lines like all our items.


My argument is that engraved means exactly that- engraved in the item not embossed. Is it worth filing a complaint with ebay or should i let this one go?