When it comes to building your jewellery collection, a signet ring is a great way to add style and personality. Whether you’re looking for a signet ring for special occasions or for everyday wear, finding the perfect style can be daunting.
Here we will look at the history and symbolism of the signet ring, as well as look at modern interpretations of the style, as well as our top tips for finding your ideal signet ring.
What are signet rings?
A signet ring is a popular style of jewellery that has been worn for centuries. They feature a flat front surface, making them perfect for engraving meaningful or symbolic designs.
Traditionally, signet rings served as an emblem of power and status of the wearer, they were worn by royalty, and most often worn by men. However, they have made a resurgence in popularity, for both men and women.
History and symbolism of signet rings
The word ‘signet’ means ‘small seal’, and signet rings were originally used to seal letters and sign or authenticate documents. By pressing the signet ring engraved coat of arms, crests or monogram details into melted wax, the wearer was able to easily sign or seal papers.
Often, signet rings were family heirlooms, passed down through generations as a symbol of heritage and lineage. Now, modern variations and rare antique signet rings are still given as a gift on milestone moments, such as 18th or 21st birthdays, or for weddings and anniversaries.
Throughout history and even today signet rings are a sentimental and symbol piece of jewellery that can express personal style and identity.
Signet ring styles for women
When looking for the perfect signet ring, it’s good to understand the different styles of signet rings available.
Engravings
Like the traditional styles, modern signet rings still often feature meaningful engravings such as initials or monograms. You can choose to have the initials embossed or engraved, giving different finishes.
Most people opt to have their own initials on their signet rings, however you could also wear a signet ring featuring the initials of a loved one, like a spouse or your children, making them extra meaningful.
Other engraving options you might want to consider are astrological star-signs, floral illustrations like flowers or celestial symbols, like suns or stars. Due to the flat surface of a signet ring, the possibilities of engraving are very broad!
Stones
Another popular style of signet ring includes having a stone setting. A gemstone signet is a great way to add some colour to your jewellery collection, from red rubies to striking sapphires.
You may also want to choose a signet ring set with yours or the recipient’s birthstone, for a modern way to wear personalised jewellery.
Shape
Round, Oval, Square, Rectangle…even hexagons! Signet rings are designed in a variety of shapes.
Whether you want a more traditional oval signet ring, a modern geometric style or a cushion style, which is a hybrid between a square and an oval, there are so many different shapes to consider.
The shape of your signet ring can also depend on your hand shape. For example, oval rings can be universally flattering, while round signet rings are great for those with smaller, shorter fingers as they elongate the fingers and square signet rings can balance the proportions of larger fingers.
Metal
Signet rings come in a range of different metals, from yellow, rose or white gold, to platinum and sterling silver. That means you can match your jewellery to your skin tone or personal preference.
If you are planning to wear your signet ring daily, we recommend choosing a more durable metal, like gold. This will mean it can stand up to daily wear and tear without getting damaged.
Band width
From thin to thick, signet rings come in a range of band widths. If you lean towards more dainty jewellery, you might want to consider a signet ring with a slightly thinner band. To make a statement, try a more solid signet ring with a thicker band.
Choosing the right band width may also depend on what finger you’re planning to wear your signet ring on.
We recommend trying on a variety of signet rings to help you find your new signature signet ring style.
How to style signet rings
Pinky perfect
Most commonly, signet rings are worn on the pinky finger of the wearer’s non-dominant hand. This is still a very popular way to wear signet rings, and is a playful way to wear personalised jewellery day-to-day.
Stack your signets
Signets don’t have to just be worn on your little finger though. Contemporary styles mean you can wear signets on any finger, so why not wear them on multiple fingers!
Stacking your signet rings lets you experiment with various styles or shapes of signet ring across different fingers for a really unique, bold look.
Vintage Vibes
Sourcing a vintage or antique signet ring is great for discovering one-of-a-kind jewellery that is unique to you. Wearing a ring that already has its own history, and styling it your way is the perfect way to give heritage jewellery another lease of life and continue to the lifespan of the piece.
Statement signet rings
Make a statement with a bold signet ring. Whether it has a bright, eye-catching colourful stone or features an intricate crest or coat of arms, signet rings are a great jewellery choice to make a statement.
Signature set
Finding, or designing, a modern signet ring gives you the option to add matching jewellery to your collection. From matching earrings to a complementary necklace, you can create a signature style with a set of jewellery that centres on your signet ring.
Final Thoughts
While signet rings are a very traditional style of jewellery, they have maintained their popularity and are a staple piece in any woman’s jewellery collection.
Select a signet ring that suits your signature style, in your preferred metal and with your initials or birthstone, making them the perfect, timeless way to wear personalised jewellery.
