What Is a Signet Ring?
Rings on the pinky finger of your favourite celebrity, singers, and Royal family member must have caught your attention. These rings have family crests, monograms, gemstones, or special engravings specified by the wearer. These rings have become the latest style statement. Engraved signet rings have different styles and designs that look supremely sophisticated.
Before making any hasty decisions and opinions on this very charming fashion jewellery, let’s get some detailed information about it. This will help you to invest in the best-suited signet ring that enhances your personality.
The History Of Signet Rings:
Signet rings are supposed to emerge in ancient Egypt. Initially, they were carved in stones and pottery. Back then, only the Pharaoh of Egypt was entitled to wear gold signet rings. With mastery in craftsmanship and the introduction of the bronze era, the signet rings were frequently carved in metals only. With evolution, the signet rings no longer belonged to the elite class. The carving techniques evolved, and signet rings became more embellished than their original form.
What Does a Signet Ring Mean?
Signet rings are not just a piece of jewellery. These rings have played a significant role in history. Back in time, documents were not authorized by just a sign of a person. These royal houses required seals to signify their assurance on the matter. The crests or emblems were crafted deep inside and wax was used to seal the deal. Signet rings were specifically worn on the pinky finger of the non-dominant hand by the male members.
Unique signet rings were worn by the Royal members and aristocrats which were then used as their seal. The engravings on a particular ring determined the person in charge. After his death, the signet ring was destroyed to avoid any discrepancy or froggery.
With changing times and technology, signet rings lost their role and became an ornament. These were handed over by generations and seen as part of their culture and heritage. It was later affordable by the middle class and slowly became widespread around the globe.
How to Choose The Shape of a Ring?
The best thing about a signet ring is that it’s available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and metal choices. As you have begun your hunt for a signet ring, let’s check out the options below:
1. Oval shaped:
The simple yet elegant shape of a signet ring. You can either get it engraved or leave it plain surfaced in metal preferred by you. These oval-shaped rings look like a classic piece of art.
2. Round-shaped:
Round-shaped rings look crisper than oval-shaped rings. They have limited room for engraving and are preferred for initials or crest engravings. It gives a traditional appeal to your ring. You will find most antique and vintage signet rings in oval or round shapes.
3. Square-shaped:
Square-shaped rings were introduced much later than the above two shapes. Square-shaped rings are found rarely in vintage collections. This shape was something different from traditional jewellery and gave an essence of a modernised appearance.
4. Stone embellished:
Many people love the idea of having signet rings embellished in semi-precious or luxury stones. Semi-precious gemstones include zodiac sign-based gemstones. These are considered to heal mentally and spiritually. These rings are the best if you are looking for something to hold your energy without compromising your style.
Which Stone do I Choose for the Ring?
After deciding the shape for your signet ring, the next question that pops up in our mind is which stone must be added. It’s always a matter of choice. You may or may not like a stone on your signet ring. But if you are considering the option then follow these steps.
1. Placement: This specifies where at the particular place you want to add a gemstone. You can choose a single small stone, gemstones on the borders or the shoulders of the ring. Make sure you don’t overcrowd the ring with too many details.
2. Gemstone: You must choose a gemstone depending on the colour of the metal, the shape and size of the ring, and your budget. You choose between white diamond, black diamond, onyx, birthstones and crystals.
Best Metal for Signet Ring?
Signet rings have by far become iconic fashion statement rings. With evolved designing and manufacturing techniques, these rings are available in every metal in which a piece of jewellery could exist. While looking for more luxurious ones you can choose platinum signet rings embellished with stones. Gold is by far the most favoured metal when it comes to jewellery. Gold is the most reliable and durable in that case. It’s also an asset if you are looking for an investment. Apart from these two, rose gold, white gold, and sterling silver have gotten a lot of attention in recent years. The basic rule is to choose what suits your budget.
How to Wear Signet Rings?
As we discussed above, the pinky finger symbolised signet rings. But now it’s just an ornament. Thus, there is no such specific rule to wearing a signet ring. However, most people still prefer wearing it on their pinky finger.
Signet rings with flat faces and no carvings look dapper with formal outfits. You can wear your embellished and luxurious signet rings as a style statement at weddings, galas, or white tie events. A signet ring can be mix matched based on the hues of your outfits, earpieces or necklaces. If you want to wear a signet ring avoid wearing a bracelet on the same hand. It will ruin its charm. Your signet ring must be allowed to shine alone.
How to Care for the Rings?
If you have invested in vintage or antique rings, it’s very important to keep them safe from chemicals in makeup, lotions and hand creams. It is advised to clean them before keeping them back in the jewellery box.
For your everyday signet rings, clean your rings with a mild dish cleaner or a soap, then use a dry cloth afterwards to keep the shine intact. This routine must be followed for all your jewellery every six months. This will keep your jewellery safe and sound for years to come.
About The Author
Ashley Rosa
Ashley Rosa is a freelance writer and blogger. As writing is her passion that why she loves to write blogs related to the latest trends in technology and sometimes on health-tech as well. She is crazy about food.
