How to Design and Make Your Own Signet Ring

Signet rings are a beautiful piece of jewellery that anyone can wear and pull off, so it makes sense that they’re all the rage at the minute. Many people like wearing antique or vintage signet rings, enjoying the uniqueness of their designs. A lot of antique and vintage signet rings feature elements like engraving, initials, or family crests that make them unique. Personalised jewellery is among the most popular jewellery in the world – so how can you design and make your own signet ring, unique to you?

What is a Signet Ring Anyway?

Just in case you’re sat here wondering what a signet ring is anyway, here’s a brief overview. Signet rings are rings – historically worn by men but now worn by everyone – that feature a large, flat, usually oval face on the outside of the ring. These rings used to be used as wax seals in ancient Rome, allowing people to apply their personal seals to documents. Like many pieces of jewellery, signet rings have historically been symbols of a person’s status and power, and until the last century or so it was still the case that only wealthy and powerful people could own one.

Today, however, there are signet rings available for everyone, in a plethora of designs. So, if you’re interested in learning more about what a personalised design might look like, let’s move on to family crests.

What is a Family Crest?

In the days of noble families and heraldry, a family crest – or coat of arms – was the symbol of the household. Think of the sigils from Game of Thrones and you’re on the right track. Typically, a family crest features a shield-like shape with designs relating directly to the family and its heritage. Alongside this, there’s usually what’s called ‘supporters’, similar to the crowned lion and unicorn on the front of any British passport. Above the crest is the mantling, designs similar to vines or other foliage, topped with a crown or helmet of some kind.

As you can imagine, having this detail carved into a signet ring is a stunning way to carry family pride around with you. The good news is, you don’t need to be from some ancient, heraldic heritage to have a family crest. In the Victorian period, in fact, it was quite popular for people to create their own family crests when they came into some money. So, there’s nothing stopping you from designing your own.

Your Own Family Crest

If you’re interested in your own family crest, there may already be one in existence that belongs to your surname. There are plenty of websites that allow you to search your surname and see what family crests already exist under your name. If you’re uninspired by what’s already out there, you can design your very own family crest and leave something to pass down for generations – create a legacy of your very own like a medieval lord. Again, the internet is your go-to for this need, as there are all kinds of sites for designing and creating your own family crest.

Consider creating a slogan that you feel sums up your family, or something that you think will be incredibly powerful and interesting on a signet ring. Beyond that, you should think about including animals in your design – as they’re quite common in family crests. It can be anything from a regal lion to a super cute hamster if you want – everything is up to you! Add the crowning glory [literally] by including a crown or tiara of some kind at the very top of your design. If a crest doesn’t interest you at all, then maybe just get an initial engraved into the face of the signet ring, whether it’s your first name, your surname, or just any random letter you like the look of!

Getting it Made

This is definitely the trickiest part, but it is doable. There are variety of jewellers around the country who not only make bespoke jewellery fitting your exact designs, but many of them hold workshops where you can actually do the making of the jewellery yourself! It couldn’t get any more personalised and bespoke than that. 

Embrace your own regal uniqueness by branching out into family crests, family slogans, and the refined styles of signet rings.