What is a signet ring buyers guide

What is a Signet Ring?

During this guide, we are going to cover all things signet ring! But first, we need to answer the question what are signet rings? 

A signet ring is a jewellery ring steeped in history that dates back to ancient Egypt. The ring usually has a flat bezel that allows for engraving to make the piece more personal to the family or person who owns it. These days the rings are mainly used as a fashion piece but throughout its history, it has been an important tool for people of higher status. 

These rings are so personal as they are often passed down throughout families, meaning many rings have been with the same family for years and years. So whether you plan on buying a ring as a style statement or as a family heirloom to pass down everything you need to know will be found in this guide. 

THE HISTORY BEHIND SIGNET RINGS

In this part of the guide we are going to discuss the origins of the signet ring and their significance throughout history. They have a deep history that starts in ancient Egypt. These rings were worn by Pharaohs and high-ranking officials, the rings at that time featured very detailed hieroglyphs and symbols during this time they were used functionally to create clay or wax seals.This trend then spread to the Mesopotamians and later on the Greeks & Romans. The later really honed the of engraving the rings to include the detailed family crest or initails.

During the time of the Roman Empire, these rings became more important as a tool for government and administration. Important people within the Empire such as senators & military leaders used them to sign and seal important documents. This method ensured that the documents were signed by the correct person and stopped people from tampering with them. As we will discuss later on in the guide, Romans usually worn the ring on the little finger of the non dominant hand, this was to keep the ring close but out of the way of other every day tasks that you would do with your dominant hand. 

Closer to home, in Britain the ring really reached its height of popularity and use during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The rings began to become family heirlooms that would be passed down, just as they are today. They became a hugely important tool for landowners and the aristocracy who used them to manage their estates and business. As technology evolved, the practical use for signets slowly dwindled with the invention of modern signatures and official ink stamps. These days signets continue to be a hugely popular ring for style and family significance.  

WHEN DO YOU GET A SIGNET RING?

As with many types of rings, signet rings are traditionally given as gifts in certain parts of life. In this part of the guide, we will discuss when rings are gifted, why they are given and what it means when they are given. 

If you have a family signet ring, you may choose to gift this to someone on a significant birthday such as an 18th or 21st. This is a great way to pass down a family ring and gives the gift a special significance. The timing of this gift usually means you now trust the person receiving the ring to look after it and treasure it just as you have. 

Some other fantastic reasons to gift a signet ring are graduations, weddings & anniversaries. All of these special events are an excellent time to gift a signet ring to someone special. Signets can be engraved to celebrate these occasions and means the receiver will always remember that special day. 

The final reason you may decided to gift or hand down a signet is the birth of a child in the family. This is a important event in any family and because of the family history of signet rings it becomes a perfect time to hand down a ring. 

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SIGNET RINGS & OTHER RINGS

While the signet is a unique design all of its own, there are some rings that do appear quite similar and can often be mistaken for a signet, in this part of the guide we have put together a table to show what rings are similar and explained how they are different. 

WHAT DO SIGNET RINGS LOOK LIKE?

We are sure you already know what a signet ring might look like but just in-case your new to the world of signets in this part of the guide we will be explaining how signets look and how their appearance is steeped in tradition, style and functionality. In this part of the guide we will break the ring down into 4 key points, these points are gemstone, engraving, bezel and metal.   

The key aspect of a signet ring is the flat bezel, this bezel is what makes a signet a signet! These bezels can be plain or they can have an engraving like we have discussed right throughout this guide. In the image of the signet you can see this signet has some of the bezel engraved and some still as a flat bezel which is a bit of the best of both worlds. The bezel its self can come in different shapes but are usually round. Other shapes you may see are oval or rectangle. These bezels can be engraved for design and style or for family significance. 

Now we are going to take a little about the metals, we won't go into huge detail as the next part of this guide will really delve into what metals are used and why they are used. The bodies of signets are usually gold, silver, white gold, rose gold and platinum. Regardless of the metal you decide to go with, you will also have to decide on the size of the band for example. Some wearers prefer thinker bands and some prefer thin more delicate bands. 

Finally the last appearance factor is gemstones, as you can see in our image this ring has a diamond gemstone in the top left of the bezel. These stones can have significant meanings such as birthstones or can be used just to enhance the design of a ring, sometimes the gemstone will replace the metal bezel such as the onyx ring displayed later on in the guide.

