Personalising Your Signet Ring: Alternatives to Family Crests
The purpose of the signet ring has evolved over the centuries, personalised initially with the wearer's family coat of arms and used as a form of identification—a tradition many choose to continue to honour their family lineage and history.
However, not everyone has a family coat of arms or a clear understanding or connection to their ancestry. Additionally, fewer people are concerned with the symbols of family heritage.
So, if you're wondering what to engrave on a signet ring if you don't have a family coat of arms, continue reading to explore some of the alternative options that might bare more meaning and significance to you.
Monogram engraving
The earliest monograms (motifs of two or more interwoven letters) served as royal signatures on coins in Ancient Greece.
Now having your signet ring personalised with a monogram that combines your first, middle, and last name initials has become a classic and timeless alternative to having your family crest or coat of arms engraved.
Example of an embossed monogram engraving.
Example of a debossed monogram engraving.
You can either have your monogram design embossed, which creates a raised design that stands out and catches the eye. Alternatively, you can debossed your monogram design, which makes a more minimalistic aesthetic.
Symbols or Icons
When it comes to personalising your signet ring, there are a variety of symbols and icons that can hold personal meaning and significance to the wearer.
People often choose symbols to represent important aspects of their identity, such as religion, nationality, profession, passion or as a way to remember or commemorate a special occasion.
Over the years, we've bought so many of our customer's ideas to fruition. Here are some of our favourites examples over the year:
An artist who grew up in Istanbul drew an illustration of the cityscape, which we engraved onto his signet.
Whilst on vacation, a couple got engaged and decided to commemorate the special occasion by having the islands of Hawaii engraved onto the face of their signet rings.
We engraved the initials of a customer's father in Celtic symbols in commemoration as he had sadly passed away suddenly.
Think of your signet ring as a blank canvas. The possibilities are endless.
Inspirational Quotes or Words
Many people find comfort in the words of historical figures, biblical texts, writers, artists and lyrics, for example, because they provide motivation and encouragement in the face of obstacles and challenges.
Engraving the shank or face of your signet ring with an inspirational quote or words that hold meaning to you is a brilliant alternative to personalising your signet if you don't have a family coat of arms.
Coordinates
Another alternative to customising your signet ring if you don't have a family coat of arms is by engraving coordinates.
Personalising your jewellery with coordinates adds an element of fun and adventure to the piece. Each time you look at it, you're peering into a private map that leads to a cherished location.
A set of numbers that holds significant meaning for you - perhaps the location where you were born, a favourite vacation spot, or the site of a memorable life event.
There are some helpful coordinates finders online, such as GPS coordinates or maps ie.
Zodiac Sign
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 to learn more about your zodiac sign and the different personality traits associated with your star sign.
Fingerprint engraving
Fingerprint engraving has gained exceptional popularity mainly due to its deeply personal and unique nature.
Example of our fingerprint engraving service.
Gone are the days of taking the impression of a fingerprint in soft clay and casting the print out of the appropriate metal type - today's techniques are more of a digital process.
Technological advances have made it possible to digitally refine and laser engrave fingerprints with remarkable precision and detail. Find out more about our in-house fingerprint engraving service that can be achieved in a few simple steps.
Create your own family coat of arms.
If you don't have a family coat of arms, why not design your own?
Creating your own 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 mean and the various elements that go into making your own family coat of arms.
Our in-house signet ring engraving service
Don't let the absence of a family coat of arms hinder you, think of your signet ring as a blank canvas. From engraving a monogram motif of your initials to coordinates, symbols, zodiac signs, inspirational quotes, or a fingerprint, the possibilities are endless.
Consider what holds significance to you and allow that to guide you in creating the perfect customisation option. Remember, a signet ring represents your personality and identity, so make it your own.
Over the years, we have engraved and bought to life thousands of our customer's ideas. Contact one of our design team to discuss the different signet ring engraving options.
Are you in search of the perfect signet ring?
Streamline the processing by shopping our extensive range of handcrafted signet rings, available in various metal types, shapes and face sizes, through our website, or why not visit our shop, located in the heart of London's historic jewellery district, in person?
