Photoengraved 18 Karat Gold Pendants

KCS Imports recently entered into an agreement with a small Italian jeweler to become their sole U.S. distributor for photoengraved 18 karat gold pendants that they individually make in Italy from photographs supplied by our customers. The jewelry firm is typical of many small European businesses. They are a family run establishment that still designs and creates much of the jewelry they sell to their clients. The business has been family run for generations, again, typical of many a small European operation, except for one thing...

Many years ago, they purchased some very old vacuum tube powered equipment originally manufactured for the printing industry. The equipment's purpose was for the reproduction of graphic material, utilizing a process called halftone. A great deal of time was spent modifying the equipment so that it could be used to transfer engrave photographic images on to small gold pendants. Although newer, computerized equipment has been developed to replace the old equipment, the detail produced by the newer equipment, in our opinion, cannot be compared to the results achieved by the vacuum tube powered equipment. Old world technology, in this instance, still remains far superior.

The operation to complete each pendant is very time consuming. The photograph transfer engraving process requires extensive set up time and various adjustments must be made to the equipment during the actual process to produce proper contrast and depth of the engraving. This results in numerous gold pendants being cast aside until the ideal results are achieved from each supplied photograph. The perimeter of the pendant is then step cut to provide a finished border. An 18 karat gold clasp is fitted for a chain and then the many cleaning and polishing steps take place. The finished pendants when worn have an almost holographic effect when viewed at an angle. When viewed directly, the detail of the photoengraving is truly remarkable.

Everyone has special moments in their lives that are usually captured and remembered on photographs. Memories that stay with us forever. Photographs of our children and grandchildren, loved ones that are no longer with us or are still very much a part of our lives, weddings, anniversaries or just that special someone.

Rarely today is it possible for most of us to own an item that can be considered one of a kind. We can spend thousands of dollars on exquisite watches or jewelry and still see the same item being worn by others.

The photoengraved pendants are equally suited to be worn by both men and women. Since you will be supplying your own unique photograph, it is very unlikely you will ever see another one like yours. Due to the amount of time it takes to complete each pendant, only approximately 1,000 can be finished each year. Discussions with our Italian supplier indicates that enough spare parts and vacuum tubes are on hand to keep the equipment running for around five years. After that period, this old world technology may be lost forever.

Orders for this year's limited quantity of gold photoengraved pendants will be taken and processed in the order received. Two duplicate photographs must be supplied. They must be wallet sized, portrait style photos. If your prints are larger, please utilize your negatives to have the required size reprinted. If no negatives are available, consult your photo processor for other available options. The photos you supply will most likely not be returned, please have copies made if possible. KCS Imports and our supplier will assume no responsibility for the return of your photos so please do not send us your only original! Color photos that show good detail and contrast without any shadow effects or hot spots caused by flash attachments produce the best results. Remember, the photoengraving process will pick up all the details of your photograph both good and bad. Black and white photos can be utilized but the detail will not normally be as good as a color photo although they still produce an amazing reproduction. If your photograph is scratched or damaged, take the time to have it professionally retouched before making copies and sending it to us. Please note that the image viewed on the photograph will be the reverse view you will see on the finished pendant. You may notice a slight variation in contrast that is barely visible on the bottom (approximately 1/16 inch) of each finished pendant (not visible on the pendant photographs shown). This is a normal condition that takes place as the equipment is finishing the engraving process. Your photograph will be set and cropped to provide the best engraved photographic image possible on the gold pendant.

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