Joseph had an interest in hand-engraving from a young age, crafting crude designs into metal and wood since he was a child. In 2010, he was introduced to gun-engraver, Ron Croxon, who became his mentor in the techniques of traditional hand-engraving. Since then, Joseph has honed his craft, learning how to use old-world tooling alongside modern solutions. He holds a firm belief that he would not have been able to master modern hand-engraving tools without the foundation, knowledge and experience that comes from using traditional push gravers and hammer and chisels.

Alongside hand-engraving, Joseph was fortunate to be trained in jewellery-making by an outstanding Georgian jeweller. The time invested in stone setting and working with precious metals enabled Joseph to integrate his skill in hand-engraving with creating beautifully handcrafted, bespoke jewellery.

In 2024, Joseph and his wife, Lisa, decided that it was time Joseph’s skills and passion became more than a hobby, and that he should share his artistry with the world. The JB Ornamental studio was created, with a vision to keep the old-world art of traditional hand-engraving alive, through ornamental features and embellishments on bespoke jewellery. This quickly expanded to include knife engraving, prompted by Joseph and Lisa’s love of outdoor adventure.

By the end of 2024, we had opened an online store, offering high-quality and unique jewellery and engraved knives. We had also begun collaborating with clients on custom made jewellery and engraving requests, and providing trade work to other industry professionals.

In 2025, we introduced laser engraving services – ensuring that no-one has to miss out on beautiful design work due to affordability.

Having started his journey working only in brass and silver, Joseph moved on to master working in a range of materials, and creates every piece made out of precious metal by hand. Always up for a challenge, he even takes on engraving stainless steel and titanium – metals that many hand-engravers won’t touch due to the hardness of the material and difficulty this brings to engraving.

Lisa works behind the scenes to ensure the success of the business, from photography to marketing to all-round administration. She even contributes to design work here and there, providing the essential “woman’s touch”.

2026 will be a big year for JB Ornamental, with new stocked lines planned to launch, while our clients’ commissioned pieces are kept at the top of the list.