Hand Carved VS Laser Engraving

Many signet rings are personal to you, there are two different ways for you to get your signet ring engraved. These two options are hand carving and laser engraving. In this part of the guide we will discuss the benefits and negatives of each method to help you decide which is best for you. 

Hand Carving

If you want to go for the more traditional route than hand carving may be the way to go. This method has been in use for hundreds of years and requires a high level of skill and craftsman ship. This method if great, if you want to support local artists and have a ring that is truly unique, often times with hand carving even if the design is the same the rings will be slightly different. 

Another key advantage of hand carving is that the engraving can usually be carved much deeper than a laser engraving ensuring the design will be crisp and clear for years to come. Hand carving may end up being more expensive but if any of these benefits resonate with you, we advise you go for the hand carving option. 

Laser Engraving

Laser engraving as you might expect is a much more modern option than hand carving, these lasers and replicate a design with amazing accuracy and precision. One of the benefits of laser engraving is that you can often get much more complicated designs put onto your signet ring because of how accurate the lasers are, such complex designs would be difficult to replicate by hand.

Another advantage to laser engraving is the speed in which a ring can be completed, with hand carving the designs and details can take weeks and months due to the dedication and skill it takes. On the other hand laser engravings can be done extremely weekly this can be great if you need the ring for a specific date or a special event. 

TYPES OF METAL USED FOR signet RINGS

Signet rings are usually crafted in a variety of different precious metals, these metals are usually gold, white gold, silver, rose gold and platinum. Each metal has a different meaning and cost, if you would like to find out about what metal your ring is you can check out our hallmark guide here. 

Yellow gold often just refereed to as just gold is the most common type of metal used on signet rings, the metal is steeped in tradition as its an easy metal to engrave personalisation into e.g. family crests or initials. This makes it a great choice for a signet, the metal also comes in different karats, these karats are 9ct, 14ct, 18ct and 22ct. Another option from the gold family is white gold, this metal offers a more modern look for your signet and compliments being stacked with other style rings. The last option when it comes to gold is rose gold, these rings offer a more romantic vibe and could be perfect for gifting to a loved one.

Moving onto silver, in recent years silver has become a much more favourable option for signet rings, this is because silver is much more affordable than gold and offers a similar modern design to white gold for a fraction of the price. Silver can be easily engraved and looks fantastic stacked with other style rings and metals. 

Finally those looking for a more premium option you may choose to look for a platinum signet ring. Platinum is a metal well known for its strength and durability which makes it perfect for an everyday wear signet. Platinum can be easily engraved meaning you can add your initials or family crest easily. This style of metal can add prestige and class to any jewellery collection. 

DIAMONDS AND GEMSTONES

In this part of the guide we will discuss how gemstones & diamonds are used within Signet rings. What do they mean? Does it stop the rings being used practically? Keep reading to find out! 

Gemstones in Signet rings are used just like other pieces of jewellery to add appeal & value, in jewellery different gemstones often mean different things, so we are going to do discuss fully what they mean. Diamonds is a great place to start these are likely the most common gemstone used in signet rings, diamonds usually are adding visual impact and value to an ring. 

Now we've discussed some gemstones your probably wondering if gemstones stop a ring from being functional as a wax seal. As you saw previously  in the guide diamonds very rarely take up the whole bezel, this leaves space for an engraving that would work as a wax seal. Other stones such as oynx and garnets do take up the whole bezel and that means you wouldn't be able to use the ring as a wax seal. 

The image shows a Onyx signet ring and the link will take you to our full collection of Onyx signet rings. 

Related: Diamond Buying Guide

Wax Seal Signet Rings

In this part of the guide we will discuss the practical uses of Signet rings. Signet rings were used as wax seals and the use goes back centuries but really rose to prominence during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance periods. The wax seal comes from the bezel of the ring being engraved with either a family crest or initials to signify who had seal documents. 

Today, signet rings are still used as wax seals by some people. Hence why you still see so many rings with personalisation.  That means the tradition that has been going 100s of years still continues to thrive.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I SPEND ON A signet RING?

This part of the guide discusses how much should be spent on a signet ring, this is usually comes down to budget but there are other factors to look at.

1. Consider your Budget - Signet rings have a vast range in regards to cost. You should always set a budget that aligns with what you can afford.


2. Materials & Craftsmanship - Precious all vary in price this should be something you consider when buying a signet ring. E.g. Yellow gold is more expensive than silver. Also craftsmanship comes into the price, if you want to get the ring engraved with a special initials, then it will mean the ring is going to cost more. 


