What Is a Signet Ring? A Complete Guide | Manly Bands

What Is a Signet Ring? If you’ve already heard of the signet ring, hats off to you. You’ve likely watched too much British television and/or mafia movies, and we should have a frank conversation about that, but hats off to you all the same. If you don’t know what it is, at least you’re watching a healthy amount of British TV content. Either way, let’s break down the fancy pinky ring.

Take a Peek at Our Signet Ring Collection

What Is a Signet Ring?

Well, it really is basically a fancy pinky ring that can also be worn as a wedding band. So, technically, it doesn’t have to be worn on the pinky finger, but that’s almost always where you’re going to see one. Not only is Hollywood making a comeback with signet rings, but they can also be more understated if you're looking for a really cool ring that defines you. Think less of Bruno Mars requesting that we put our “pinky rings up to the moon,” and more like a fancy businessman giving a wax seal fist bump. Admittedly, it’s a catchy song, though.

A signet ring has your family crest, monogram, or coat of arms on it and now functions almost exclusively as a token of sentimental value. Alternatively, it’s purely a fashion choice, and you just find a signet ring you think looks cool and wear it. Both are fine, but with the sentimental value, it’s mainly a way to be connected to your family and overall lineage. Not so much making your official seal on any documents. Though, we suppose you could if you’re fancy and afraid of RFID.

A signet ring has your crest on it and now functions almost exclusively as a token of sentimental value. Alternatively, it’s purely a fashion choice, and you just find a signet ring you think looks cool and wear it. Both are fine, but with the sentimental value, it’s mainly a way to be connected to your family and overall lineage. Not so much making your official seal on any documents. Though, we suppose you could if you’re fancy and afraid of RFID.

A History of Signet Rings

What is a signet ring? Signet rings, also referred to as seal rings, have been around for a while. Like, 3500 BC long ago. They played a significant role in ancient civilizations such as Greece, Rome, and Egypt. Could you imagine the Pharaohs having to tell a robot which of these photos has a stoplight in it? Granted, they didn’t know what a stoplight was, so it would’ve been comically bad at best.

The point is, without any of our modern technological conveniences, a wax seal with the signet ring’s insignia was the only way to prove authenticity. Anyone in a position of power, such as the Pharaohs in Egypt or Caesar Augustus in Rome, would possess their own signet ring. These rings bore a unique insignia, and using them to create wax seals on important documents was a universal method to establish the sender's identity and the official nature of the content.

The signet ring was a universal way to prove that the sender was, in fact, who they said they were. This is actually why the signet ring had to be destroyed after the wearer’s death. Think about it. All you’d have to do to pretend to be Pharaoh or Caesar Augustus or whoever is grab the ring off the dead guy’s pinky or start wax stamping away. That probably would cause some chaos, so the ring was destroyed to prevent that.

Now, in Ancient Egypt, the signet ring wasn’t as widely popular. Pharaoh would have one and maybe some other important officials like the high priests of the day, but that’s about it. If we fast-forward to the Middle Ages, the signet ring gains significant popularity. Now, it’s not to the point where peasants have them. Granted, they probably couldn’t read or write, meaning they had no official documents to signify the authenticity of, but still.

Basically, any high-ranking member of society in the Middle Ages had a signet ring and could prove that what they sent came from them. The majority of signet rings were crafted from precious metals such as gold or silver. These signet rings had extra decorations like gemstones or intricate designs on them, besides the seals. Although they still served their purpose, they were increasingly seen as luxury items.

This trend generally carried on over the years, but by the 19th century or so, we’d really made them fancy. Signet rings were handed down as treasured family heirlooms, and certain signet rings grew so intricate and weighty that they were suspended from chains or fobs rather than adorning fingers.

Signet rings became more ornate but still served the same function. Now, they’ve got inlays and fun inset stones and all manner of fancy nonsense to separate the rich pinky ring people from the poor and the bare-pinky’d.
While we saw less of the signet ring in the 19th century, you'd still see people wear them during the 20th century, but it was more of a fashion statement — or not to familial heritage — than anything else.

