Signet rings, or signature rings, are unisex rings engraved with symbols or initials of the wearer’s choice. Originally engraved with historic crests or an individual’s coat of arms, signet rings were once used to seal a family’s signature into wax.
Ring wearing became popular in the ancient Roman era, where rulers and wealthy citizens would often impress their signature symbol onto letters and decrees. Emperor Pompey’s had a lion with a sword, and Julius Caesar’s had an armed Venus, for example. These rings were both ornamental and practical — since Romans had no pockets they could carry their official signature with them without having to take wax and a seal.
Though many signet rings may still bear a coat of arms or other historic symbols, these rings are largely ornamental in modern times. They are smaller and less likely to have large stones on them. The symbol also used to be done reversed in mirror style, so that people could impress their seal into wax and have the symbol show up correctly. Now, since rings are ornamental, the symbol is presented normally.
Many manufacturers will offer to engrave a signet ring with any image or word the buyer wants. They can be ordered online or through catalogs. Usually a blank band is chosen, and then the design selected, which takes up to two weeks to complete. Some retailers offer further customizations for the band and for extra stones, as well.
The Masonic ring is first made with no ornamentation on its face. The symbol that the wearer would like to display is then engraved upon it. Other Masonic signet rings include the Knights Templar, the Scottish ring and the Shrine ring. The Knights Templar ring features a symmetrical cross in the center. This ring signifies freemasonry’s lineage claim to the Knights Templar, who protected Christian crusaders on pilgrimages to the Holy Land.
The Scottish ring is a plain band of gold with an equilateral triangle enclosing the Hebrew letter Yud, the initial of a deity. The inside typically reads, “Whom virtue unites, and death will not separate.” The Shrine ring displays a sword and a crescent.
As there are many variations of freemasonry, there are also many different kinds of rings. These include Blue Lodge, Eastern Star and other branches. There are certain rules and etiquette involved with wearing Masonic rings. First, only a master mason should wear a ring. The ring is also generally worn on the third finger of the right hand. In addition, unless the master mason is a member of more than one branch or lodge, it is considered unseemly to wear more than one Masonic ring.
The Masonic signet ring is one of the ornaments of freemasonry that features these signs. Wearing the ring of a mason demands certain etiquette, however. The following is a description of the meaning behind these rings, the rings themselves, and the rules for wearing them.
The Masonic ring symbolizes several concepts to a freemason. The circular nature of the ring demonstrates the “eternity of the circle.” This “eternal” nature represents the bond of a mason to the brotherhood of freemasonry, in the same way that wedding rings show a bond of one person to another. The ring is also a visual sign to the world of a member’s dedication to the fraternity, as well as his authenticity, a concept that freemasons describe as a “cable tow,” a binding of the person to freemasonry forever.
People of various cultures, including popes, have worn a “signet” ring throughout history. Signet means “sign,” and signet rings were designed to display the authenticity of the wearer. The pope’s ring is large and gold and is called the “Fisherman’s Ring.” Other historical figures who wore signet rings were Julius Caesar, Caesar Augustus, Nero and Michelangelo.
Men’s rings are being made out of some interesting materials these days. It may sound like a part from a car, but a tungsten carbide ring is actually a popular accessory for guys. Men’s wedding rings and other fashion pieces are being made from this incredibly durable metal. When polished, it makes a dark smoky gray band that just oozes masculinity. Tungsten is a great metal for guys who work hard with their hands because it doesn’t scratch or dent. It is also known for keeping its finish.
Titanium is another metal that has emerged in the market. This metal produces jewelry that is similar to the grayish shade of platinum. While it makes a good-looking ring, it is not quite as durable as tungsten. Two-tone rings are also a trend in men’s jewelry. They can combine white gold with tungsten or gold and platinum-whatever makes a bold statement. Textured surfaces are also popular. Faceted and laser matte finishes offer something different to the traditional shiny buffed finish.
Even if all he wears is a man’s wedding band, there is a much larger and more fashionable selection than the gold bands of yesterday. Jewelers are having fun designing creations for this often forgotten about market. Men wear jewelry and they like to have a choice. So, whether it is a men’s white gold ring for his thumb or a fabulous tungsten carbide wedding band for his ring finger, he can accessorize in style.
Men wearing rings is not a new phenomenon. Since ancient times, they have worn wedding bands and other practical pieces-practical because they actually served a purpose. For instance, men’s thumb rings were worn to protect the fingers while shooting arrows and as an identifier for physicians.
Royalty and noblemen wore signet rings to identify their family and to serve as their official seal for correspondence. They dipped the ring in hot wax and pressed it to the documents. But today, the styles for men are becoming more fashionable and less about utility. The tradition of exchanging class rings among teens is improved upon with the promise ring for girls and guys. This ring is typically inexpensive and simple, usually just a band of gold or silver with the names engraved on it. But, women are doing more than promising themselves, they are proposing. Sometimes waiting for the guy to get down on one knee just takes too long and it is not an uncommon practice for the woman to give a men’s engagement ring to her lover. There are even sets so that the engagement and the wedding band match.
