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Hand engraved bracelet ~ Sterling silver and black rubber

The bracelet pictured was inspired from the term, Ubuntu, that one of our customers calls his girlfriend, as a phrase of endearment. Her birthday is around the corner, so he called us up to help him design a personalized piece for her.
The pictures didn't turn out very clear, we are working on that...click on the photo to enlarge. In fact, you can click on ANY photos on this blog to enlarge.
On the front of the sterling silver plate Richard engraved "Ubuntu" which is an African word that means: I am because we are ; which is engraved on the inside of the plate.
The bracelet is made of black rubber. This seemed the perfect piece for her because when clasped it fits close to her wrist. That was important because she's a traveling folk singer that plays guitar so she couldn't wear anything that dangled.
I'm sure she'll love it! Maybe we'll be able to post a picture of her wearing it after it has been presented to her.
We thought you would like to see this unique and personalized piece.

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Richard F Neustaedter ~ Master Hand Engraver.

R F Neustaedter’s Bio


When Richard F Neustaedter was 17 years old, the owner of Sunset Bowl, Bill Boje, heard that Richard was bowling an average of 184 and was headed toward being one of the finest bowlers in the country. At the time, Bill Boje was also a top executive with Scruggs-Vandervoort-Barney which owned Mermod, Jaccards, & King. Mermod, Jaccards, & King Jewelry Co. had a bowling team and asked Richard if he would be interested in joining. He was, and from that day forward, Richard has been in the jewelry business. Richard continued to pursue his bowling career, but an injury prevented it and sealed Richard’s fate as a future master engraver.

Richard went on to become an apprentice for a commercial artist and remained his student for 13 years. His training would start by engraving lettering onto copper plates. Copper was the metal of choice for a student because copper’s hardness is between gold and silver. He moved on to engraving flatware with initials and monograms. He did this alone for several months. In order to hone his tool depth control, he would then remove his work with an oilstone and re-engrave it. This exercise was also crucial in learning how to engrave and remove engravings over a multitude of contoured surfaces—a necessary skill for any great engraver.

Hundreds of pieces later, Richard had built his reputation to the point that many customers were requesting his work. This notoriety encouraged him to open up his own shop. In 1970, he did just that and in doing so, brought a new and youthful attitude to the old-world art of hand engraving.

He became very successful and recognized for his superior craftsmanship in a very short period of time. Before he knew it, he was making pieces for well know celebrities; even a Russian Countess living in Paris. He was winning 1st place for design in the Missouri Jewelers contest. He engraved the Cadillac logo in Lucite for the Detroit Cadillac Museum. In 1976, he was honored with being invited to engrave a large bronze plaque that adorns the entrance to Big Cat Country at the world-renowned Saint Louis Zoo. The plaque has been seen by millions and is one of his personal favorite pieces.

Richard currently finds much joy in showing his work to children. He has a box of metal discs on his workbench and when customers bring a child in, you’ll see Richard guide them to his bench and after asking their names, he asks: “See how I’m drawing your name here in the powder? Now see how I’m using this tool to engrave the metal, in the design that was drawn on? You might never be able to see this again in your life. So, remember this moment.” Then, he shakes his or her hand and tells them what an honor it was to meet them.

This is just one way Richard encourages people to take advantage of this dying art-form before it’s too late. Hand engraving in one of the few ways to own a truly one-of-a-kind heirloom.

Richard would be honored to create a unique piece for you to wear and cherish. Please contact us at rfnhandengraving@yahoo.com for ANY idea you have for a custom piece. We will work with you to see your vision through.

Richard F Neustaedter's custom drawings.

The first step of every custom piece.

Custom Sawout, Mother's Pendant.

This is an example of a custom designed piece Richard completed last week.
This design includes a 14k rose gold bezel with 14k white gold in the middle that has been engraved and then sawed out in the mother's monogram. Richard engraved the names of both of the children on the outer bezel of the pendant.

Jesus In Your Heart, Pendant.

A few years ago, Richard designed the "Jesus In Your Heart" pendant. This pendant has been made with three diamonds on the bail to represent the trinity. It has also been made into a broach. This original design is one of his most famous pieces.

Live Laugh Love. Breast Cancer Awarness Pendant.

This original design was made with a 14k rose gold, ribbon shape, that includes a 14k white gold disc. He has engraved by hand, Live Laugh Love.

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Sterling Silver Monogrammed Pendant.

The Stylish, Classic, Monogram Pendant.  A must in every personal collection.  

(please click on picture to enlarge)

The Generational Pendant

This is an example of R F Neustaedter's Generational Pendant.  For this piece, the last name initial is an S.  The S is done in an Old English style to reflect the owners taste for tradition.  The lettering surrounding the S is the initials of all of her children.  Notice how the surrounding initials almost look like lace-work or filigree.  This is a true heirloom piece with the whole family represented, and will be passed from generation to generation.  

We would like to present Richard F Neustaedter's newest creation, 

~ The Generational Pendant ~

This piece can be done in several sizes and any gold color.  The styling of the engraved letters can also be made to reflect your personal taste and style, whether it is art nouveau or traditional script.

(Please click on picture to enlarge)  

Neustaedter's Signiture Monogram Saw Out Pendant

This is an example of Richard F Neustaedter's private Signiture collection.  

(Please click on photo to enlarge.)