Basically, any high-ranking member of society in the Middle Ages had a signet ring and could prove that what they sent came from them. This trend generally carried on over the years, but by the 19th century or so, we’d really made them fancy. Signet rings became more ornate but still served the same function. Now, they’ve got inlays and fun inset stones and all manner of fancy nonsense to separate the rich pinky ring people from the poor and the bare-pinky’d.

While we saw less of the signet ring in the 19th century, you'd still see people wear them during the 20th century, but it was more of a fashion statement — or not to familial heritage — than anything else.

What is a signet ring and who Wears Signet Rings Now?

You might just walk into a bar and see dudes comparing their signet rings like the business card scene in American Psycho. And then maybe they'd have to leave to return a video tape. But seriously - guys are wearing signet rings again.

So, who are they for? Theoretically, they’re for anyone. Signet rings historically have been much more popular with men. Whether it’s style, convention or a bit of both, women are also wearing signet rings. They are more subtle, typically with one engraved letter, the more dainty version of what we see with men's signet rings.
You also might see them in the business world. Signet rings seem to still denote with a certain status level. So you might see that guy climbing the corporate ladder sporting one. And it's not always a pinky ring anymore. Breaking news - signet rings as wedding bands. It's a thing!

What Are Signet Rings Made From?

Gold signet rings are the most traditional. Rose gold was an occasional option, but silver and gold were almost always used to make signet rings. Considering that the signet ring has been around since like crazy long ago BC, that makes sense. We didn’t exactly make titanium rings at the same time the pyramids were being built.
Sterling silver has been another popular material for crafting signet rings. It’s a more affordable choice, and it has been used for its durability. White gold, which is a precious metal alloy, is another option for crafting signet rings.

What is the Meaning of Signet Rings?

It mostly means you’re making a fashion statement and it’ll make you feel like you’re upleveling your status (unless you decide to wear it as a wedding band). It also might make people think you’re a Freemason, so do with that what you will. The Masons are one of the only groups to still have an identifying ring and, when they do it, it’s sort of odd. We digress. It’s going to either indicate a nod to an important friend or family member or that you just like the style. There is an outside chance, we suppose, that you’re British royalty and reading this anyway. Maybe.

Can You Wear Signet Rings on Any Finger?

Technically, sure. You might see guys wear a signet ring on their ring finger or first finger. However, traditionally you'd see these on a pinky, signet rings are worn on all fingers now of either the left hand or right hand. Some men even wear them as wedding bands.

Why Would You Not Want a Signet Ring?

If you're looking for a slim ring, these may not be the ones for you. Signet rings will take up some space on your hand and feel significant in a way that makes you feel like you have a wad of cash held by a money clip in your pocket. However, with modern, more understated signet rings (link to MB collection), you might just find your match.

Watch Our Video on the Best Black Wedding Bands

Why Would You Want a Signet Ring?

Maybe it’ll complement that men’s black wedding band you’ve been eyeing. Maybe it’s just fun to wear on its own as a wedding ring. If you’re curious about the best black wedding bands, though, we’ve got a video to save your abysmal attention span from being too bored.

If you had a signet ring handed down to you by your father or something like that, you probably wear it in his honor. Same for grandfather, uncle, good friend who passed away or whoever else it might be. If you’re wearing one you didn’t buy, there’s a very good chance it holds some emotional value. If you did decide to buy your own signet ring as a wedding band, this is your time to start a new tradition. You can pass this ring down to your children when they are old enough to be the ones getting married.

A signet ring is a unique menswear accessory that, if used sparingly, can boost your personal style and add some visual intrigue to business casual.

If you want a shortcut to looking fancy, grab yourself a signet ring and head out to find as much wax to stamp as possible. Alternatively, keep it wax-free and polished so your shiny pinky ring is a conversation starter at parties. Really, the choice is yours.