The History of the Signet Ring
The signet ring is not just a piece of jewellery, it’s an expression of individuality. A fashion statement or heirloom that has been passed down for generations! In fact, the signet ring has played a surprisingly significant role in history, to signify social status, family heritage, and identification throughout ancient times, which we’ll explore in this article.
The origin of the signet ring
The concept of the signet ring can be traced back to 3500 BC to the people of Mesopotamia. Located in the historical region of Western Asia, occupying the area of present-day Iraq, and parts of Iran, Turkey, Syria, and Kuwait.
The people of Mesopotamia used cylinder seals engraved with markings, which were then used as a press to authenticate documents.
Due to the thriving trade industry throughout the Mediterranean, this technique soon spread and was adopted by various cultures.
The signet ring in ancient Egypt
The earliest signet rings are those found in the tombs of the great pharaohs of ancient Egypt.
The rings worn by ancient Egyptians were not just decorative pieces, they also served a practical function. The name and titles of the owner would be deeply engraved in hieroglyphic characters on an oblong gold bezel used to authentic documents and a person's identity.
The signet ring would have been made out of soft stones, such as malachite or even ivory. It wasn't until the bronze age that metal signets became popular. After that, signet rings were generally made of gold. The ancient Greeks were more prone to wearing rings as decoration, and in the Hellenistic period, they started using bezels for individual stones, featuring carved gemstones on the rings facet.
In the early centuries of Rome's Republic, rings were an important symbol of social status. Wealthy citizens wore signet rings made of gold while lower-class citizens dressed with rings made of iron.
Gold signet ring of Sheshonq: this gold ring is of a shape common for such rings in the late period of the 26th Dynasty - Photo credit | British Museum
The signet ring in the middle ages
The signet ring was a highly valuable and influential piece of jewellery in medieval Europe and was of great importance in religious, legal, and commercial affairs. Worn by most high-brow men as a mark of elitism, class and social standing with the King’s signet ring being the most prized of all.
The signet ring was important to members of society who would be responsible for signing legal documents, as few men knew how to write.
The Lowe Family 17th Century Gold Signet Ring. Circa, 1600-1650 AD. Photo credit | Hansons
The signet ring in the 19th century
The signet ring is not as significant in today's society as it once was. It is more commonly seen as a fashion accessory or a family heirloom passed down from one generation to the next worn by both men and women. Although having a family crest engraved on a signet ring today is still a popular choice, more and more we see people using it as a blank canvas to express themselves! Whether it be a moto, name, initials, job title, rank, organisation, or a symbol/design that has meaning to you!
Today signet rings come in a variety of different metal choices and face shapes from oval signet rings to round signet rings, square signet rings and cushion-shaped signet rings. Finding a fashionable signet ring has never been easier.
Don't forget at Laser Engraving Service we have a design team on hand to help bring your ideas to life. We also handcraft signet rings to order from our Hatton Garden studio - why not take a look at our online shop?
