In a city known for its craftsmanship, creativity, and innovation, custom engraving services in Chicago have carved out their own place in the local economy. Whether you’re honoring an employee, commemorating a milestone, branding a business, or giving a personal gift that lasts a lifetime, the power of personalization cannot be overstated.
Custom engraving turns ordinary items into lasting memories. And in a city as dynamic as Chicago—with its deep-rooted traditions in manufacturing, design, and professional achievement—finding the right engraver matters. Whether you’re seeking something sleek and modern, classically ornate, or totally one-of-a-kind, Chicago offers a wide range of engravers who blend art with precision.
This guide ranks the top 10 custom engraving services in Chicago, highlighting their strengths, specialties, and standout features. At the very top? Viking Awards—a company that has become the gold standard in personalized recognition.
1. Viking Awards – The Pinnacle of Custom Engraving in Chicago
If you’re looking for the most trusted name in custom engraving across the Chicagoland area, look no further than Viking Awards. For decades, Viking has stood out as a leader not just in awards, but in detailed, high-quality engraving work that leaves a lasting impression.
Who They Are
Located in Westchester, IL, Viking Awards is a family-run business with decades of experience. Their client list ranges from Fortune 500 companies like United Airlines and Google to local schools, sports leagues, and community organizations. But no matter how big or small the job, they bring the same level of care and attention to every order.
What They Do Best
Viking Awards offers a wide range of products, including:
- Custom awards and trophies (crystal, glass, acrylic, and metal)
- Engraved plaques in walnut, rosewood, and high-gloss finishes
- Personalized signs and nameplates
- Promotional items like branded tumblers, apparel, and executive gifts
What truly sets Viking apart is their commitment to craftsmanship. Every item is engraved using a mix of precision laser engraving and traditional techniques, ensuring both detail and durability. Their in-house team works closely with customers to customize each order—whether it’s one item or hundreds.
White-Glove Service
Viking doesn’t just fulfill orders; they deliver experiences. From design consultations to mockups, revisions, and final delivery, their team makes sure your project is perfect from start to finish. They even accommodate tight deadlines without compromising quality, making them a go-to for corporate clients and event planners.
Customer Love
What customers often mention is Viking’s reliability. One repeat client wrote, “No matter what we ask for, they deliver. It always looks professional, and it’s always on time.” That level of consistency has earned them not just loyalty, but word-of-mouth referrals all over Illinois.
With a blend of modern technology and old-school pride in their work, Viking Awards remains the benchmark for custom engraving in Chicago.
2. Chicago Award Source – Fast, Friendly, and Flexible
Another strong contender on this list is Chicago Award Source, a company that has been serving the city since 1981. Located in the Lincoln Park area, they offer walk-in service, same-day rush options, and a huge range of engraving styles to meet different needs.
They specialize in everything from corporate awards and sports trophies to engraved gifts for weddings and retirements. But what really makes them stand out is their 24-hour turnaround time. If you’re ever in a pinch and need a quality engraving job completed quickly, Chicago Award Source is your place.
Their service is highly personalized, and they’re known for working one-on-one with clients to deliver exactly what they want—even on short notice. If Viking Awards is known for polish and perfection, Chicago Award Source is the reliable neighbor who always comes through in a crunch.
3. Engrave Tech – Laser Precision on a Whole New Level
For those who need advanced laser engraving services with flawless precision, Engrave Tech is worth a look. This shop handles everything from small personalization jobs to industrial engraving projects with equal expertise.
They’re especially known for their versatility. Clients can bring in almost anything—wood, glass, acrylic, leather, or metal—and Engrave Tech has the tools and techniques to customize it. Their turnaround times are quick (usually 3–4 days), and the pricing is competitive.
Small business owners love Engrave Tech for its ability to handle bulk orders without sacrificing quality. Whether you’re branding merchandise, creating custom signage, or personalizing a dozen drink tumblers for a wedding party, they make the process easy and affordable.
4. Razny Jewelers – The Art of Hand Engraving
With a heritage that stretches back over 70 years, Razny Jewelers has become a name synonymous with elegance and attention to detail in Chicago’s high-end jewelry scene. Known primarily for their masterful hand engraving services, Razny brings a rare old-world charm to modern-day customization.
Unlike machine engraving, which relies on automation, hand engraving requires a deep level of artistry and precision. At Razny, experienced craftsmen use traditional tools and techniques passed down through generations. These artisans delicately etch initials, monograms, dates, and even handwritten messages onto fine jewelry—turning already exquisite pieces into deeply personal heirlooms.
Their specialty lies in wedding bands, luxury watches, and sentimental keepsakes. Whether it’s a custom flourish for a Rolex or a heartfelt message hidden inside a wedding ring, Razny offers a level of sophistication and permanence that machine engraving simply can’t replicate.
Clients come to Razny not just for a service, but for a story—a tangible link between past and present. Many of their customers return with pieces handed down through generations, trusting Razny to engrave new memories onto old treasures. This deep emotional connection, combined with their commitment to timeless craftsmanship, makes Razny one of Chicago’s most unique engraving experiences.
