Introduction
To signet ring or not to signet ring—that is the question. If you are familiar with classic style or the old money aesthetic, you’ve probably come across the ring. This piece of jewelry has been worn on men’s pinky fingers for thousands of years and carries a significant amount of symbolism. For that reason, factors beyond aesthetics should be considered when deciding whether or not to wear a signet ring.
1. What is a Signet Ring?
A signet ring is an engraved ring typically adorned with someone’s initials or a design and may date back to ancient times. In ancient Egypt, signet rings were used by queens and pharaohs to sign important documents before distinctive personal signatures became common practice. As you can imagine, the individuals that had these signets kept them under lock and key—they were very protected and were often destroyed when the wearer passed away. Nowadays, that isn’t really the case. They aren’t used so much for their original purpose any longer; they are more just decorative jewelry.
2. History of Signet Rings
To understand why wearing a signet ring is such a big deal, we first have to understand its history. The signet ring is perhaps the most ancient form of jewelry in existence. Men have been wearing these rings from the earliest civilizations in Egypt through the Roman Empire up to King Charles. In previous centuries, they served a very functional purpose as a form of identification. For example, it was once law in England that all official letters must be stamped with a ring for authenticity. These days, the purpose of the signet ring is the message it sends and the image it creates.
3. Aesthetic Appeal
Let’s first talk about the signet ring from a purely aesthetic stance. My main reason for wanting to wear a signet ring is the visual effect. I love the size of the ring, the old money design, and the timeless appeal. What’s more, having your family crest on the ring, which is normal, means you have a unique piece and don’t have to worry about fashion trends. The aesthetic that a ring creates is both classic and elegant, but also a little flashy and flamboyant. That’s a balance I like to strike with the rest of my style. It suits my favorite pieces like loafers, pocket squares, and double-breasted jackets.
4. Personal Style and Influence
The two types of gentlemen mostm commonly associated with the ring are the British aristocrat and the Italian-American gangster. Many of my personal style heroes have worn a signet ring, including Frank Sinatra, Steve McQueen, and Chris Pine. Another reason to wear a ring is that it brings attention to your hands. Personally, my hands are one of my favorite parts of my body, and using jewelry is a clever way to highlight certain features.
5. Reluctance to Wear a Signet Ring
There are a few reasons why I’m reluctant to wear a signet ring, and maybe you can relate to some of these too. This reluctance is more about what the ring means and what it says about you rather than its look. The biggest reason I don’t wear a ring is that I don’t feel like I deserve to wear one yet. I’m 25 and haven’t achieved the financial success, status, or family that I aspire to. I feel like the signet ring is for the older gentleman who has already proven himself.
6. Social Class and Tradition
The signet ring is associated with a social class in Britain that I don’t belong to. My family does not come from money, own land, or have titles. There’s a small part of me that would feel like a fraud if I were wearing one. The signet ring is traditionally given at the age of 21, but because there’s no tradition of wearing signet rings in my family, that hasn’t happened to me. However, I’m on a journey of elevating my own life so that maybe one day my children will experience these things.
7. Symbolism and Ambition
Despite the above, a signet ring could serve as a symbol to myself to keep working and striving for a better future for my family tree. The ring is also associated with privilege, which I’m not looking to further perpetuate. However, one group that famously wears signet rings are gangsters, which shows that wearing a ring is not exclusive to the upper classes, especially in the US. For example, Michael Douglas’s character Gordon Gekko in “Wall Street” wears a signet ring as a symbol of his ambition and work ethic.
8. Use as Antiques
When it comes to the use of signet rings, we tend to use them more as heirlooms. They tend to be passed down from generation to generation and often gifted for special occasions. You’ll often see that a ring will be commissioned for a graduation, wedding, or important birthday. They are a great way to commemorate not only family history but also momentous events.
9. Design and Style Considerations
If you want to get your own ring, there are a couple of things you should keep in mind to hone in on something that’s perfect for you. Let’s start with shape. When it comes to signets, I thought there were only two obvious options: round and square. But as I delved deeper, I realized the possibilities are endless, and you can choose pretty much anything you like.
Today, I’ll focus on the six designs offered by rough Signet rings because I think they offer a beautiful selection, and I’m sure you’ll find something to suit your personal stature and style.
- Straight Oval: This is the most classic signet design, tailored to an individual’s engraving. It could be a taller or fatter oval to perfectly encompass the particular design. It is the conservative ring of choice.
- Bulbous Oval: Characterized as chunky, this design has gold bulked up on its shoulders, making it a heavier ring than the straight oval. It cannot be stamped out, reflecting the overall quality and craftsmanship.
- Round: Quite literally a round shape, it can sometimes look cumbersome but done with the perfect design and expertise, it can look lovely.
- Cushion: A subtle and elegant design, it was a favorite in the Victorian days and is perfect for those who like a Victorian feel to their jewelry.
- Octagon: Out-of-the-box when it comes to typical ring shapes, it is expressive and unique.
- Oxford: This shape is not as stark as a square or rectangle proper but gives a device the edge it demands. It is a heavier ring, making a statement.
10. Conclusion
Overall, signet rings look good and can be a timeless addition to your personal style, symbolizing heritage, ambition, and individuality. Whether you choose to wear one now or in the future, it’s an accessory that speaks volumes about you.
FAQ: Signet Ring
How Do You Wear a Signet Ring?
Most of the time, it is worn on the pinky finger of the hand you use less. But you can also wear it on other fingers to match new styles. Keep it plain and match it with small, low-key things for a nice look.
