Often viewed as an item given as heritage, a signet ring is something that has a lot of meaning to a lot of people. The rings and the story behind them have been around for longer than as an item given from one person to the next. For a long period, they featured specific coats of arms or crests of families, and they were often made in a specific way in order for the person to press it into melted wax that was used for sealing letters or documents.
Sealing something like this was official and it meant that the document or letter could not be forged in any way. The seal also took away the possibility of someone else reading the letter VAsince the true recipient would see that the seal was broken. Now, the ring can be worn by both males and females who want to show their fashion sense, however, it can also be worn as an emotional connection to someone.
If you are thinking about purchasing these accessories, you might get a bit overwhelmed by the options you have in front of you. And, if you are in this situation, the article below might be helpful. By reading the text below, you will learn the backstory of these rings, and a guide for understanding what you should consider before buying one. Let’s take a closer look:
Contents
The Backstory
Source: londonengraver
You might not know this, but, seals were used in the earliest civilizations. For instance, they were once worn by Pharaohs. Of course, they looked primitive and they often featured the name of a god in their ancient alphabet – hieroglyphics. However, they did not start to look like the ones we wear today until the Bronze Age.
During the Hellenistic Era, people wore them for decorative purposes and during the middle ages came, sealing wax was introduced to the public, and this meant that the rings needed to be created differently. Hence, they had to be manufactured in an intaglio way, meaning that the design on it was sunken instead of raised as it was before.
Over time, the popularity of these sealants dropped, but, during the 17th century, they saw a rise in popularity once again. However, this time, people did not wear them as an accessory on their finger, but rather on a chain around the neck. This was extremely popular and common until the late 18th century when wearing them on the hands became popular once again.
As previously stated, the rings were passed down from one family member to another, and though it was once something that only aristocrats, monarchs, and rich people wore, the 19th century changed it all since men of various social statuses were able to wear the rings.
Are They Still Popular?
Source: YouTube
Nowadays, the elitism revolving around these rings is fading. A lot of individuals opt for engraving their family sign on their rings, however, other people opt for being a bit more creative with theirs. You might notice some individuals wearing it daily, while others choose to put them on for special events only.
A signet ring can also indicate that someone is a part of a specific club. For instance, men who served in the military can use them to show their status or rank, while, for example, sportsmen wear them to display that they have won a particular championship. So, you probably see the rings more often than you think.
What to Consider When Purchasing One
Source: RingsCollection
Of course, there are various things that you should consider when buying a signet ring, however, the things you will definitely want to consider include:
1. The Material
Generally speaking, the bands were made of gold – and if you want something that is durable and high-quality, consider getting a golden one. But, you should also know that the rings can also be made from other materials including silver, platinum, as well as white and rose gold. There are literally endless possibilities when it comes to choosing the material.
2. The Style
If you did some research before reading this text, then you probably know that there are thousands of designs, shapes, and sizes to choose from. From chunky to delicate, simple to complex – there will be anything that you can think about. Now, choosing a style will entirely depend on your preferences, however, you should remember to always try it on to see if it will fit your hand well.
3. The Size
First things first, it is worth mentioning that these bands were traditionally worn on the little finger – now, usually, they were worn on the hand that an individual did not use for writing. But, time change and so do traditions, hence, today, you can place it on whatever finger you want. Naturally, the ring can be made in whatever size you want, so, you will find one that fits any of your fingers.
Source: AliExpress
4. The Engravings
People who wear these rings often want to be reminded of their families. Hence, they choose to engrave the family crest or something else that might remind them of home. But, as previously mentioned, people are getting creative with their engraving styles. Some might choose to engrave their initials or other things in order to represent themselves. If you are interested in seeing how these rings can be customized, check out valeriacustomjewelry.com.
5. The Stones
There are various precious gems you can choose from, but, the gems people usually opt for include Onyx, Tigers Eye, Lapis Lazuli, Sardonyx, Bloodstone, Cornelian, and so many others. Your choice will also depend on your preferences and style, and before opting for a stone, make sure to find out what it represents. Yup, each stone represents something else, hence, if you really want to ensure that you have a ring that is entirely customized to your preferences, check what the stone represents.
Source: ruffs
Conclusion
As you can see, previously signet rings were worn by aristocrats and monarchs to seal letters and important documents, however, today, they are worn as a way of representing a family or as a simple fashion statement. So, now that you know everything there is about signet rings, as well as how to choose one, do not waste any more time and start browsing stores for a ring that will fit your style and needs perfectly.
