What Are Signet Rings?
Modern signet rings are pieces of jewelry usually engraved with the wearer’s initials or other personalized designs. The bands may be very ornate, with Celtic or Egyptian influences, or rather plain. Designers of signet rings often present an array of fashionable but blank bands and request engraving information from the customer. Class rings with initials on a flat bezel may be considered signet rings. Today’s signet rings are largely ornamental, with personal initials replacing the intricate coat of arms found on antique rings. Historically, signet rings were used by politicians, religious leaders and wealthy citizens as a form of official signature. Documents and decrees were often sealed with wax or soft clay to prevent tampering, allowing the bearers of signet rings to press their distinctive seals into the material. For this reason, signet rings are also called seal rings.
