Traditionally, signet rings were worn by aristocracy, featuring family crests that were used as a stamp to seal documents. They signified wealth and rank.
Today, they are embraced by all ages and genders, with designs ranging from classic to contemporary, allowing for personal expression through engravings and gemstones. It is this very ability to express oneself that has driven a surge in demand for this centuries old piece of jewellery and has attracted younger generations to the idea of customising and owning a signet ring.
These rings can still be designed with meaning and handed down as an heirloom, the decision is, whether to go with a fashion ring or a forever ring?
Fashion rings are primarily style focused, serving as any accessory to suit current trends. Heirloom signet rings however, carry sentimental value, often representing family heritage and history and are passed down through generations.
Fashion signet rings may feature modern aesthetics, unique shapes and materials while heirloom rings typically showcase traditional engravings, such as family crests or initials, emphasising their historical significance. Heirloom rings are also often custom-designed for personal meaning.
Therefore, the price can vary significantly. If you are choosing something that prioritises the current fashion, you may wish to spend less for this more “short term’’ style. There are many options for fashion signet rings and they can range in price to suit the buyer’s needs. The more affordable prices are achieved by using less expensive materials such as silver, gold plating or 14ct gold instead of 18ct gold. A lot of the fashion rings are made hollow, which will help minimise the cost of the gold used.
An heirloom ring however is usually hand made out of 18ct gold or platinum, it is solid, and it is customised, meaning a lot of time and work goes into a one- off creation. These rings are made to last past the lifetime of the wearer, so that they can be passed from generation to generation. These will therefore cost a lot more, but are deemed worth it by the wearer, as the significance of the meaning of the ring is generally the most important factor to them.
See our signet ring offering here.
