Frequently Asked Questions

 

Can I use my own design?

Inkerman service strives to meet your needs and requests at all times. However, this is dependent upon the quality of the artwork and suitability of the image for etching, engraving or embossing. This service can take up to 14 working days from the date of approval. Quotes are available upon request. 

 

Do the items come gift wrapped?

All Inkerman gifts arrive boxed and ribboned in our famous Inkerman boxes. Gift cards can be included upon request. 

 

What is pewter made of?

Pewter is a malleable metal alloy. It is traditionally composed of 85–99% tin, mixed with copper, antimony, bismuth, and sometimes silver or lead, although the use of lead is less common today.   Inkerman pewter is highly polished because it does not contain any lead (unlike the pub pint tankards that may be hanging in your local which have a grey appearance).   Pewter is one of the oldest metal alloys, first appearing in the 11th century. It was first used for church vessels and then as cauldrons for cooking over open fireplaces and is still used today for various household and decorative items.  Inkerman products include jugs, carafes, ice buckets and champagne coolers. Pewter is a very soft metal so can easily scratch – Inkerman recommend washing with hot soapy water and a soft cloth. 

 

What is a Royal Warrant?  

A Royal Warrant is a mark of recognition of those who have supplied goods or services to the Households of HM The Queen, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh or HRH The Prince of Wales for at least five years, and who have an ongoing trading arrangement. The Monarch decides who may grant Royal Warrants.  Inkerman hopes that one day they will be granted one.  

 

How is glass made?

Surprisingly glass is made from sand.  Sand is heated to an incredibly high temperature of 1700°C (3090°F) and becomes a clear liquid which when cools a little becomes flexible and malleable and can be formed into different shapes.  Glass Blowing was invented by Syrian craftsman in the 1st century BC somewhere along the Syro-Palestinian coast. By the Middle Ages, Venice had become a major centre of glass making

 

What is the difference between glass and crystal?

Glass is a generic name, while the crystal is a subcategory of glass;  both are made by the same method but with slightly different materials.  The main difference between crystal and glass is that crystal glass contains anywhere from 2–30% minerals (lead or lead-free).  Historically crystal was viewed as a superior product but these days glass can be of very high quality and at Inkerman, we use tend to use glass as there is no lead content. 

 

How do you etch glass?

Inkerman use the ‘sandblasting’ method to etch glass and crystal. 

Sandblasting is a term used to describe the act of propelling very fine bits of material, usually sand, at high-velocity by steam or air to etch a surface leaving a frosted glass appearance. Sand is naturally abrasive and when combined with fast moving air, will wear away at a surface. The longer the sandblasting technique is applied to an area, the more the sand will wear away at the surface and the deeper the cut.  Artwork of the etching required (At Inkerman this is usually initials, images, dates, logos etc)  is drawn and transfers are made and attached to each piece of glass and the area that needs etching are left clear for the sandblasting.  

 

How do you engrave silver?

Engraving is the method of ‘carving’ design onto the surface of metal whether it be initials, dates or logos.  At Inkerman, we mainly use the diamond cutting machine method to engrave our products but some products are hand engraved.  Hand engraving is an age-old art form using only a small steel graver. The graver is pushed by the palm of the hand to cut through the metal and no machinery is used.

 

What is leather embossing?

At Inkerman, we use a hot stamping embossing process to personalise our leather goods which is a wonderful way to create a unique and special gift.  Tools are used to impress the design into the leather, whether its initials, images,  dates or logos.  At Inkerman, we have the option of two sizes of capital letters for personal items.  For corporate logos, a die is made in brass to the correct size needed and using the hot stamping process this is impressed into the leather product.  Embossing can be in silver, gold or ‘blind’ which means no colour. 

 

Can you put etched glass in the dishwasher

Inkerman glass products are etched using the sandblasting method which can be washed in the dishwasher.  We recommend that items which have been hand carved are washed by hand.