3. Long Term Value - Signet rings often carry a lot of sentimentality with family initials or crests, investing in a good quality ring can ensure that the ring lasts for a very long time.

how to wear a signet ring

This part of our signet ring guide will discuss the best ways to wear a signet ring. There are many different ways to wear a signet ring from traditional all the way up to modern. Lets start with traditional, signet rings are usually worn on the little finger of the non-dominant hand e.g. if you were right handed you would wear the signet on the little finger on your left hand and vice versa if you were left handed. The reason its usually worn on the non-dominant hand is because signet rings had a purpose as already discussed, if you had to mark documents with your seal its much easier having it on the hand you don't use as much.

In some cultures the choice of hand that the ring is worn on can signify marital status or be a family custom everyone is different in how they traditionally wear these rings. For example, a ring worn on the left hand may indicate that the wearer is unmarried while on the right hand, it might signify that they are married or engaged. 

Now we will talk about more modern style for wearing. Signet rings can be paired with other rings or worn alone as a statement piece. Modern style allows for much more freedom when wearing a signet such as stacking the rings with other styles and metals (we will discuss this later on in the guide) or wearing them on whatever finger feels comfortable. There really is no limit to how you can wear your signet these days and we encourage you to explore your style and feelings when wearing a signet. 

caring for a signet ring

Caring for any of your jewellery is important and that is the same for signet rings, in this part of our guide we will let you know how to keep your signets nice and clean we have broken the cleaning down into 3 important parts, cleaning, storage & professional maintenance. Most signet rings are made from precious metals like gold, silver, or platinum, and may even feature intricate engravings or gemstones. If you need to check the metal of your signet ring you can look at our hallmark guide here.

1st Step - Regular Cleaning. For gold and platinum signet rings you should use a soft cloth to gently polish the surface of the ring and remove any fingerprints or smudges. If your signet needs a more thorough cleaning, soak the ring in warm water and mild soap then gently scrub with a soft toothbrush to remove any dirt from the engraving or around gemstones. If there is engravings or gemstones in your ring, please exercise caution when cleaning as you don't want to damage the intricate details on the ring. Now moving onto silver, silver signets may require a silver polishing cloth to remove dirt and restore their shine. For more tips on how to keep your rings clean and in top condition you can read our ring cleaning guide here. 

2nd Step - Proper Storage. When not wearing your signet ring, store it in a jewellery box or a soft pouch to protect it from scratches and other damage. If the ring has gemstones, ensure it is stored separately from other jewellery to avoid chipping or scratching the stones. It’s also a good idea to keep the ring away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, which can affect the metal and gemstones over time.

3rd Step - Professional Maintenance. This third and final step can be more expensive so make sure this is a precious ring that you want to have for many years. Having your signet ring inspected and cleaned by a professional jeweller can help maintain its condition and catch any potential issues early, such as loose gemstones or worn engravings. A jeweller can also reapply any coatings, such as rhodium plating for white gold, to restore the ring's original lustre. By taking these three steps, you can make sure that your signet ring remains a shining and enduring symbol of your heritage and style.

Celebrity Signet Rings

Signet rings have been spotted on the hands of famous celebrities and important people for decades in this part of the guide we will discuss two people from different industries and how and why they wear signet rings.

The 1st person we will discuss is King Charles. He wears the a signet ring as part of his royal outfits, he will often wear the ring on his little finger on his left hand this is the traditional way to wear the signet. His majesties signet is engraved with the crest of the Prince of Wales.

In the world of fashion & music celebrities like Harry Styles have been papped with a signet ring as part of their outfit. Known for his eclectic and bold fashion choices, Styles often wears a variety of rings this includes signet rings they often mix vintage styles with modern pieces. His choice to wear signet rings highlights their versatility and enduring appeal across different fashion genres. By incorporating these rings into their everyday and red carpet looks, celebrities continue to underscore the timeless elegance and personal significance of signet rings.

How To Stack Signet Rings

Stacking signet rings is a stylish way to showcase multiple aspects of your heritage and personal taste. To create a balanced look, start by selecting rings of varying widths and designs. Pair a wider, more prominent signet ring with thinner bands to avoid an overcrowded appearance. This approach allows the main signet ring, often featuring intricate engravings or gemstones, to stand out while the accompanying bands add subtle accents.

Consider mixing metals and textures to add depth as you can see from the image we have stacked different style rings with different metals and textures. The image also shows a gemstone included into a stack to add a pop of colour.