Signet Rings History: Antique and Modern.

In the past authentic signet rings were both functional and ornamental. They were recognized as official, the engravers created a mirror image of the wearer’s initials, signature or coat of arms, while modern signet rings are not used as official signatures, the engravings are no longer done in mirror style.

Politicians, religious and other wealthy people wore antique signet rings as a form of official signature. Documents and decrees were often sealed with wax or soft clay to prevent tampering, allowing the bearers of signet rings to press their distinctive seals into the material. For this reason, signet rings are also called seal rings. Today's signet rings are largely ornamental, with personal initials replacing the intricate coat of arms found on antique rings.

Modern signet rings are pieces of jewelry usually engraved with personalized designs. Designers of signet rings often present an array of fashionable but blank bands and request engraving information from the customer. Antique signet rings are highly collectible, primarily because of their scarcity. Only a few authorized copies of these rings were ever created, in order to reduce the chances of fraud.

If modern signet rings can be ordered through retail jewelry stores and catalogs, surviving signet rings of political leaders or other notable are most likely found in museum collections or under strict lock and key. Modern custom designs are usually generated from detailed photographs or sketches provided by the customer. These rings are not usually decorated with large stones, relying more on the intricacies of the band and the engraving for their visual appeal.