What is a signet ring?

Signet rings have been in use since the Middle Ages, to seal letters (or other objects) with a personal seal. A signet ring is a ring with an engraving in a gemstone. The engraving is often made of a coat of arms of the family. By engraving the coat of arms into the gemstone (intaglio), it can be used to place a stamp in the sealing wax; a seal with relief is the result.

Signet rings are part of a long tradition of families in Europe, where signet rings were often passed down from generation to generation. Signet rings exist both for men en women. The engraving in a signet ring for women is often done in a diamond (single) or an oval (married).