What Is a Signet Ring and Why People Still Wear It

October 1,2025

A signet ring is one of the oldest and most meaningful types of jewelry. It has been worn for thousands of years by pharaohs, kings, nobles, and modern icons. More than an accessory, it represents identity, family, and legacy.

At The Heritage Ring, we continue this long tradition by creating coat of arms signet rings that connect people with their roots and let them wear a piece of history every day.

What a Signet Ring Is

A signet ring has a flat surface engraved with a family coat of arms, initials, or a personal symbol. The engraving is done in reverse so that when the ring is pressed into wax, it leaves a clear impression, much like a signature.

Before handwritten signatures were common, people used their rings to seal letters and official documents. The design engraved on the ring was unique to its owner and served as a mark of identity.

Throughout history, many influential figures have worn signet rings. King Charles III continues the royal tradition of wearing his family’s gold signet ring, passed down for generations. Frank Sinatra was also known for his elegant gold pinky ring engraved with the Sinatra family crest, which he had replicated as gifts for his closest friends. Henry Cavill, known for his love of heritage and craftsmanship, wears a family crest ring inspired by his own ancestry.

The History of the Signet Ring

The history of the signet ring goes back more than three thousand years to ancient Egypt. Pharaohs and royal officials wore rings engraved with hieroglyphs that represented their names or titles. These rings were pressed into clay or wax to seal important decrees, symbolizing both power and divine authority.

The tradition spread through Greece and Rome, where signet rings became a mark of citizenship and rank. By the Middle Ages, they had evolved into symbols of nobility and honor. European knights and lords wore family coat of arms rings that displayed their lineage and were used to seal official letters and treaties.

During the Renaissance, the family crest ring became an essential part of noble identity. Families passed them down through generations, each ring carrying the same engraving and family story. The custom survives today in royal families, including the British monarchy. King Charles III still wears his gold signet ring on his left pinky finger, the same piece his father and grandfather once wore.

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Why It Is Worn on the Pinky Finger

Traditionally, the signet ring is worn on the pinky finger of the non dominant hand, most often the left. This placement made it easy to use the ring for sealing documents without damaging the engraving.

Over time, the pinky finger became associated with elegance and heritage. In England, wearing a family crest ring on this finger became a quiet expression of class and family pride rather than wealth or status.

Even today, this tradition remains. The pinky signet ring is recognized as a timeless mark of refinement and lineage.

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Personalized Gold Plated Coat of Arms Signet Ring

Personalized Gold Plated Coat of Arms Signet Ring

$130.00

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The Heritage Ring

At The Heritage Ring, we continue this ancient craft by creating personalized coat of arms signet rings made with precision and care.

Each ring begins with research into your family coat of arms or family crest, which is then carefully adapted for engraving. Our artisans create your design in sterling silver or gold, available as a deep engraved seal for wax stamping or a raised design for a bold modern look.

Every family crest ring is unique. It represents your story and is made to last for generations.

We believe heritage should be worn and remembered, not forgotten in books or archives.