What is the difference between embossing and engraving on PEGAI products?

Here’s a quick overview of the differences between embossing and engraving on our leather products:

Embossing: This process involves pressing very hot brass characters into the leather, creating a deep indentation and darker imprint. It’s what you see in our listings with initials or names in Times New Roman at the bottom right corner of our padfolios. Embossing does not use any pigment, so there’s no added color—just the natural darkening from the heat.

Engraving: Engraving uses a precise laser to burn a custom image or logo into the top surface of the leather. Like embossing, this process does not involve any pigment. While engraving does not create a deep indentation, it does carve the top layer of the leather, leaving a noticeable burn. Initially, the engraved area may appear very black due to soot from the burning process. However, after cleaning (which we do in our workshop before shipping) and with some use, the soot will gradually lift, causing the black to lighten over time.