What Is The Meaning Of Signet Rings?

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Signet rings have been around for thousands of years, and they were originally made for men to sign documents. They would be dipped into hot wax, and the engraved crest would leave a unique mark as reliable as any signature.

However, today, these rings have a variety of meanings and are often purchased as gifts for special occasions. What’s more, if we look throughout history, the signet ring has played a meaningful role in many situations.

Why Were Signet Rings Invented – A Brief History Of The Signet Ring

Signet rings were initially invented as a means of signing your name on important documentation. The idea is thought to date back as far as Ancient Greece and Rome at a time when not everyone was taught to read or write.

But having a ring with a personal engraving meant that men could make their mark on a document or agreement without the need to write anything. They would have their signet ring made with something like a family crest or other unique design engraved on the raised, flat surface and then this would be dipped into hot wax or clay as a form of identification.

This principle continued for many hundreds if not thousands of years, but it was mainly nobility, high religious priests and other notable characters that would possess a signet ring. These would be incredibly highly prized, so much so that they would be destroyed upon the owner’s death as they were unique only to them.

Moving forward from the Roman times, when the design of the signet ring was pretty simple, royals started wanting more fashionable and eccentric pieces. So, the stylish signet ring was born, and many saw it as a fashion accessory more than a practical piece.

However, there was still something of a status symbol attached to owning a custom-made signet ring. These rings would have the family crest or some other important image engraved on them, showing that you were a member of an important family or organisation, like the Freemasons, for example.

Today, signet rings are often purchased as a statement of style. However, some jewellers, such as the City of London Jewellers, can make high-value, custom-designed rings for nobility and royalty. Now, the modern signet ring is far more accessible to jewellery lovers, regardless of their status.

Signet Rings And Their Biblical Relevance

One of the most fascinating things about the signet ring is that it’s also a heavily religious symbol. You may have seen many Catholic people wearing signet rings, and this is because rings are used in this religion as a way of honouring saints and other godly figures.

In Christianity, the signet ring is seen as a symbol of the covenant between God and his people. Take a look at the book of Haggai, where God called for the people to begin rebuilding His temple. There is symbolism in this story as it shows that, despite having previously been exiled and facing several challenges, the people were coming home because of God’s promise to Zerubbabel. This covenant between God and those who are faithful to Him is represented by the signet ring.

What’s more, Christians believe that in the same way a signet ring has its own unique stamp, we, too, are a unique stamp or representation of God to the rest of the world.

Reasons To Wear A Signet Ring

While signet rings do have religious symbolism and a rich history, you don’t have to be a historian or spiritual person to wear one. These rings can be worn for many personal reasons; let’s look at some of them now.

To Denote A Milestone

Often, people will purchase a signet ring as a gift for someone turning a particular age: 18,21, 60 etc. What’s more, the signet ring is commonly purchased as a wedding gift or even when someone dies. The idea here is that the ring will be worn by someone close to the deceased to commemorate their life and serve as a constant reminder of the lost loved one.

Family Tradition

It’s easy to tell from the history of the signet ring that these pieces of jewellery were essential to families and would be worn as a symbol of belonging. While this may be an old notion, it’s still something that many families still embrace today.

Heirlooms

Traditionally, a signet ring would have either been destroyed when the owner died or would have been buried with them. But since they are no longer used as a form of identification, passing them down through the generations is more acceptable.

In fact, some signet rings hold incredible monetary and significant sentimental value, so they’re handed down as a precious heirloom.

Final Thoughts

There’s a detailed history to the signet ring, but the modern wearer can purchase one simply because they look beautiful and are a great way to complete a classic look. Back in the day, they were used for signing documents, as a form of identification, and as a symbol of family. Signet rings even have references in the Bible and are often worn as a spiritual sign.

Here at the City of London Jewellers, we have many different sizes and shapes the most popular being the oval signet ring.

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Our range of Signet Rings

You will see a selection of carefully chosen signet rings below, or you can view our full range here.

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