Engraving INITIALS is a popular way to personalize items such as jewelry, glassware, and other items. The term 'ENGRAVE' means to carve or cut into a surface, while 'INITIALS' are the first letters of a person's name. To ENGRAVE INITIALS, an artist uses a tool to cut into the surface of the item, creating a design that is unique to the individual. Etching is a similar process, but instead of cutting into the surface, the artist uses a chemical to create a design.