Could have easily engraved around the base with a properly prepared heeled graver. 1 swipe all done, super polish. I mean, you have the machine and rubber polishers for it!
Even with a custom bent "cobra head" type graver, it's nearly impossible to cut the bottom of the round ends down in a slot like that, but yeah you can easily cut the straight parts instead if you wish. If it wasn't for the curved ends that's how I would have approached it.
