An engraving system operable to engrave user-loaded items is provided. The engraving system may have a housing, an engraver located within the housing, and a carrier configured to receive from a user a cartridge holding then item to be engraved and to position the cartridge relative to the engraver. The carrier may be configured to engrave the item via windows in the cartridge, and to flip the cartridge relative to the engraver for engraving on multiple sides of the item.