Abstract: Disclosed is a method making use of a video camera, a programmed computer and a numerically-controlled machine-tool with three displacement axes. Particular transitions of the gray levels of the digitized output signal of the camera are sought. Two contiguous binary signals thus produced define a primitive segment of a line to be engraved. The directing parameters of the line segments, normalized in accordance with the displacement step of the machine, are produced and the successions of digital signals controlling the horizontal movement of the machine are deduced therefrom. The engraving depth control signals are renewed with each new engraving pass.Application to the customized production of jewelry and object-words.