A process for engraving an element (1; 3), comprising applying to the element a laser beam the pulses of which each last less than one picosecond, so as to machine or remove material from the element and color the machined bottom surface, the removal of material and the coloring being achieved simultaneously, - the element is made of steel or of titanium and the diameter of the beam, the speed of scanning of the element and the repetition frequency of the pulses are chosen such that the degree of overlap in a first direction, especially a longitudinal direction, is higher than 85% or even higher than 90% or even higher than 92% or even higher than 94%, and such that such that the degree of overlap in a second direction, especially a lateral direction, is comprised between 0% and <100%, in particular between 20% and <100% and preferably between 50% and <100%; or - the element is made of a gold alloy or of a platinum alloy and the diameter of the beam, the speed of scanning of the element and the repetition frequency of the pulses are chosen such that the degree of overlap in a first direction, especially a longitudinal direction, is higher than 90% or even higher than 95% and such that the degree of overlap in a second direction, especially a lateral direction, is zero or substantially zero; or - the element is made of ceramic, of ruby or of sapphire and the diameter of the beam, the speed of scanning of the element and the repetition frequency of the pulses are chosen such that the degree of overlap in a first direction, especially a longitudinal direction, is higher than 90% or even higher than 95% and such that the degree of overlap in a second direction, especially a lateral direction, is comprised between 50% and <100%, preferably between 80 and <100% or even between 90 and <100. - the element is made of steel or of titanium and the diameter of the beam, the speed of scanning of the element and the repetition frequency of the pulses are chosen such that the degree of overlap in a first direction, especially a longitudinal direction, is higher than 85% or even higher than 90% or even higher than 92% or even higher than 94%, and such that such that the degree of overlap in a second direction, especially a lateral direction, is comprised between 0% and <100%, in particular between 20% and <100% and preferably between 50% and <100%; or - the element is made of a gold alloy or of a platinum alloy and the diameter of the beam, the speed of scanning of the element and the repetition frequency of the pulses are chosen such that the degree of overlap in a first direction, especially a longitudinal direction, is higher than 90% or even higher than 95% and such that the degree of overlap in a second direction, especially a lateral direction, is zero or substantially zero; or - the element is made of ceramic, of ruby or of sapphire and the diameter of the beam, the speed of scanning of the element and the repetition frequency of the pulses are chosen such that the degree of overlap in a first direction, especially a longitudinal direction, is higher than 90% or even higher than 95% and such that the degree of overlap in a second direction, especially a lateral direction, is comprised between 50% and <100%, preferably between 80 and <100% or even between 90 and <100.