Signet Ring

The history of signet or seal rings is lengthy and illustrious, dating back to 1400 BC when ancient signet rings were first worn by the Mesopotamian and ancient Egyptian civilisations. Throughout history, antique and vintage signet rings were often decorative and beautiful, however they were also highly functional items which played an important administrative role within society. By pressing the signet ring into hot wax or soft clay, a distinctive impression would be left that then functioned as an official seal or ‘signature'.

In ancient Egypt, pharaohs and nobles used distinctive antique signet rings made of hardstone or a blue pottery called faience. In the Middle Ages, antique signet rings were used by wealthy, powerful individuals to sign and seal their letters, proving that they were indeed authentic documents whilst preventing forgeries and tampering.

Thanks to a growing merchant class, antique signet rings became a form of branding during the Renaissance. As European merchants took to the Silk Road and began transporting goods overseas, they used signet rings to stamp seals on their shipments, making it easier to identify goods on arrival.