Signet rings are among the oldest pieces of personal jewellery, and Hatton Garden, London's diamond quarter in EC1N, remains one of the finest places to commission one. Set within Camden between Holborn and Farringdon, the area's hand engravers and goldsmiths carry on a craft that stretches back centuries. A signet ring carries meaning, whether a family crest, a monogram or a design that is entirely your own. The result is a piece made to be worn daily and handed down. To see the range of styles available, explore the local signet rings crafted by these workshops.
The craft behind a signet ring
A signet ring is defined by its flat face, traditionally engraved so the design sits in reverse and can be pressed into wax as a seal. That heritage gives the style its weight and presence.
Hand engraving is a slow, skilled discipline. A master engraver cuts the design directly into the metal using fine tools, building depth and detail by eye. Few crafts in the jewellery trade demand such patience and precision.
Designs old and new
The classic signet carries a heraldic crest, but more wearers now choose personal designs, from initials and dates to motifs that mean something only to them. Both approaches suit men and women equally.
Oval, round, square and cushion faces each lend a different feel. Your choice of face, metal and engraving style together make the ring individual, so it pays to discuss options with an experienced maker before committing.
Engraving and bespoke work
Many Hatton Garden studios pair signet work with wider jewellery engraving services, adding inscriptions to existing pieces or creating bespoke seals from scratch.
Gold remains the traditional choice for its warmth and durability, though platinum and silver are popular too. With Chancery Lane and Farringdon stations close by, returning to view a wax model or collect a finished ring is easy.
Fun fact: Signet rings were once used to seal official documents, and a broken seal proved whether a letter had been opened in transit.
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