Signet rings have a rich history, symbolising heritage, identity, and status for centuries. Whether worn for tradition, aesthetics, or personal significance, understanding the terminology associated with signet rings enhances one’s appreciation and knowledge of these timeless pieces. This glossary covers key terms from design to craftsmanship, tailored to help both newcomers and enthusiasts grasp the intricacies of signet rings.
Agnus Dei
A religious symbol used in ecclesiastical rings, often representing a lamb as a symbol of purity and sacrifice. Commonly seen in bishop and papal rings.
Alloy
A mixture of metals combined to enhance strength, durability, or colour. Signet rings are often made with gold or platinum alloys for resilience.
Bezel
The flat surface of the signet ring, typically engraved with a design, crest, or initials. This is the most distinctive part of the ring.
Bishop’s Ring
A type of ecclesiastical ring worn by bishops, often featuring religious symbols to signify rank and devotion to the church.
Bloodstone
A dark green variety of jasper with red flecks of hematite, popular for signet rings due to its unique appearance.
Carat (ct)
A measure of gold purity in an alloy. Signet rings may be crafted in 9ct, 14ct, or 18ct gold, where higher carats indicate greater gold content and a richer colour.
Certificate of Authenticity
A document accompanying a signet ring, especially for vintage or designer pieces, confirming the authenticity of its materials and craftsmanship.
Chip Integration
A modern innovation being explored, where microchips or NFC (Near Field Communication) devices are embedded in signet rings. These chips can store digital information, though this is an emerging trend.
Crest
A heraldic symbol engraved onto the bezel, often representing family heritage or personal identity. Traditionally significant in aristocratic and noble families.
Ecclesiastical Rings
Rings worn by clergy members, such as bishops and the pope. These rings may include religious symbols and have ceremonial or symbolic importance within the church.
Engraving
The process of etching designs like monograms, family crests, or fingerprints onto the ring’s bezel. Typically done in intaglio so the design leaves a raised impression when stamped into wax.
Episcopal Seal
A seal specific to bishops, often engraved onto a ring, used to authenticate church documents. These rings often have religious iconography.
Family Crest
A heraldic symbol passed down within families, often engraved onto signet rings to signify lineage and family heritage.
Fingerprint Engraving
A contemporary trend where a person’s fingerprint is engraved onto the ring’s bezel, offering a unique, personal touch.
Fisherman’s Ring
A specific papal ring, traditionally engraved with an image of St. Peter and the pope’s name. Historically used to seal official documents and ceremonially destroyed upon a pope’s death.
Fleur-de-lis
A stylised lily symbol often seen on signet rings in heraldic designs, denoting nobility or royal connections.
Gold
A popular metal for signet rings, available in various carats (9ct, 14ct, 18ct). Colours range from yellow to rose or white, depending on the alloys used.
Hallmark
A series of official stamps on a ring that certify its metal content, purity, and origin. Required by law in many countries for precious metal items above a certain weight.
Heraldry
The system of symbols and designs used in family crests, which are often engraved on signet rings to represent family heritage.
Initials
Letters representing a person’s name, commonly engraved on the bezel of signet rings as a form of personalisation.
Intaglio
An engraving technique where the design is carved into the ring’s bezel so that it leaves a raised impression when pressed into wax.
Lapis Lazuli
A deep blue gemstone chosen for its striking colour and historical significance, often used in signet rings.
Maker’s Mark
A specific symbol or stamp used by the jeweller or designer, identifying the creator of the ring.
Monogram
A design featuring intertwined initials, often engraved on the ring’s bezel as a personalised detail.
Onyx
A black or dark-coloured quartz used in signet rings for its sleek appearance and ability to clearly show engravings.
Papal Ring
A ring worn by the pope, often featuring religious symbols and serving a ceremonial role. The ring is a mark of the pope’s authority.
Pledge
A term referring to the use of a signet ring as a form of security or promise in historical and legal contexts.
Platinum
A highly durable, hypoallergenic precious metal used for crafting high-end signet rings. Known for its silver-white appearance.
Proof of Authenticity
A document certifying the authenticity and history of the ring, often provided for vintage or rare signet rings.
Quatrefoil
A four-lobed design commonly used in heraldic motifs on signet rings, symbolising faith and protection.
Ring Size
The circumference or diameter measurement of a ring to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.
Rose Gold
A gold alloy made by mixing yellow gold with copper, creating a pinkish hue. This adds warmth and a vintage feel to signet rings.
Sard
A reddish-brown variety of chalcedony, similar to sardonyx. It is durable and often used in historical signet rings for engravings.
Sardonyx
A type of agate with alternating sard (reddish-brown) and onyx bands, valued in signet rings for its ability to showcase intricate engravings.
Seal Ring
Another name for a signet ring, referencing its original use for sealing documents with wax to mark authenticity.
Sigillography
The study of seals, including those on signet rings, which highlights the historical importance of rings in authentication.
Signum
Derived from Latin meaning “sign”; the root word for “signet,” representing the ring’s purpose as a mark of identity.
Stone Setting
The technique of placing a gemstone into the ring’s bezel. Popular choices include onyx, carnelian, and lapis lazuli.
Traditional Finger
The ring finger or pinky on the non-dominant hand, typically used for wearing signet rings.
Venetian Engraving
An intricate style of engraving found in some antique rings, particularly from Italy, adding unique historical value.
Wax Impression
The hardened wax imprint left after pressing a signet ring into wax, historically used to authenticate documents.
Wax Seal
The raised impression created by pressing the engraved bezel of a signet ring into melted wax, historically signifying authenticity.
Yellow Gold
Traditional gold alloy mixed with other metals to produce the classic yellow hue, symbolising wealth and longevity in signet rings.
