Homework is good. Buy Meeks' book on gun engraving (Brownell's), read it and study it. The books on Colt and Winchester engraving are also good. Look at every engraved gun you can, the actual gun or a good photo of it.The engraving association--FEGA has a website. Learn to distinguish good work from bad. Whatever the style, scrolls should be gracefully rounded and leaves, etc., should look like they grew there. Straight lines should be straight, and any animals should look right. Eventually you will become knowledgeable enough to answer your own questions as to style, coverage, and so forth.

I have had guns engraved ranging from a simple name on the backstrap to 100% coverage with gold inlay. I like them all. I would have no problem using and shooting a 1/3-2/3 engraved gun and accepting wear and dings on it. At the high end they have become more of a work of art than anything else.

Just an opinion, FWIW.