Seriously, we LOVE signet rings here at Bauble Magpie. Of course wearing your heart on your neck in one of our intaglio pendants is a gorgeous way to show off your style and substance, but rings are right there in front of your face all day – especially those out there who work at a computer for a living.
Because we love them so much, we make them here for our customers, who can choose to pick up one of our ready to wear designs, or design their very own custom signet ring. This is a supremely popular choice at the moment, as more and more people find their own authenticity, their own voice, and not only want to keep their talisman close, but also to show off to the world who they are.
Further down the page, we’ll explain the process of designing a custom signet ring, but first, a history lesson. No, not the boring kind from school, but one that’s actually interesting, one that’s going to help you wear a signet ring with confidence, and help you design the perfect one that will become a heirloom in its own right.
What is a signet ring?
Fair enough, start right at the start! In jewelry terms, a signet ring is a type of ring that has a flat surface on top, which can either be a flat metal surface, or have an engraving done in it, or, our favourite (obviously), contain an intaglio or wax seal. Putting a wax seal into a signet ring, usually with a family crest, was a symbol of status and family lineage, in the day and age where families did that sort of thing.
For some, the seal was not just a style choice, but a privacy device, allowing the wearer to actually use it as a wax seal for securing their correspondences. Sure, they could use a separate stamp – a fob – type of wax seal, but being able to punch your signet ring into some wax to seal a document has and always will be pretty badass.
The Rules of Signet Rings
In line with those traditions, there are loads of old rules about who gets to wear signet rings and why. Only members of the family can wear a family crest. Only men can wear signet rings. Signet rings must always face the wearer, blah blah blah. Rules mean nothing to Bauble Magpie! Who cares what some old men a million years ago decided were the rules; we make our own damn rules. Things have meaning because we say they have meaning, not just because what was recorded as history declares it so.
So, in our opinion, only follow the rules that you want.
The rule that only men can wear a signet ring? Throw that one right in the bin. We all have fingers, we all have rights, and we all can look absolutely stunning in our very own custom signet ring if we blummin’ well want to.
The rule that a signet ring must always face the wearer? Totally a personal choice! Wearing your signet ring facing yourself is a wonderful daily reminder, a talisman, giving you courage and peace throughout the day as you tell yourself who you are. Or, you can absolutely position your ring facing the world, so that there is no question to anyone out there that you are who you are.
How to Design a Custom Signet Ring
There are two ways you can begin the process of designing a custom signet ring: Starting with the ring style, or starting with the intaglio or wax seal.
If you start with the ring style, because you particularly want a chunky signet ring, or a dainty signet ring, means that then you can browse the appropriate intaglios that will suit that ring style, and be able to choose from that selection.
More popular is starting with the intaglio or wax seal itself, because this allows you to browse a much, MUCH wider collection of designs to find the piece that really speaks to you, and design the rest of your custom signet ring around the wax seal or intaglio.
So, browse our intaglios and wax seals to find the right one for you, then you will be able to see with which of the signet ring styles it is compatible. Then, there are loads of customisation options to make it truly yours, whether that’s choosing between the types of precious metals such as yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, or platinum to find the one you prefer, or adding embellishments. Want a diamond signet ring? No problem! The chonky signet ring styles are perfect for adding gemstones, whether thats diamonds or colourful rubies and sapphires.
Of course, Emma is always available to contact if you need help at this stage, and has the expert experience and design advice to help you bring your custom signet ring to life.
