Signet rings: history, engraving and how to wear them
A signet ring is a ring with a flat, engraved face, which was once used to sign documents by pressing it into hot wax. Today it is a classic jewel with initials or a family crest.
Origin #
Seals were used in Mesopotamia and Egypt to authenticate documents. In Rome and the Middle Ages, the signet ring was a symbol of authority and identity. Even today it is associated with noble families, universities and schools.
The engraving #
It is engraved in intaglio (the design is reversed so that the seal prints the right way round) or in relief. It can carry a crest, a monogram, initials, an animal or a symbol. It is carved by hand or with a laser.
Materials and shapes #
It is usually gold of 14 or 18 karats (see 14 or 18 karat) or silver. The face can be oval, round, square or cushion-shaped. It is often combined with a plain stone such as onyx or carnelian.
How to wear it #
Traditionally it is worn on the little finger of the non-dominant hand, but today it is worn on any finger. To choose the size, see how to find your ring size.
See also #
This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
Related articles
Jewelry
Seals in jewelry: Mesopotamian cylinders, scarabs and intaglios
Engraved stone seals are among the oldest jewels: Mesopotamian cylinders, Egyptian scarabs, Roman intaglios and Chinese seals; what they are and how they were used.
Jewelry
Parts of a piece of jewelry: ring, earring, necklace and bracelet
Vocabulary of the parts of a jewel: head, prongs, shoulders and shank of the ring; post and back of the earring; chain, clasp and bail of the necklace.
Jewelry
Tiaras: what they are, styles and how to choose one
A tiara is a semicircular headpiece worn at the front of the hair; history, styles (halo, kokoshnik, floral), materials and how to choose one for a wedding.