The History of the Signet Ring (and Why It Still Matters Today)

A signet ring is far more than just a piece of jewellery. Worn for thousands of years, it carries with it a deep sense of meaning, identity and legacy. From ancient empires to modern-day heirlooms, the signet ring has always symbolised something personal. And today, it's just as relevant as ever.

From Ancient Seals to Royal Authority

The history of the signet ring can be traced back over four thousand years. In ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, rulers and officials would wear carved seal rings to stamp into wax or clay. These imprints acted as a personal signature, used to authenticate letters, secure documents and mark property. The ring was often removed and pressed into a warm wax seal, leaving a unique and unmistakable impression.

As time went on, the signet ring became associated with power. In the Middle Ages, kings, bishops and noble families would wear signet rings bearing their coat of arms or family crest. A sealed document with the mark of a signet ring was considered legally binding. These rings were guarded carefully, and often destroyed upon the death of their owner to prevent forgery.

A Tradition Passed Down

By the Georgian and Victorian eras, signet rings had become deeply personal items, worn not just by aristocrats but by professionals, tradesmen and families who wanted to express their identity or honour their heritage. A signet was no longer just a practical tool. It was a keepsake, passed from father to son, sometimes engraved with initials, a date, or a symbol that told a family story.

At Walter Bull & Son, we see many of these heirlooms come through our doors. Some are being restored and worn again. Others are being reimagined with new engravings to mark a birth, a marriage, or a life milestone. The tradition continues.

Why the Signet Ring Still Matters

Today, wearing a signet ring is more about meaning than formality. While they are no longer used to seal letters or sign documents, they still speak of belonging, tradition and style. A signet ring can be as subtle or as bold as you like. It might hold your initials, a family crest, a loved one's handwriting, or a simple symbol that means something only to you.

There’s something grounding about a signet ring. It doesn’t follow trends. It becomes part of you. The soft edges that form over years of wear. The engraving that gets caught by the light. The weight of it on your finger. It feels like something you were always meant to wear.

At Walter Bull & Son, we continue to make and engrave signet rings by hand. Whether you're restoring a family piece or commissioning something entirely new, we take great pride in helping you create a ring that will carry your story for generations to come.