Origin of Etching

Engraving is the art of cutting a design into a hard material like metal or stone and has been practiced since prehistoric times. Etching is the art of engraving a design in metal with an acid by protected the metal that is not etched. The technique was developed during the Middle Ages in Europe and possibly earlier in ancient times. The German craftsman, Daniel Hopfer, who lived in the late 15th and early 16th Centuries, used the technique of etching in designing armour. He came up with the idea of using etching to make templates for printing pictures.
Etching remains an art form both for printing pictures and designing jewelry and other art.
The pendant necklace and earrings pictured above were created by the Beadshaper