February 23, 2016 23 comments By

Signet Rings

My recent infatuation with signet rings has led me down a deep rabbit hole, tracing it’s fascinating history all the way back to 1800BC in Ancient Egypt. For centuries, signet rings have been used to signify authority and seal business transactions, with symbols engraved in stone or etched in metal and then stamped on hot wax. Fast forward to the 16th century when wearing signets in Europe became a status symbol, mostly amongst royalty and aristocrats. Today, they are worn blank or monogrammed and most of the time, purely as a fashion accessory. I’m continuously on the lookout for a storied vintage piece, as well as a more masculine signet, to stack alongside my modern version. Scroll down for some of my favorite picks – you might find your own initials emblazoned on one of these gorgeous antique signets!

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(images via Luv AJ, Retro, The Deeps, The Line, Vogue & Mimi Et Toi)

SHOP VINTAGE AND NEW SIGNET RINGS HERE:

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23 Comments

  1. francesca wrote:

    so interesting!

    xx
    http://www.cherry-mag.com

    2.23.16
    Reply
  2. Michelle wrote:

    I always wanted one, especially the blank ones are so cool!
    https://www.makeandmess.com/

    2.23.16
    Reply
  3. Monika wrote:

    This jewellery inspiration is everything!

    Love,

    http://www.thestyleventure.com

    2.23.16
    Reply
  4. Lauren wrote:

    I had a little signet ring as a child, not sure it would fit me now! x

    http://www.wonkylauren.com

    2.23.16
    Reply
    • Erica wrote:

      @Lauren, I’ve seen those baby signet rings and love the idea of wearing them on the pinky or as a knuckle ring! So cute.

      2.23.16
  5. URBAN CLUB® wrote:

    Simply Beautiful! You would love our Amazing Jewellery Collection
    Check it out at http://www.urbanclub.com/collections/bowerhaus
    Love
    xxx

    2.23.16
    Reply
  6. Cindy wrote:

    so cool!
    TopWedding

    2.23.16
    Reply
  7. DNA (the shop) wrote:

    I love how masculine and yet feminine they are.

    http://j.mp/DNAtheshop
    blog: http://j.mp/designersandartists

    2.23.16
    Reply
  8. the adventurer wrote:

    i had no idea of the history of signet rings, thanks for sharing! beautiful rings too =o)

    http://dreamofadventures.blogspot.com/

    2.23.16
    Reply
  9. caroline wrote:

    i’ve been wearing a signet ring since 1987, high school graduation gift! xoxo

    2.24.16
    Reply
  10. Beck {at} PreppyPanache wrote:

    I LOVE that you posted this. I’ve been scouring the internet and Etsy for the perfect one for me.

    2.24.16
    Reply
  11. Marcia Gray wrote:

    This is new to me, like I don’t really know this kind of ring. Perfect for pairing to weeding.

    Asian Directory

    2.25.16
    Reply
  12. Terina Clark wrote:

    Thank you for the article Erica. I am engaged and was just able to purchase one of the rings in your photos with my new initials. I LOVE Honestly WTF. xo

    2.25.16
    Reply
    • Erica wrote:

      @Terina How wonderful and special! Congratulations and thank you for sharing!!!

      2.25.16
  13. Hannah wrote:

    I love history fashion posts!!!! Totally up my alley.

    2.28.16
    Reply
  14. Mun wrote:

    Such incredible pieces <3

    2.29.16
    Reply
  15. Colli wrote:

    Seriously these pics are stunning!!!

    xoxo, Colli
    tobeyoutiful

    3.3.16
    Reply
  16. CRLNCM wrote:

    Got one signet ring from India and people keep noticing it when I wear it.
    Love your selection! x
    http://www.thesquaredo.com

    3.4.16
    Reply
  17. Jackie wrote:

    I thought I was the only one with a signet ring obsession! You don’t see the younger generations wearing them much. Great feature 🙂

    7.26.16
    Reply
  18. Dee wrote:

    I have worn a family signet ring on my pinky since I was 18. I have been married for 20 years and still wear it everyday.

    8.14.16
    Reply