The Different Signet Ring Engraving Options
Signet rings have a rich history, evolving over the centuries from symbols of authority and document authentication to personal expressions of identity and style. Initially designed for official purposes, the signet ring now holds a more intimate significance, reflecting the unique identity and style of its wearers.
Whether you're drawn to the historic charm of your family crest or the contemporary allure of geometric patterns, let's uncover the various signet ring engraving options—where tradition seamlessly intertwines with personal expression!
Should I Have My Signet Ring Hand or Laser Engraved?
The first decision you'll want to consider is whether you have your signet ring hand or laser engraved. The main distinction between these two engraving methods is hand engraving is 3D, whilst laser engraving is 2D, each with its advantages and disadvantages, which we'll explore below:
Laser Engraving
Having your signet ring laser engraved allows for the engraving of intricate detailing that is almost impossible to replicate by hand whilst still achieving a clean, crisp finish. Additionally, having your signet ring personalised using laser technology has become a preferred choice by many, as you can admire your design without the hassle of creating a wax impression.
It's also worth noting this engraving method has faster turnaround times and is more cost-effective than hand engraving.
Hand Engraving
Hand engraving has been around for centuries and is the traditional method used when personalising a signet, allowing you to create a seal impression.
Taking years to master and requiring a higher level of skill, hand engraving is more expensive in comparison to laser engraving and requires additional time to complete.
Each engraving method has advantages and disadvantages and depends on your budget, timeframe, and the intricacy of the design. To discuss which method best suits your requirements, contact us directly and speak to one of our jewellery engravers directly.
Surface VS Seal Engraving?
Another option to decide upon when exploring the different signet ring engraving options is whether you would like your signet surface or seal engraved.
Seal engraving involves a jewellery engraver carving your design by hand, in reverse, allowing your signet to be pressed into wax or clay to create a seal impression, which is the more traditional method and is often used to personalise a signet ring with a family crest or coat of arms.
It's important to note that seal engraving is only possible through hand-engraving of a signet ring.
Alternatively, surface engraving involves carving or laser engraving your design onto the surface of the ring, and it's the most popular choice for its simplicity. This method allows for various design options, including your family coat of arms, crest, initials (monogram), symbols, fingerprints or even something you've hand-drawn.
Feel free to call or visit our jewellery shop to discuss your ideas with our jewellery engravers.
What Are the Different Signet Ring Engraving Options?
When it comes to personalising your signet ring, you have various options available to you, ranging from engraving your signet with your family coat of arms, crest, monogram initials, fingerprint, or star sign, to name a few.
All of which we'll explore in more depth below:
Family Coat of Arms or Crest Engraving
Although the purpose of the signet ring has evolved over the centuries, many still choose to uphold the tradition or continue to honour their family lineage and history by having their signet personalised with their family's coat of arms or crest. Having your family crest engraved onto a signet ring is a fantastic way to create a family heirloom that can be passed down the generations. If the face of your signet is too small, a coat of arms' intricate design may become cluttered. As an alternative, many opt to use the family crest instead.
What's the Difference Between a Family Crest and a Coat of Arms?
The terms ''Coat of arms'' and ''family crest'' are often used interchangeably. Over time, the word "crest" has been used to refer to the entire coat of arms or the shield itself. However, the family crest actually refers to the emblem placed above the helmet of the coat of arms. It is a distinctive element that sits atop the helm, often used as a simplified option for personalising a signet ring when the complete coat of arms is too detailed.
Can I Create My Family Coat of Arms?
Creating a family coat of arms is a great way to honour your heritage, history, family values and traditions that can be cherished and shared amongst future generations. It allows you to incorporate meaningful symbols, colours, and patterns into your design and is a great way to involve other family members.
There are some great resources about the different heraldry symbols and the various elements that go into making a family coat of arms.
Monogram Engraving
One of the most popular ways to personalise your signet ring is with a monogram engraving. A monogram is a motif created by overlapping or combining two or more letters to form one symbol.
Monograms are generally created by combining the initials of an individual or a company and are used to create a recognisable symbol or logo. A series of uncombined initials is referred to as a cypher (e.g. a royal cypher) and is not a monogram.
Fingerprint Engraving
Gone are the days of having to imprint your fingerprint in clay to have the mould cast from the precious metal of choice before being attached to the item of jewellery.
In the era of cutting-edge laser engraving technology, personalising your signet ring with a fingerprint has never been easier. Gathering impressions of your fingerprint can be undertaken at home with just a pen, sticky tape, or a basic ink kit. Following this, your fingerprint is scanned in high definition before being digitally refined using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. The refined digital representation is thereafter transferred to a fibre engraving machine, where it is skillfully engraved onto your signet ring, creating a unique and meaningful piece of personalised jewellery.
Zodiac Sign Engraving
If you are into horoscopes or astrology, why not personalise your signet ring with your zodiac sign?
Zodiac signs are astrological symbols representing different periods of the year, typically based on the sun's position at the time of a person's birth, each with its own set of traits and characteristics believed to be associated with people born under that sign.
♈ Aries (Ram): March 21–April 19
♉ Taurus (Bull): April 20–May 20
♊ Gemini (Twins): May 21–June 21
♋ Cancer (Crab): June 22–July 22
♌ Leo (Lion): July 23–August 22
♍ Virgo (Virgin): August 23–September 22
♎ Libra (Balance): September 23–October 23
♏ Scorpius (Scorpion): October 24–November 21
♐ Sagittarius (Archer): November 22–December 21
♑ Capricornus (Goat): December 22–January 19
♒ Aquarius (Water Bearer): January 20–February 18
♓ Pisces (Fish): February 19–March 20
Prokerala is a fantastic online resource for learning more about your zodiac sign and the different personality traits associated with your star sign.
Symbol Engraving
Not everyone has a family coat of arms or a clear understanding or connection to their ancestry. Additionally, fewer people are concerned with the pretence of family heritage, which is why many choose to engrave their signet ring with a symbol to express their style, interests or values.
From geometric motifs to beloved animals, flowers and patterns, your favourite motto, lyrics from a song or perhaps something you've drawn yourself. No matter what you decide, it's all about making your signet sentimental to you.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, as you embark on the journey of selecting the perfect signet ring engraving, consider the story you want your ring to tell and the emotions you wish to capture. Whether you opt for a classic, crest or monogram engraving, a meaningful symbol, or a particular date, each signet ring engraving option carries its significance. The choice of engraving reflects your personality, values, and style.
At Laser Engraving Service, all signet ring engraving is carried out in our Hatton Garden jewellery shop by our expert jewellery engravers with decades of experience. Don't hesitate to contact us for more information on our signet ring engraving service.
Shop our Signet Ring Collection
Handcrafted beneath our showroom floor and available in various metal types, face shapes, and sizes, all our signet rings come with the option to be personalised in-house by our skilled jewellery engravers. Paired with complimentary postage and resizing to provide peace of mind when ordering online. Alternatively, you're more than welcome to visit our jewellery shop in person to view our collection of signets.
