Signet Rings
Signet rings have long been a symbolic piece of jewellery, and their iconic designs can be traced as far back as 3500BC.
Traditionally signet rings were only worn by those in power (royalty, noblemen, religious officials), and they were often engraved with a family crest of coat of arms. Each ring was typically made of gold - featuring precious gemstones - and had a unique marking that was traceable back to the owner. As the face of the ring was usually engraved with an identifying symbol, they were used to seal letters and important documents. Wax was melted onto an artefact and the top of the ring was then impressed into the wax, leaving a clear and permanent mark.
Similar to a signature today, signet rings would provide the wearers with a way of leaving their mark and a way to assure authenticity. Many families had a signet ring that was handed down from generation to generation, making them one of the most recognised heirloom styles.
More often now, signet rings hold a more subtle connection to the individual. Engraved or not, these classic rings have proven to be a timeless piece of jewellery which can still be passed down through families.
Over the years, we have had the pleasure of making a number of signet rings in the KIND studio. From traditional family crests to modern star-set gemstones, these rings are all treasured by their wearers - and their solid materials will ensure they can be worn for decades.
We recently made a signet ring for a lovely customer Emma Dai, which was made from 100% recycled 9ct gold. The ring was a gift to her brother, and is symbolic of their Chinese heritage.
You recently designed a family crest to celebrate your Chinese heritage and we were lucky enough to bring this design to life for you. Can you tell us a little about what inspired you to do this and how wearing your design makes you feel?
"We live in a Western-centric world and my brother and I, the first in our family to grow up outside of China, lived in a predominantly white community where we felt detached from our heritage. While my friends have been able to trace back their ancestry over decades, even centuries, mine is largely undocumented. We can’t change the past but we have the opportunity now to recognise and celebrate our cultural identity. By creating our first heirlooms with a crest that is completely our own, we have started our lineage anew; it was important to me that it represented our family as well as our stories and values."
If you are considering commissioning your own signet ring, please get in touch! Additionally if you have inherited any jewellery that you would like to use to create the signet, then we can also use existing gold/silver and gemstones that has been passed down to you. Click here to get in touch!