For the guy who has thick fingers, the chunky square fashion rings look great. These pieces often have gemstones like onyx and diamond or maybe a star sapphire in the center. Masonic rings can also be quite ornate, with symbols and diamonds and color.
The role of a signet ring is traditionally to act as an emblem of personal heritage and family history with their use dating back to ancient civilizations as early as the 12th century. They have been used throughout history to display a personal signature or coat of arms in the form of a seal which is hand engraved using a wax impression of the design.
The most beautiful gold signet rings can be made using the highest quality metals available including platinum, yellow, white and rose gold. The use of these premium metals allow for highly intricate and detailed designs for your imprint and your personal design emblem can be chosen from a range of seals and hand made from scratch for both men and women signet rings. After choosing your personal design, your crest or coat of arms is carefully constructed into the form of a three dimensional wax seal which is carved in reverse in order to cast a positive impression into your ring. Once the seal stamp has been created your design is then deeply embedded into the surface of your ring, proudly displaying your detailed and intricate symbol of family heritage.
It is of the utmost importance that your needs and wishes are realized in the creation of your signet ring as they are a symbol of your traditional personal history and can become an object which is cherished through time and long into the future.
Conventional signet rings carry a captivating history as an heirloom and legacy that can be passed down through family’s generations. The wearing of a signet ring originated from the occasion for royal signet rings, where by noble families upheld a long standing tradition of wearing signet rings for centuries. No other piece of ornaments offers such sophistication and unique distinction. Traditional signet rings are handcrafted in the silver, gold or platinum and the design can now be made to compliment personal taste and budget.
Signet rings can use a wide variety of precious gems and brilliant diamonds. Men signet rings and women signet rings are handcrafted to personal specification. Signet rings have solid back construction creating a quality that ensures a durable piece of ornaments that can be cherished for generations.
Every custom signet ring tells a story and each design has unique characteristics, making the signet ring truly remarkable. You can even choose to display your initials in one of several distinctive typefaces. Signet ring designers can building on virtually any design idea and can help create a custom signet piece that is as unique and distinctive to you, your organization, membership, or accomplishment it needs to represent.
Signet rings, or signature rings, are unisex rings engraved with symbols or initials of the wearer’s choice. Originally engraved with historic crests or an individual’s coat of arms, signet rings were once used to seal a family’s signature into wax.
Ring wearing became popular in the ancient Roman era, where rulers and wealthy citizens would often impress their signature symbol onto letters and decrees. These rings were both ornamental and practical — since Romans had no pockets they could carry their official signature with them without having to take wax and a seal.
Though many signet rings may still bear a coat of arms or other historic symbols, these rings are largely ornamental in modern times. They are smaller and less likely to have large stones on them. The symbol also used to be done reversed in mirror style, so that people could impress their seal into wax and have the symbol show up correctly. Now, since rings are ornamental, the symbol is presented normally.
Many manufacturers will offer to engrave a signet ring with any image or word the buyer wants. They can be ordered online or through catalogues. Usually a blank band is chosen, and then the design selected, which takes up to two weeks to complete. Some retailers offer further customizations for the band and for extra stones, as well.
Men rings chosen with affection and right selection will be a constant reminder of his love for his children, and they for him. It does not need to be an expensive item – the meaning makes the value, not the price.
For a brother, there are rings that will be sure to make him forget any previous sibling rivalries. An older brother might appreciate something more rugged and masculine, like a titanium ring; a younger brother might better enjoy a subtle silver ring. No matter their personal preference, there is a ring that would suit them perfectly.
For a friend, you might buy a ring to give them a permanent reminder of your special bond. That might mean a ring with particulars that apply to you and to the friend. That could be birthstones, different metals, or a braided style of ring. However you decide to represent your friendship, it is a gift that will be fondly received, and always remembered, no matter where your different paths may lead.
Men rings can cover any occasion, be it a graduation, engagement, marriage, promotion, the birth of a child, or a thousand other occasions. And the lucky man who gets this gift will always remember the reason, and the giver, every time they look down at their hands.
If you need to purchase a gift for the special man in your life, you might want to look at men’s rings. You know he owns all of the ties, colognes and shoe horns he could possibly ever want, so something unique like a fashionable ring would be appreciated as a departure from the usual. Not to mention, a ring can mean a great number of things, depending on who is doing the giving, and who is receiving.
For a husband, there are any numbers of occasions when a ring would not only be appropriate, but appreciated. If you are not yet wed, consider the benefits of a man ring. This simple gesture need not be as elaborate as your engagement ring, but it will surprise him. And of course, if the man in your life is not accustomed to wearing jewellery, this ring will be a great practice ring to get him used to a lifetime of wearing his wedding band.
For a father, a ring can have a very special meaning. Whether it is a ring with a symbol of your family, such as a crest or monogram, or one set with a subtle array of birthstones reflecting the birthdays of his children, a ring for your father will be cherished.