How to Get a Fingerprint

All you need is a graphite pencil, clear tape, white paper, and your phone. Follow these simple steps and choose the clearest sample.

Start the Guide Shop Jewelry
No special equipment required
BEFORE YOU BEGIN

What You’ll Need

Prepare the items below and make sure the fingertip is clean and dry. Creating two or three samples will make it easier to choose the clearest result.
1

Graphite Pencil

Browse our collection and select the perfect piece for your fingerprint
2

Clear Tape

A small piece of transparent adhesive tape.
3

White Paper

A clean sheet that gives the print a clear background.
4

Smartphone

A phone camera for photographing the finished sample.
Step by step

Create Your Fingerprint Sample

Work gently throughout the process. Pressing or sliding too firmly can soften the fine ridge detail.
1

Create a Graphite Patch

Shade a small area of white paper with the side of the pencil. Go over the same area several times until the graphite looks dark and evenly distributed.
Tip: The patch only needs to be slightly larger than the center of the fingertip.
2

Coat the Fingertip

Gently rub the center of the fingertip across the graphite patch. Aim for a light, even coating rather than pressing the finger deeply into the paper.
Tip: Use the finger whose print you would like to appear on the jewelry.
3

Lift the Fingerprint

Place the sticky side of a small piece of clear tape onto the fingertip. Press gently across the fingerprint area, then lift the tape away in one smooth motion.
Avoid: Sliding the tape across the fingertip, which can create a blurred or doubled print.
4

Transfer It to White Paper

Place the tape onto a clean section of white paper and smooth it down gently. Keep the tape flat so the full fingerprint remains visible.
Best practice: Repeat the process two or three times on the same sheet.
5

Take a Clear Photo

Place the paper in bright, even light. Hold the phone directly above the fingerprint, keep it parallel to the paper, and tap the screen to focus before taking the photo.
For the clearest file: Keep the full print in frame and avoid filters, glare, dark shadows, and screenshots.
QUALITY CHECK

Choose the Clearest Sample

Look for visible ridge lines and a complete center section. Select the print with the strongest detail and the least smudging.
  • Sharp, visible fingerprint lines
  • Even contrast against the white paper
  • The complete center of the print is visible
  • Try again if the print is faint, blurred, smudged, cropped, or coveredby glare

Keep the Original Photo

Use the original camera file whenever possible so the fine fingerprint detail is preserved. Choose the clearest sample when adding the fingerprint image to your order.

EXPLORE THE COLLECTIONS
HELPFUL ANSWERS

Frequently Asked Questions

A few quick details before you create your sample.

Which finger should I use?

Use the finger whose print you would like represented on the jewelry. The center of the fingertip usually provides the most recognizable detail.

Does the fingerprint need to be perfect?

No. It does not need to look professionally captured, but the ridge lines should be visible and the photo should be in focus.

Can I create more than one sample?

Yes. We recommend making two or three samples so you can compare them and select the clearest result.

Should I edit the photo?

Keep the image natural. Avoid filters, background removal, heavy sharpening, or changes that may alter the fingerprint detail.

Can I use an existing fingerprint image?

Use the clearest original scan or photograph available. Files copied through messaging apps may lose some fine detail

How close should the photo be?

Photograph close enough to see the ridge detail while leaving a small clean border around the full fingerprint.