Make something truly unique with the best engraving services in Edinburgh!
So my girlfriend and I are coming up on our first anniversary, and I wanted something special to mark the day. Nothing loud or flashy, just something personal that felt like us.
I decided on matching bracelets with our names engraved. They’re simple, and we can wear them every day.
I was lucky to find a local engraving shop that really got it! It’s a small gift, but it turned out better than I hoped.
Since it can be tough to find someone who gets that kind of thing, I made this list of the best engravers in Edinburgh. Let them help you prepare that one-of-a-kind gift!
How much do engraving services cost in Edinburgh?
Engraving services usually cost around £25 in Edinburgh. However, please take note that your price may vary quite a bit depending on the item, the complexity of the design, and the method used.
1. Timpson
Engraving options: Laser engraving and rotary engraving
Address: Unit 5 Waverley Steps
Phone number: +44 131 556 3037
Business hours:
8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (MON-FRI)
9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (SAT)
10:30 AM – 4:30 PM (SUN)
Timpson is one of the more accessible shops for your engraving needs. They’ve got 21 branches all over Edinburgh, like Cameron Toll, Waverley Steps, and Nicolson Street.
I find them to be a good choice if you need something engraved ASAP. They provide same-day turnaround for most items, including pet tags, Zippos, trophies, and plaques.
If you’re in a rush or can’t be bothered to go outside, their website lets you order engraved gifts online and have them delivered.
Unfortunately, they’re one of the pricier options you’ll find on this list. Their stores also tend to be busy, especially during weekends or lunchtime, so you might be waiting a while.
They know their stuff
“I loved the 2 fellas running this place, both very entertaining and they know their stuff”
– Robin Bennett, Google Reviews
Hip flask engraving was done superbly!
“Hip flask engraving was done superbly! Highly recommend”
– Alex Walton, Google Reviews
2. Alpha Trophies
Engraving options: Laser engraving, computerised diamond-drag engraving, and pantograph engraving
Address: 111 Ferry Rd., Leith
Phone number: +44 131 553 2184
Business hours:
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (MON and THURS)
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (TUES)
In case you need a special award for an upcoming competition, Alpha Trophies is a solid choice. They’ve been around since 1978 and are quite skilled with various types of engraving, including laser engraving and computerised diamond-drag engraving.
What piqued my interest is that they still offer pantograph engraving, where a stylus traces a design and guides a cutting tool to replicate it. It’s good for large cylindrical items like bowls and cups.
Alongside their engraving services, they have a good selection of trophies in their store. SERYFA members get access to special discounts on both services and products, which is handy for football clubs.
However, their opening hours are quite limited and not always consistent. You’ll most likely need to set aside time if you plan to visit this shop.
I come back for the great quality of customer service
“These guys are awesome. I have been getting my medals and trophies engraved here for over 10 years. I come back for the great quality of customer service. They always have time to engage regardless of how busy they are. I drive across town past other medal shops just for their amazing service. Thanks folks. You are doing a great job! :)”
– Ahmed Rehan, Google Reviews
Terrific engraving service from the proprietors
“Great selection of trophies, terrific engraving service from the proprietors. Have used them on two occasions now and will continue to do so.”
– Paul Zarb, Google Reviews
3. Gorgie Cobblers
Engraving options: Computerised engraving
Address: 244 Gorgie Rd
Phone number: +44 131 337 8391
Business hours:
8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (MON, TUES, THURS, and FRI)
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (WED)
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (SAT)
I find Gorgie Cobblers to be a handy option if you’ve got something unusual you want engraved. They’ve been doing this for over a decade and seem open to working with almost anything, whether it be trophies, jewellery, hip flasks, house signs, or even smartphones!
What makes that possible is their computerised engraving setup, which gives accurate results and handles simple designs really well.
It also helps that they can provide items to engrave if you don’t already have one. That’s especially useful if you’re rushing to sort out a personalised gift without time to go shop-hopping.
On the downside, I’ve heard complaints about rude service from their staff.
Awesome shop for all your needs
“Awesome shop for all your needs, I needed a padlock engraved for a location in memory of my late parents, the shop has gone out of their way, exceptional work and customer service.
Great local business.”
– Craig Gavin, Google Reviews
Fantastic last minute service!
“Fantastic last minute service! I needed a gift engraved for my friend’s wedding and the guys were able to do a top class job in a couple of hours.”
– Sam Oliver, Google Reviews
4. Daniel Henderson Jewellers
Engraving options: Hand engraving and machine engraving
Address: 188 Rose St
Phone number: +44 131 466 1745
Business hours: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (TUES-SAT)
Daniel Henderson Jewellers was where I got the anniversary present for my girlfriend. The shop has been around since 2011 and offers high-quality pieces like bracelets, rings, and necklaces.
What sets them apart is their engraving service. They offer both machine and hand engraving, which is rare now since hand engraving takes real time and skill.
I went ahead with the hand-done option to make sure our matching bracelets came out exactly how I pictured them, and the result was beautifully detailed.
It’s also good that you don’t have to buy their jewellery for engraving. They’ll engrave items like tankards, trophies, photo frames, and other keepsakes if you bring them in.
Just be prepared to spend a bit, as their pricing leans expensive. The turnaround time isn’t quick either. Mine took two weeks, so it’s not ideal if you’re rushing for a gift.
We really loved the result!
“We had my 2.5mm wedding ring engraved with this team. We really loved the result!”
– Alyssa Marie Rocas, Google Reviews
The end result was perfect
“I took my partner’s engagement ring into Daniel Henderson Jewellers to be engraved and they were fabulous. Really took the time to go through the process with me and make sure I was happy. The end result was perfect. Really helpful, friendly staff and a beautiful shop! Highly recommend.”
– Kelda Mowat-Gosnell, Google Reviews
5. Alexander Kirkwood & Son
Engraving options: Hand engraving and machine engraving
Address: 52 Jane St
Phone number: +44 131 556 7843
Business hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (MON-THURS)
Alexander Kirkwood & Son is a long-standing engraver in Leith, quietly working away since 1826. Over the years, they’ve worked for universities, local organisations, and even royalty like King George VI!
What I admire most is that they still do hand engraving using traditional steel tools. For simpler pieces, they also offer machine engraving, so there’s room to suit different needs.
Another interesting thing is their bespoke creations. They can create some unique stuff like engraved whisky casks and replica golf clubs.
They also handle hallmarking (a special form of engraving) if your item is made of precious metal and needs official certification.
That said, their prices reflect the care they put into each piece, so expect to pay a bit more than usual. They’re also closed on Fridays and weekends, so it’s best to plan your visit earlier in the week.
Extremely helpful and quick service
“Extremely helpful and quick service. Couldn’t ask for any better.”
– Andrew Henderson, Google Reviews
Excellent job
“Just got my bits back. Excellent job, happy happy with it!”
– Graham Stewart Milner, Google Reviews