Signet rings are remarkably famous rings that have literally and figuratively marked our history. They are also known as seal rings. Throughout history, this amazing piece of jewelry has been associated with strong social symbolism and cultural identity. Initially, the ring has been used to represent a person’s class and nobility but its uses have changed through time.
Remarkable Signet Rings
History and Symbolism of Signet Rings
A lot of people are unaware of the meanings and symbolisms a signet ring carries. Little do we know but these rings holds decades of history with them. A signet ring is finger jewelry that typically comes with engraved or monogrammed initials of its wearer. If the ring does not have initials, they would typically come with unique personalized designs and styles. They look like thick wedding bands but with a bezel. They may be plainly beautiful, ornate, or even styled with Celtic designs or Egyptian styles. These rings have been more popular in recent years because of the plethora of fashionable designs released. It has been seen in many movies recently like The Man from U.N.C.L.E? Plain rings have been common but they can always be personalized. People would often request engraving their initials on the ring bezel.
Back in the days, signet rings are typically worn by politicians, wealthy families, and religious leaders. The ring was even used as the official signature of noble people. This is the main reason why they are also often called seal rings. They would even come with a wax or soft clay since they are used highly for the purpose of sealing documents and decrees. Not only were they used to mark documents, but some religious leaders would also even use them to seal doorways and tombs. Such rings were also mentioned in the Bible. The Old Testament shares the story of Daniel in the lion’s den. To prevent Daniel from escaping the den, the King, and his nobles sealed the den with their signet rings. In Egypt, pharaohs, and nobles wore stone signet rings as seals too.
In recent years, the ring has transformed from being a highly symbolic identification to an ornamental fashion statement. It is undeniable that these rings have become a trend that’s why more people are using it as their wedding ring. It has been popular among celebrities and royals. If you want to make an impression and make your partner happier, get one of these signet rings and you will surely mark someone’s heart. These opulent and extravagant rings will definitely make someone special. Be sure to choose a unique and symbolic engraving.
Signet Rings for Men and Women
Although the rules in wearing a signet ring for couples have relatively changed, there are coding practices that still applies today. Here are the traditions commonly practiced with signet rings.
Men’s Signet Rings
In France, there are varieties of rules followed in wearing a signet ring. It depends on if a man is the head of the family, arms of the family or not. The elder men in the family hold the highest nobility and title, thus wears the ring on their left-hand ring finger together with their wedding ring. On the other hand, other male members of the family must wear the ring on the right-hand little finger and not with the wedding ring. In addition, the coat of arms of signet rings for men is typically engraved in a rectangle bezel.
When a family is considered noble and titled, the oldest man in the family can choose to have a different design on the bezel of the ring. They specifically can wear a crown bezel ring. On the contrary, cadets of noble families and families without titles wear a signet ring with a helmet carved in them to symbolize simple nobility. Moreover, families that do not belong to nobility are not allowed to have a stamped bezel on their ring. In England, the royal family wears the ring on the left-hand little finger.
Women’s Signet Rings
For married women, the ring must have an oval bezel. Only queens, princesses, and empresses are allowed to wear signet rings with crown or helmet bezel. For single women who do not belong to noble families, the ring must have a diamond-shaped bezel while, for single women who belong to noble families, the ring must be the coat of arms of their father.
All women can wear their rings on either right or left hand. It will depend on their family and country traditions. The differences in marital status are symbolized by the shape of the bezel. In addition, women who do not marry can continue to wear their maiden rings. If a woman from a noble marries a noble, she would have to give up her old ring and adapt to her husband. She will then have to wear an oval ring. If a woman marries a man who has no arms, she can still continue to wear her maiden ring.
Signet Rings for Men and Women Frequently Asked Questions
Want to know all about Signet rings and where they’re from? Listed below are common questions and answers about these wonderful and historic rings!
What is a signet ring?
What is the history of a signet ring?
To whom could you gift a signet ring?
Buying your Signet Ring
Now you know everything there is to know about Signet Rings, are you ready to make the jump? In most cases today it’s a matter of personal style when a man wears a signet ring. At the end of the day, it is your choice if you want your monogram signet ring or a different vintage statement ring. Either way, it’s a unique piece of jewelry and as a man, besides your wedding band and maybe your collar pin or a tie pin or your cufflinks, there’s not a whole lot of jewelry a man will wear.
Hey Fashion Enthusiasts! My wife Chantal and I, have been so fortunate to be able to share our latest inspiration and trends in the jewelry and accessory industry, and more so, to get this amazing feedback from our ever growing community. Where my wife focusses more on all things rings, weddings and female jewelry, I love to scoop out the newest accessories for men. I roam around the world to find the latest watches, bags, sunglasses, scarfs, wallets, you name it and I’ll deliver! I always commit to doing a lot of research to share my reviews and personalized advice on this blog or on our store. If you do not know what to wear, send me an email and I will help you out!
