Hand engraving has been used to embellish fine metal work for centuries. It is accomplished by carving precise grooves in the surface with a graver, which is essentially a tiny chisel. The graver can be pushed through the metal by hand or driven with a small hammer, depending on the size of cut required. Recently, pneumatically-driven handpieces have been developed, which combine the power of the hammer with the finesse of the hand-pushed graver. The essential process remains the same even with modern tooling; the design must be well thought out, and the cutting must be skillfully executed with smooth, flowing lines for a beautiful result.

Valdemar Skov designs monograms based on classic letterforms, combining letters and often incorporating flourishes as appropriate, to create a balanced, pleasing design. The monograms vary in layout as each letter combination offers different possibilities, and the individual letters (excluding flourishes) generally range from about one-quarter to one-half of an inch high, depending on the space available and letter style. Monograms or other inscriptions can be combined with ornamental designs. Ornamental engraving can take forms ranging from simple calligraphic swirls to richly detailed intertwining spiral scrolls and leaves flowing across the surface. Like high quality lettering, good scrollwork requires careful planning and execution to appear graceful and balanced.