Signet Ring
Signet Ring
Signet ring is a ring that worn by individuals bearing an initial, monogram, or other image to denote the identity and, long ago, the social or noble status of the wearer. Moreover, Signet rings have been used to affix personal identification marks and stamps of approval to documents throughout history. Signet rings are ornamental pieces of jewelry that have traditionally been adorned with coats of armor, family crests or symbols representing membership in specific organizations or associations. When pressed into a blob of hot wax, the signet ring doubles as a personalized stamp of approval.
Hence, the signet ring’s original purposes of indicating rank and imprinting seals on important letters are no longer concerns in the modern western world, but the beauty of signet rings and their interesting background have kept them alive as stylish fashion accessories for men and women.
Signet ring have a long and illustrious history and figure prominently in a great deal of well known artwork and literature. The earliest types of gold signet rings were found in the tombs of the ancient Egyptians, the same society that was first to fully incorporate wedding and engagement rings into their religious ceremonies and hold them as important social constructs.
The most common types of signet rings currently worn are made from white or yellow gold and engraved with the initials or simply the first letter of the wearer’s first name. The variety of shapes, widths, and styles for the ring and the number of fonts from which to choose to create engravable signet rings allow you to personalize your gold signet ring in a number of ways not limited to your initials.
The term signet ring or seal has its origins in the Hebrew and Greek words “hotam” and “sphragis.” Original signets were put to use much the same way as today’s signatures or signs of authority and were displayed on documents, doors or tombs. The Bible contains stories of the signet ring or seal both literally and metaphorically.
Signet rings in ancient Egypt were made from stone. They were flat on one side, round on the other. The flat side was ornately decorated with inscriptions, symbols, hieroglyphics or images of the scarabaeus or the sacred beetle, which was worshipped by both Egyptians and Phoenicians as well as other ancient cultures. These seals were occasionally made from blue pottery.
During the Middle Ages, signet rings were used to show that the wearer was privileged and as a means of sealing letters to prove their authenticity. Before long, signets rings and seals were the single indicator that legal, government and business documents were genuine. Beginning with the reign of England’s King Edward II (1307-27) and ending in 1851, the seal from the king’s signet ring was required on all official documents.
Today, the signet ring is no longer accepted as a legally binding signature or an indication of authenticity. However, it continues to be worn by individuals who choose to publicly display their family lineage or affiliations for all to see.