When people go to a specialist jeweller to buy signet rings and get them etched, they are looking to either continue an enduring legacy or forge a new, lasting tradition of their own.
A signet ring is the platonic ideal of an heirloom piece; it is the type of precious jewellery that endures for generations, and it needs to be made with that lasting appeal in mind.
Part of how we do this often leads to questions from people buying a signet ring for the first time; why is the design reversed on the ring itself, so all of the writing, wording and heraldry is mirrored when you look at it?
The reasons come down to a mix of practicality and prestige.
Legacy Of Signets And Seals
The concept of a seal ring or signet ring is not new, and from the early days of the Roman Empire at the latest up until the 19th century, signet rings were an essential piece of jewellery which was not only beautiful but had administrative and bureaucratic functions.
Signet rings had existed before Ancient Rome, but it was during that time that the “annulus signatorius” became far more common outside of the ruling class, heads of state and religious leaders.
Whilst they can and often were made with precious metals and featured ornate carvings, they were also used by the upper class in Rome and by military officers as a means of signing contracts and proving one’s identity.
The former was achieved by pressing the seal in hot wax, and since the imprint is a mirrored image of the stamp that pressed it, it needs to be etched in reverse in order to appear correctly on the imprint.
This practical principle is similar to Chinese chop seals or the principle behind woodblock printing more broadly, so to accommodate for this practical use, signet rings traditionally have their etchings mirrored.
This concept stuck throughout the ages, even as the seal stopped being the dominant form of identification and is a very popular option when people order signet rings.
Do You Have To Have The Seal Reversed?
Some people ask if they have to have the seal mirrored, and the answer is absolutely not.
Besides simply providing a design already mirrored or requesting that we do not reverse the design ourselves, we also offer a surface-cut engraving surface which provides the look of a signet ring and generally uses an unreversed sign.
A surface-cut signet ring cannot be used to imprint seals and will not last, but the trade-off is that it will feature a beautiful carved pattern that shimmers and gleams in the material it is carved in, and for many people who want an ornate heirloom, that will matter more than a functionality that may never be used by some people.
On the other hand, some people want to maintain that tradition, or might even use the ring for its intended purpose because they now have access to it. Jewellery is very personal and expressive, which is the very reason we offer such a comprehensive bespoke jewellery service.
Our deep etching signet rings are available with a range of table materials and can be used as authentic seals, which can either be an essential part of administrative business or a beautiful flourish to add to letters or invitations.
Why Should You Get A Signet Ring Beyond Functionality?
Even though the signet ring was largely replaced by signatures, monograms and stamps in the administrative world, they have not only failed to be consigned to the history books but they have flourished in popularity.
Part of the reason for this is that in a fashion world that prizes individuality, signet rings are the ultimate expression of your personal history and heritage.
Historically, they were associated with authority, and this connection is still seen in how they are worn and why they are prized so much by people irrespective of fashion trends and functionality.
In the modern age, highly customised championship rings are a natural stylistic successor to the signet ring, and whilst they are often far more ornamental in terms of detailing and the use of set gemstones, the purpose of being used to express prestige, pride and authority is particularly similar.
Some people may receive a signet ring as an expression of gratitude or accomplishment in a manner similar to a gold watch. In other cases, signet rings are simply stylistic, and we offer rings with some beautiful pre-cut designs along with our custom engraving service.