The Different Signet Ring Styles
Over the centuries, signet rings have long been used as a form of personal identification and as a symbol of authority and heritage.
In the present day, these rings have evolved into a form of personal expression, further cementing their status as one of the most enduring and popular items of jewellery worldwide.
Renowned for their distinctive design, these rings typically boast a flat face adorned with intricate engraving, be it a symbol, monogram, family crest or coat of arms. The different signet ring styles vary and are often categorised based on the shape of the face.
What Are the Different Signet Ring Shapes?
Below, we will explore some of the most popular signet ring shapes, including:
Oval-shaped, also known as the Oxford signet ring
Round signet ring
Cushion-shaped signet ring
Square signet ring
Oval Signet Ring
Throughout history, the Signet ring has traditionally featured an oval-shaped face, which has contributed to its ongoing popularity.
The elongated oval shape provides a larger surface area for the personalisation of intricate and detailed engravings in comparison to alternative signet ring styles.
Worn by famous public figures, including King Charles III, Frank Sinatra, Winston Churchill, and Steve McQueen, the oval signet ring is also known as the Oxford oval signet, traditionally made from 18ct yellow gold.
Round Signet Ring
The origins of the round-faced signet ring can be traced back to the ancient Empire of Mesopotamia at around 3500 BC, which included parts of present-day Iran, Kuwait, Syria, and Turkey.
Typically made from Platinum, Gold, or Silver, the round-shaped face provides a symmetrical and balanced canvas, ideal for personalising with a monogram engraving.
Cushion-shaped Signet Ring
Carved from precious metals and often intricately adorned with gemstones like garnet, carnelian, or agate, the origins of the cushion-shaped signet ring can be traced back to ancient Rome and Greece.
The cushion signet ring is characterised by its distinctive square or rectangular shape with rounded corners resembling a cushion or pillow.
The design typically features a flat or slightly convex top surface, providing a suitable area for engraving intricate designs, symbols, or initials.
Square Signet Ring
The ideal balance between tradition and modernity, the square signet ring is characterised by its distinctive square-shaped face, providing a unique and contemporary aesthetic.
Whether you're looking to personalise your square signet ring with a symbol, a monogram of your initials, a family crest, or personalised designs, the flat, square top provides ample space for detailed engravings.
In Conclusion
The origins of the different face shapes of the signet ring can be traced back to various cultural and regional influences, along with contemporary fashion trends. Ultimately, when choosing a signet ring face shape, it comes down to personal style preference. However, it's worth taking into consideration what you're looking to personalise your signet ring with and the level of detailing in your design, whether it be a symbol, monogram, coat of arms, crest or your design, which may also influence your choice.
Handcrafted in our Hatton Garden workshop beneath our showroom floor, all our signet rings come with the added option to be personalised in-house by our fantastic team of jewellery engravers, who are always on call if you have any questions.
