Back from the road! The signet ring.
Jewellery Inspiration
DiamondsByMe
10 February 2023
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Did you know that signet rings are currently all the rage again? A signet ring is a ring that has been around for a long time. It is a personal ring that is often passed from father to son as an heirloom. Often the family crest or the initials of the family name (monogram) are chosen. Of course, many other types of engraving are possible. You can read all about it in this blog!
There are two types of signet rings;-
- signet rings made entirely of precious metal, where the engraving is set into the precious metal
- signet rings where the engraving is set into a suitable stone
Engraving is a craft that very few people can do nowadays. This is because engraving is an age-old profession for which there is not much enthusiasm nowadays. We only work with engravers who have years of experience to guarantee quality.
At DiamondsByMe, we only make solid signet rings, because a signet ring should be strong enough to last at least one generation. It is often a personal reminder of a special moment or to safeguard the family crest. Making a signet ring is true craftsmanship. Our goldsmiths have years of experience making the finest signet rings. A good signet ring is made of solid precious metal and the stone is set in a nice tight setting. Want to buy a signet ring that can serve as an heirloom? Then do not buy a ring that is not solid or with the stone stuck in the setting.
The stone types we use for signet rings at DiamondsByMe are different colours of layer stone, onyx, carnelian, heliotrope and the lapis lazulli. All these stones can be engraved with initials or a family crest, however this is least visible with the heliotrope (a mottled stone). The most commonly used stones for engraving are the layer stone and the onyx. When engraving in an onyx, the engraving remains completely black. When you place an engraving in the layer stone, you get a beautiful contrast because the bottom (often black) layer then becomes visible.
A monogram engraving is an engraving consisting of initials. These engravings come in many different styles. The images below show an overview of the different engravings we can make. So these engravings can be cut from the layer stone and onyx, but can also be engraved from the solid precious metal. At DiamondsByMe, the area around the monogram can be filled with enamel, giving the ring a rich look.
The signet rings with layer stone in our collection can all be engraved with a coat of arms engraving. In the past, a signet ring with coat-of-arms engraving was used to seal a letter. Lacquer was heated by means of a candle and melted on a letter. After this, the ring was pushed into the still-warm lacquer, leaving an imprint in the lacquer. This is the reason why coat-of-arms engravings regularly occur in mirror image.
Besides a monogram or a family crest, hand engravings can also be placed in rings. A hand engraving is something very personal. A hand engraver removes lines from the precious metal with a sampler. The engraver can play with the sides of this sampler, giving you wide and narrow strips. Wide stripes are also called glossy lines, as they give a ring extra shine.
The 3D-technique we work with at DiamondsByMe allows us to offer signet rings at an extra advantageous price. Indeed, ordered signet rings including engravings can be drawn in a computer programme, after which they are printed in 3D. This 3D print can then be cast, so that an engraving is directly included in the casting. This saves enormously on labour costs.
Want an extra personal signet ring? We even offer the option of including your own personal handwriting or a fingerprint in a ring. Are you curious about all the possibilities? Then take a look at all DiamondsByMe's men's rings.
