Whilst all jewellery is somewhat variable in how long it takes to make, refine, personalise and set with gemstones, bespoke signet rings have some particularly unique challenges with how the intricate seal designs are carved into the surface.
Asking how long it takes to make a piece of custom jewellery is often like asking how long a piece of string is at the best of times, but signet rings often involve the use of elaborate custom art intricately carved onto their tiny surfaces.
However, thanks to our years of experience working with custom jewellery, we can often provide timescales for how long your work is expected to take as well as regularly provide progress updates at each step of the process.
With that in mind, here is the general process for making a signet ring, how long each step typically takes and why these times can sometimes vary.
How Long Does A Bespoke Signet Ring Typically Take?
Not accounting for the initial meetings, any additional adjustments and alterations to the design or selecting gems to set if you have opted for a more custom signet ring design with gemstones along the side or integrated into the face, it typically takes at least four weeks to complete.
This is the time to make the ring itself, from the final approval of the design to the completion and sign-off of the finished ring, although further customisation might increase the timeframe.
Why Does A Signet Ring Take Weeks To Make?
The simple answer to that is that we use handcrafted tools and techniques developed through centuries of accumulated knowledge passed on from generation to generation.
Whilst we use 3D printing technology and computer-aided design as part of our workflow in order to produce prototype designs that you can hold, set gems in and even wear, all of our jewellery is handmade using traditional materials, tools and techniques.
We do not use casting methods to quickly and roughly construct a signet ring, nor do we use CNC milling or laser engraving to carve out the signet seal.
These techniques, whilst they have their uses outside of heirloom jewellery, are not precise nor gentle enough to be suitable for use with elegant gold intaglios, and typically lack the depth and precision of an artisan with years or decades of experience working with gold.
Beauty takes time to craft, but we will keep you updated at every stage of the process and welcome any suggestions, feedback or imaginative ideas.
What Factors Affect The Time It Takes To Make A Signet Ring?
Signet rings can be made in as little as two weeks but take as long as ten, and all of this depends on the complexity of the design, how much you want your ring to stand out, and how functional you need it to be.
Seal Functionality
There are multiple methods for making a signet ring, but the most traditional is to carve a design in reverse on the ring; the logic behind this is that when you imprint it into wax, the design on the seal will look correct even if it looks backwards on the ring.
This is the most traditional and functional way to create a signet ring, but it also takes the longest and requires the most expertise. A jeweller needs to craft depth and detail onto a tiny surface that will be reflected when the ring is shoved into hot wax.
If you do not need your signet ring to function as a stamp for seals, you can also have the ring surface cut. This design is more surface level, but is the right way around, looks beautiful and takes less time to carve.
Design Complexity
Signet rings vary considerably in design complexity, with some seals being as simple as a letter or two carved onto the face whilst others detail complex portraits or even scenes. The art of historic intaglios is utterly astonishing when you consider the scales involved.
Naturally, given that every signet seal is hand-carved into the gold surface, the more complex or esoteric the design, the longer it will take for it to be properly carved.
It has historically been worth it however; complex signet rings were historically much harder to forge, so you know that you are holding a one-of-a-kind heirloom in your hands and on your finger.
Ring Customisation
Some people want to tweak the ring itself, and whilst simple adjustments such as sizing are unlikely to affect the timescales too much, if you want to add gems, elaborate carving, designs or unusual finishes, it can mean the ring will take longer to make.