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Marlen Hazel
Master Engraver & Artisan
Creating timeless, hand-engraved jewelry with passion and precision. Each piece tells a unique story through custom lettering and monogram designs.
The Craft
Marlen Hazel is a master hand engraver based in San Francisco, specializing in traditional hand-push engraving on fine jewelry and precious metals. With no power or pneumatic tools, she creates intricate designs entirely by hand, ranging from classic patterns and elaborate monograms to her own Art Deco-inspired motifs. Her work emphasizes precision, intention, and the timeless beauty of each engraved line.
The Beginning
Marlen discovered her passion for engraving around 2013 and dedicated herself to the craft through intensive training. She studied at the renowned Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco and apprenticed directly under master engraver Hratch Nargizian, a fifth-generation Armenian goldsmith and engraver with over 50 years of experience. Hratch, who graduated from the Arts and Crafts school in Soviet Armenia with the title of Master Engraver, served as her primary mentor and teacher, guiding her through a rigorous two-and-a-half-year apprenticeship that built her foundational skills in this demanding art form.
The Mission
Today, Marlen is on a mission to revive and preserve traditional hand engraving, an endangered craft that is rapidly disappearing in the modern era. Recognizing herself as potentially one of the last dedicated hand-push engravers in San Francisco (and possibly California), she actively works to pass on the knowledge by teaching classes, sharing techniques online, and inspiring a new generation. Her current project focuses on building an “army of real hand engravers” through education and outreach—demystifying the process, offering training opportunities, and highlighting how this centuries-old skill can thrive alongside contemporary jewelry design. By opening the doors wider to engraving education while staying true to classic techniques, Marlen aims to ensure the art form not only survives but experiences a renaissance, where every piece tells a unique, handcrafted story.
Where to Look?
Whether you’re seeking custom engraving or interested in learning the craft, Marlen’s dedication keeps this beautiful tradition alive in the heart of San Francisco. You can find her active on Instagram & TikTok as well as her latest educational videos on YouTube.
Marlen has much more in the works, be sure to check in for announcements and upcoming projects by signing up for the newsletter, or subscribe on Discord/Patreon.