HISTORY OF SIGNET RINGS
Signet Rings have a long-standing presence in history, with examples being traced as far back as 3500BC to the people of Mesopotamia. Signet rings have graced the fingers of Egyptian pharaohs and queens, Roman Kings, Noblemen and even Shakespeare.
Wearing a signet ring distinguished you as a person with influence and power because they were often emblazoned with a family crest or coats of arms. Since every ring had unique markings to help identify the owner, signet rings were used to stamp, seal or sign documents, which was seen as more authentic than a signature.
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. As more and more people became literate, the use of signet rings as document seals was no longer needed and instead, the rings became family heirlooms that were passed down from generation to generation.
Eventually, the Signet Ring became one of the most recognised heirloom ring styles. Instead of a seal, they became symbols which represented family, 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. Nowadays, signet rings are worn plain, engraved or decorated with stones, holding a more subtle connection to the individual. 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.
Here’s a quick look at how signet style rings have evolved through time: 
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.
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:
Our Yellow Gold Side Star-set Small Signet hand engraved with a family crest 
Our Yellow Gold Side Star-set Small Signet 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.
Our Small Signet hand engraved with a single initial; 'K' in Upright Script 1. You can create your very own personalised and hand engraved signet with 1 initial here or here
A very special pair of personalised matching signets for a beautiful couple. This set features our Yellow Gold Small Signet and Yellow Gold Classic Signet with matching hand engraving; 'SOBC' in Slanted Script.
Our Yellow Gold Side Star-set Small Signet 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 peruse 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.