5. Laser Engraving Pros – Versatility Meets Ingenuity
Laser Engraving Pros has built its brand on flexibility and creativity. This isn’t your typical shop that sticks to plaques and name tags—this is a team of problem-solvers, artists, and engineers who believe just about anything can be engraved.
Their motto is simple: “If you can imagine it, we can engrave it.” And they mean it. From customizing hydro flasks, tools, and pet tags to creating branded merchandise for startups, Laser Engraving Pros has tackled a wide variety of projects. Their expertise spans multiple materials, including wood, stainless steel, glass, leather, acrylic, and even ceramics.
One standout feature is their collaborative approach. Clients often come in with half-formed ideas, and the team helps bring those concepts to life with mockups, samples, and full-scale production. They also offer volume discounts and bulk ordering options, which makes them ideal for businesses planning promotional campaigns or large event giveaways.
Whether you need a one-of-a-kind engraved knife or 500 branded tumblers for a company retreat, Laser Engraving Pros delivers consistent quality with a creative touch.
6. Illinois Engraving & Manufacturing – Industrial-Level Expertise
While many engraving services focus on the consumer market, Illinois Engraving & Manufacturing specializes in the kind of engraving that powers industries. Located in Rockford but widely serving the Chicago area, this nearly century-old, family-run company is a cornerstone of industrial and commercial engraving in the Midwest.
What sets them apart isn’t fancy trophies or boutique gifts—it’s their ability to engrave durable molds, dies, steel stamps, and specialized tools. Their services are trusted by manufacturers in aerospace, automotive, medical device production, and heavy machinery. This level of work demands extreme accuracy and resilience, and Illinois Engraving delivers both through CNC machining, CAD/CAM technology, and deep relief engraving techniques.
When a component needs to be marked permanently—resisting pressure, friction, or high temperatures—this is the team engineers trust. Their continued family ownership means clients receive not only industrial-grade products but also a human experience grounded in service and integrity.
7. Things Remembered – Personalized Gifts Made Simple
Things Remembered may be a national chain, but its local stores throughout the Chicago area provide a valuable service—quick, convenient, and affordable engraving for life’s most memorable moments.
Step into one of their shops, and you’ll find a variety of customizable products like picture frames, flasks, keepsake boxes, jewelry, and ornaments. Whether you need a last-minute graduation gift or a birthday surprise with a personal touch, Things Remembered offers on-the-spot engraving in most locations.
One of their biggest strengths is accessibility. For people new to custom engraving, or those with smaller budgets, the process is simple and stress-free. Staff guide you through templates and offer previews before engraving. Their online store also provides design previews and shipping options for nationwide gifting.
While they may not offer the artisan-level detail of Razny or the industrial expertise of Illinois Engraving, they play a critical role in the personalization market—offering fast, sentimental, and budget-friendly custom gifts for every milestone.
8. Art Engravers – Where Craft Meets Creativity
Tucked away like a hidden workshop in the city, Art Engravers is where old-school craftsmanship meets modern design. A boutique engraver serving Chicago’s high-end clientele, Art Engravers focuses almost exclusively on hand-engraved, finely crafted objects.
They specialize in working with pens, watches, knives, letter openers, and unique collectibles—often for discerning clients who want something more than just a name etched on a surface. Some pieces include miniature crests, family insignias, or intricate scrollwork carved by hand with surgical precision.
Their clientele includes luxury retailers, collectors, and even institutions looking to engrave presentation gifts. They also offer restoration services, breathing new life into antique pieces that need touch-ups or complete redesigns. Art Engravers is not for mass production—it’s for people who want something deeply personal, with a story that’s meant to last.
9. Mallers Building Jewelers – Downtown Chicago’s Engraving Hub
For a more centralized experience, head to the Mallers Building in downtown Chicago. Often described as the city’s “diamond district,” this building is home to dozens of jewelry shops and engraving professionals under one roof.
It’s the perfect destination for comparing services and prices, especially if you’re customizing something special like an engagement ring or a retirement gift. Many of the jewelers here offer same-day or next-day service, and because the competition is close, the quality and customer care tend to be excellent.
If you need something engraved fast while you’re on a lunch break downtown, chances are someone in the Mallers Building can get it done.
10. Personalization House – One Shop, Endless Options
Located right in the heart of Chicago’s custom gift scene, Personalization House serves everyone from PTA moms and church groups to small businesses and event planners.
They offer a wide variety of engravable products including cutting boards, plaques, notebooks, tumblers, and corporate gifts. One of their biggest advantages is their flexibility—they handle bulk orders with ease, and their design team is ready to tweak artwork, match branding, or suggest creative options.
Their customer service is friendly, their turnaround time is fast, and their pricing is fair. For those seeking a balance between quantity and quality, Personalization House is one of Chicago’s best-kept secrets.
Why Viking Awards Still Ranks #1
While Chicago is home to many excellent engraving services—ranging from high-end luxury shops to industrial powerhouses—Viking Awards remains the clear leader for one reason: they do it all, and they do it exceptionally well.
With decades of experience, world-class customer service, and the ability to take on both simple and complex projects, Viking Awards represents the gold standard in custom engraving. Whether you need one plaque or a thousand, whether you’re an executive assistant or a bride-to-be, Viking delivers.
Personalized. Polished. Perfect.
