Signet Rings: Crafting Heirlooms and Sealing Family History in Gold
For centuries, signet rings have been more than just a piece of jewellery—they’ve been symbols of identity, status, and personal legacy. Traditionally engraved with a family crest or unique insignia, signet rings were once used to seal important documents, leaving a lasting imprint that signified authenticity.
Today, these rings continue to carry a deep connection to family heritage, evolving into modern heirlooms passed down through generations. They are often gifted to loved ones to mark the coming of age whether for an 18th or 21st birthday present but they also make great graduation or wedding gifts. Whatever the occasion, signet rings mark a special moment in time and allow you to seal your family history in gold.
Exploring the History of the Signet Ring
Ancient Origins:
Signet rings originated in ancient civilisations, with the earliest known examples found in Mesopotamia (around 3500 BCE) and Egypt (around 2000 BCE). These early rings featured carved seals or intaglios that could be pressed into soft clay or wax to authenticate documents, functioning like a personal signature.
Egypt: Egyptian pharaohs and officials wore signet rings engraved with hieroglyphics and royal insignias. These rings were not just symbols of status, but also legal tools used to authorize documents.
Mesopotamia: In ancient Babylon, signet rings were used by merchants and officials for trade purposes, sealing contracts and deals.
Classical Period:
During the Classical era (Greece and Rome), signet rings continued to hold significance, though their design evolved. Roman rings often had intricate carvings of gods, mythological creatures, or family symbols. Rings were usually made of gold, bronze, or iron and could be used to seal wax on important documents. The use of these rings was closely associated with power and influence.
Rome: Roman citizens—particularly senators and elites—used signet rings not only as symbols of social standing but also as functional tools to safeguard correspondence. In this period, the ring's symbol would also often be linked to one’s family or lineage.
Middle Ages:
By the Middle Ages (5th to 15th centuries), signet rings became more closely linked to nobility and heraldry. They were essential for medieval kings, nobles, and knights, as they bore their family crests or coats of arms, further solidifying their identity and heritage.
Feudal Europe: Signet rings served as personal seals, particularly important in the absence of widespread literacy. A noble’s ring was used to seal legal and official documents. Rings were passed down through generations, symbolizing the continuity of a family line.
Religious Influence: Many bishops and religious leaders also wore signet rings, often with religious symbols, to seal church documents.
Renaissance to Victorian Era:
During the Renaissance, the designs of signet rings became more elaborate, reflecting the artistic flourishing of the time. Aristocrats wore rings with detailed engravings, and the stones used in the rings were often precious gems like rubies, sapphires, or onyx.
Victorian Era: By the 19th century, the use of signet rings had spread among the upper and middle classes, symbolizing one's family heritage and social standing. They were often passed down from father to son as heirlooms, and the tradition of wearing a signet ring on the pinky finger of the non-dominant hand became popular in Britain.
Modern Era:
In the 20th century, the functional use of signet rings as seals declined due to the rise of modern legal signatures and electronic communication. However, they remain popular as symbols of heritage and personal identity. Many families still create custom signet rings to represent their lineage, while others use them as stylish accessories and today they are worn by both men and women.
Today: Signet rings are often given as gifts for special occasions, such as graduations or coming-of-age ceremonies. The materials and designs have diversified, with rings now crafted from metals like silver, gold, and platinum and featuring both traditional crests, gemstones and contemporary motifs.
Crafting your Heirloom and Sealing your Family History in Gold
At our workshop, we fuse time-honoured handcrafting techniques with cutting-edge modern technology to create bespoke signet rings of unparalleled quality. Each piece is meticulously custom-made to reflect a true standard of excellence, offered at fair and transparent prices. Whether hand-engraved or laser-engraved, our intricate designs bring family crests to life, crafted to endure for generations.
Trust in our expert craftsmen to deliver exquisitely detailed signet rings in sterling silver, yellow gold, rose gold, white gold and platinum ensuring the highest quality. With the aid of CAD, 3D scanning, and 3D resin printing, we guide you step-by-step through the creation process. This advanced technology ensures precise measurements, perfect style, and immaculate detail. Meanwhile, our very talented and skilled goldsmiths and stone setters bring a handcrafted, artisanal touch that makes each ring a timeless work of art.
Chichester Market Cross Signet Ring
Create a Timeless Heirloom and Pass Down Tradition
DEEP SEAL ENGRAVING
Our signet ring seal engraving is artfully completed by an independent master craftsman, a true expert in the time-honoured skill of seal engraving. Your custom signet ring will be a treasured heirloom to pass down through the generations.
Explore the Art of Personalisation
FAMILY CRESTS AND HERALDRY
We can assist you in finding a detailed image of your family crest or coat of arms. Alternatively, if you already have examples of your crest, either in jewellery or as a customised wax seal impression, our engraver and designers can work from this, too. Whether traditional, modern or a completely new concept, you can tailor your design to each family member and their personal style.
A Seal in Gold: Stunning Precious Metal
METAL AND GEMSTONE CUSTOM DESIGNS: From the warm hues of yellow or rose gold to the brilliant blue-white tone of platinum and white gold - your custom signet ring will be crafted with elegant and refined lines to your exact specifications, using the finest precious metals we have.
You can choose to add laser-engraved custom design, or even upgrade to a luxurious engraved gemstone with carnelian, bloodstone, onyx, lapis, and sardonyx among the many options available.
Celebrate your heritage with a unique design and schedule your consultation appointment today or browse some of our prêt à porter signet rings that are ready to be sized and personalised with your design.
