Raymond Armand, Jr. — Master Engraver
Two generations. One standard of excellence.
Ray began engraving at 18 in his hometown of Chalmette, Louisiana, learning the craft at his father’s bench. His father warned him not to follow the trade — convinced that laser machines and computerized engraving would soon take over — but Ray couldn’t walk away. He had been drawing since childhood, always sketching, always creating, and the work felt like home.
A year after Ray began, his father passed away. The craft became more than a skill — it became a way to honor him. For over 35 years, Ray has carried that legacy forward, engraving every piece by hand, exactly the way his father taught him. His dedication to the craft earned him recognition as a Master Engraver by the Firearms Engravers Guild of America (FEGA), one of the highest honors in the field.
Ray’s work has reached far beyond Louisiana. He has engraved props for feature films, including a gold‑plated shotgun and a custom Zippo lighter that appeared on screen. His craftsmanship is so respected that a firearm model was even named after him — a rare tribute in the engraving world.
After Hurricane Katrina, Ray relocated to Marrero, rebuilding his life and continuing his work behind the scenes for several jewelers across the region. It was there that he decided to open his own studio, establishing a reputation for precision, discipline, and quiet, old‑world craftsmanship.
Today, that legacy lives on in his home studio in Metairie, where Ray works alongside his secretary and girlfriend, Tammy, with their three cats never far from the bench. The tools are simple, the process is traditional, and the commitment is the same as it was at his father’s vise — to engrave every piece with intention, patience, and heart.
A Studio That Treats You Like Family
Ray dedicates his full attention to the craft — the precision, the patience, and the artistry that define every piece leaving our studio. His focus is entirely on the engraving itself, giving each project the time and intention it deserves. Nothing distracts him from the work. Nothing pulls him away from the bench. Every cut, every detail, every decision is made by hand, with care.
It’s only the two of us here, working side by side to make sure every client feels seen, heard, and guided. Your project never passes through a long chain of hands. There’s no outsourcing, no confusion, no wondering who’s doing what. Tammy handles everything from bookkeeping and office management to client communication and project coordination — making sure every detail is clear, every question is answered, and every step feels personal and organized. That clarity allows Ray to stay fully immersed in the engraving.
We believe in honesty, clarity, and treating every client like family — because that’s how this studio was built, and that’s how we continue to run it. When you work with us, you’re not just another job on a list. You’re part of a small, intentional studio that takes pride in knowing your story, understanding your vision, and creating something meaningful together.
