During the 15th century, professional runemasters (most from eastern Svealand) were contracted to make runestones which they sometimes signed, but many uncovered runic inscriptions were completed by non-professional runecarvers.
During the 11th century, when most runestones were raised, there were a few professional runemasters. They and their apprentices were contracted to make runestones and when the work was finished, they sometimes signed the stone with the name of the runemaster. 
