HISTORY OF THE SIGNET RING
For centuries, the signet ring has carried with it stories of power, identity, and legacy. More than just jewellery, these rings are imbued with the fingerprints of history, each piece a tangible reminder of those who wore it before us. At RUUSK, we honour this legacy by crafting signet rings that bridge past and present—modern heirlooms destined to become part of your own family’s story.
Join us as we explore the enchanting history of the signet ring, a symbol of resilience and elegance that, even today, resonates with a timeless allure.
SYMBOLISM OF THE SIGNET RING
With examples being traced as far back as 3500BC, wearing a signet ring has throughout history a person with influence and power because they were often emblazoned with a family crest or coats of arms. As time passed, merchants and tradesmen began wearing signet rings too. Royal signets were still set apart by their extravagant gems and rich metals whereas merchant’s rings had logos or mottos cut into them.
Eventually, the Signet Ring became one of the most recognised heirloom ring styles. Instead of being a symbol of heritage and family, the signet ring evolved to represent elegance and sophistication. For many years, signet rings were considered the mark of an elegant gentleman.
A lot has changed since those days, but sentiment towards signet rings has not. Signet rings have been proven to be timeless pieces of jewellery which can be passed down through generations; an extension of the self and a form of self expression.
GOLDEN SIGNATURES
Signet rings are among the oldest forms of personalised jewellery, crafted with a flat, raised bezel engraved with intricate designs or family crests. Since every ring had unique markings to help identify the owner, signet rings were used to stamp, seal or sign documents, leaving distinctive marks in wax or clay. From ancient Egypt to European nobility, signet rings have stamped some of history's most significant documents, serving both as personal emblems and powerful tools of authority.
Side Star-set Small Signet in Yellow Gold, hand engraved with a family crest. In a nod to traditional signet rings, this Crest was seal engraved so the family crest can be imprinted onto a wax seal.
FAMOUS SIGNET RINGS THROUGH THE AGES
This ring is dated to the Meroitic Period, between 40 B.C. - 40 A.D. It was excavated from Sudan (what was ancient Nubia) and recovered from a plundered burial site. The engraving shows two figures in gold. Image courtesy of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
This Ancient Roman Jupiter intaglio signet ring dates back to 1st-3rd century AD. It's yellow gold and engraved with the profile of Jupiter, the powerful king of the gods. Image courtesy of Berganza
Signet ring of the “Black Prince” was found at Montpensier, Puy-de-Dôme, in 1866 and dates back to the 14th century. It's made in gold with a ruby in the centre.
Currently residing in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, this Mycenaean gold signet ring dates back to the 15th century BCE. The signet was named and crafted in reference to the Greek myth of King Theseus and the Minotaur, a hybrid creature with the body of a man and the head of a bull.
The Ring of the Fisherman, also known as the Piscatory Ring, is a ceremonial signet ring worn by Popes since the 13th century. Traditionally, it was used to seal documents, symbolising papal authority and continuity.
SIGNET RINGS BY RUUSK
Just like these antique signet rings, RUUSK creates heirlooms that are durable, designed for daily wear and last through multiple generations. We draw upon traditional designs but love to customise rings with precious stones or engravings so you can create a personalised signet that connects to your precious stories and family. Some examples we've created include:
Side Star-set Small Signet Hand Engraved with a Family Crest.
Small Signet hand engraved with a single initial; 'K' in Upright Script 1.
A set of matching Signet Rings. Small Signet in Yellow Gold and Classic Signet with matching hand engraving; 'SOBC' in Slanted Script.
Side Star-set Small Signet in Yellow Gold with a Star-Set Ruby and Hand Engraving. A beautiful heirloom to celebrate a new family member, Poppy, and to eventually pass down to their baby girl.
Made to order just for you, you can explore all of our solid gold signet styles here. Or, if you have any questions or would like some assistance, contact us here to discuss the beautiful details of your own very special modern heirloom.
