Engraving is ancient, labor intensive printing process.   The design is hand-carved into a block of steel creating an engraving die.  One die for each color in the design.  Usually the color block is engraved first.  The ink is applied to the die, the excess wiped off and the die is pressed against the paper.  The gold or silver die will then be applied to the paper.  Our engravings are then sent through the press a third time without ink to "bump" the engraving.  This enhances the depth of the engraving.  The registration must be perfect each time.  An engraver must be a perfectionist.  Ours is the best!

If you look closely at the Alpha Xi Delta engraved crest, you can see the various depths of detail achieved with engraving.