Next time you want try a new project to expand your skills, consider combining two different styles of engraving — you might find a couple of styles that create an interesting blend. This sterling silver loupe, engraved in front of a live audience at the Hong Kong Trade Show by Chris DeCamillis, brings a few elements together for a neat touch of beauty and symmetry.

Onlookers watched as Chris took a small piece of paper with three Chinese characters and carefully reproduced them with engraved lines. The characters that gracefully dance down the center of this sterling silver loupe say "Wing Wo Hong," a company that represents GRS Tools in Asia under the direction of Marcus Lo.

The addition of English-type scrolls as a border adds a soft, ornamental feel to the quick strokes of the characters. To enhance the symmetry of the border, DeCamillis burnish-set seven blue sapphires. Although this type of scroll is not often seen together with Asian character styles, both the scrolls and stones complement the feel of traditional Asian writing for a wonderful balance and interesting overall style. Note also the mill-grained line that separates the scroll area from the character area.

Holding an unusual item like this silver loupe can be tricky. Note the two-part "soft jaws" made from Thermo-Loc remeltable plastic that come between the loupe and the steel vise jaws.

Tools used: GraverMach with 901 handpiece, NSK E-Max, Meiji microscope and Positioning Vise and Thermo-Loc.