Signet Rings: A Guide to Their History, Meaning and How to Wear Them

Signet Rings: A Guide to Their History, Meaning and How to Wear Them

Signet rings are one of the oldest and most recognisable styles of jewellery. Once used as a practical way of authenticating documents, today they are worn for many different reasons, from continuing a family tradition to simply enjoying the distinctive style of the ring.

Available in different metals, shapes and designs, a signet ring can be kept completely plain, engraved with initials or personalised with a family crest.

At Walter Bull & Son in Cirencester, we see signet rings across both our new and pre-owned jewellery collections, as well as through our bespoke and workshop services.

What Is a Signet Ring?

A signet ring is traditionally characterised by a flat or slightly domed surface known as the bezel.

Historically, this surface would be engraved with an individual symbol, coat of arms or family crest. The engraving could then be pressed into wax to create a personal seal.

Although signet rings are no longer required for sealing documents, the distinctive design has remained popular.

Today they are worn by both men and women and range from traditional engraved designs to simple contemporary rings with completely plain faces.

Where Do Signet Rings Come From?

The history of signet rings stretches back thousands of years.

Different forms of seals were used by ancient civilisations as a way of identifying individuals and authenticating documents. Over time, the signet ring became an important personal object because the design engraved into it could act as an individual's signature.

In Britain and Europe, signet rings became closely connected with heraldry, family crests and coats of arms.

Modern signet rings retain this historical connection even when they are worn purely as jewellery.

What Is Engraved on a Signet Ring?

There are many possibilities.

Initials are a popular choice and can be engraved individually or combined as a monogram.

A family crest can also be engraved onto a signet ring where the wearer has an appropriate heraldic design.

Others choose dates, symbols or other personal details, while many people prefer to leave the surface completely plain.

The size and shape of the signet ring will influence the amount of detail that can be incorporated into an engraving.

What Is a Family Crest Signet Ring?

Family crest signet rings have a particularly strong connection with the traditional purpose of this style of jewellery.

A crest is a specific element of a coat of arms and can be engraved onto the face of a signet ring.

Older signet rings may already carry heraldic engraving from a previous generation, while a new ring can potentially be engraved with an appropriate family design.

If you have inherited an engraved signet ring, it can be worth learning more about the markings before considering alterations.

Which Finger Should You Wear a Signet Ring On?

There is no requirement to wear a modern signet ring on a particular finger.

Traditionally in Britain, signet rings have often been associated with the little finger. However, today they are worn on different fingers depending on personal preference and the size and style of the ring.

Some people wear a signet ring every day, while others reserve one for particular occasions.

The most important consideration is that the ring fits comfortably and suits the way you want to wear it.

Can Women Wear Signet Rings?

Absolutely.

Although signet rings have sometimes been associated with traditional men's jewellery, they have long been worn by both men and women.

Contemporary signet rings are available in many different proportions, from substantial designs to smaller and more delicate rings.

A signet ring can also be styled alongside other rings or worn by itself as a simple statement piece.

What Shape Signet Ring Should You Choose?

Signet rings come in several different shapes.

Oval is one of the most traditional options, but round, square, rectangular and cushion-shaped faces are also available.

The shape can significantly change the overall appearance of the ring.

It can also affect how an engraving looks, particularly if you are considering initials, a monogram or a detailed crest.

What Metal Is Best for a Signet Ring?

Gold is a classic choice for signet rings and can be found in different carats and colours.

Yellow gold creates the traditional appearance many people associate with signet rings, while white and rose gold offer alternatives.

Platinum can also be used for signet rings.

If you are choosing a ring to wear alongside other jewellery, you may want to consider the metals you already wear regularly.

Can You Engrave an Existing Signet Ring?

In some cases, yes.

Whether an existing signet ring can be engraved will depend on the design, condition and amount of suitable surface available.

Pre-owned and inherited rings should be assessed individually before any work is undertaken.

If a signet ring already has an engraving, it is particularly important to consider whether you want to preserve that part of its history before making changes.

What About Inherited Signet Rings?

Signet rings are frequently passed from one generation to another.

An inherited ring may carry initials, a crest or simply the signs of being worn for many years. For some people, retaining those characteristics is an important part of wearing the piece.

If the ring does not fit, resizing may be possible depending on its construction and condition.

Older rings can also be assessed for wear, particularly if you intend to begin wearing a piece that has previously spent many years stored away.

Are Pre-Owned Signet Rings Worth Considering?

Pre-owned signet rings can be particularly interesting because of their individuality.

They may feature older hallmarks, unusual proportions, hand engraving or signs of their previous history.

Some people specifically prefer this character to the appearance of a newly made ring.

When buying pre-owned, the condition of the ring should be considered alongside its design, metal and any existing engraving.

Can You Have a Bespoke Signet Ring Made?

A bespoke signet ring provides the opportunity to choose the proportions, metal and details specifically for the wearer.

The design can be kept simple or created with future engraving in mind.

This can be particularly useful when creating a ring intended to mark a significant birthday, anniversary or family occasion.

A bespoke signet ring can also become something that is eventually passed on to another generation.

Signet Rings in Cirencester

At Walter Bull & Son in Cirencester, we regularly work with signet rings through our jewellery collections and in-house workshop.

Our new and pre-owned stock can include signet rings in different metals and styles, while our workshop can assess existing and inherited rings for alterations or repairs.

For those looking for something individual, we can also discuss creating a bespoke signet ring.

Visit Walter Bull & Son in Cirencester to explore our current signet rings or speak to our team about engraving, alterations or creating a piece of your own.