What is a Signet Ring?

What is a signet ring?

Signet rings are also called seal rings. They were mainly made to indicate family crests, status and occupation, but also had the same meaning as earrings, necklaces and other ornaments, as a talisman and protection against evil.

How long has it been around?

Its history goes back to ancient times, thousands of years ago. It is said to have been worn by the famous ancient Egyptian king Pharaoh. Many objects made in B.C. have been found with elaborate carvings that make it hard to believe that they were made thousands of years ago.

Incidentally, there are also beautifully and elaborately engraved gemstones (precious stones) such as emeralds (look up intaglio or glyptics for eye-candy images). If you have the chance, visit a museum or art gallery to see them in person.


About the engravings

Inversion of letters and designs:
As its other name "seal" suggests, the signet ring was sometimes used as a seal. For this reason, depending on the application, the letters or design to be engraved may be reversed. We can accommodate both, so you can choose the one you prefer. If you do not want people to read too much, we recommend inverted letters, which are difficult to decipher at a glance.

Our engraving styles:
"Standard"
- Engraving of letters directly on the surface.
- The line width is narrow, so it is suitable for complex characters.
- Simple and clean impression.

"Relief engraving"
- A type in which letters are carved out of the surface.
- Even a single letter can have a strong impact.
- The letters have a three-dimensional effect and give a unique impression.

"Standard" has a thin line width, making it easy to read even complex characters, and gives a simple, clean impression. "Relief" has a three-dimensional feel, and even a single letter can make a big impact. Both have different tastes, so choose whichever engraving style you prefer.

You can see images of the finished signet ring on How to Order and on Instagram. We hope you will find them useful too.


*Source:
"Illustrated Decoration" by Ryota Ikegami / Shin Kigen-sha Co.