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Signet Rings

The people of Mesopotamia were probably the first to use signet rings starting around the year 3500 B.C. Initially, softer materials like ivory and softer gemstones were used in signet rings, but as technology progressed, harder stones were also used.

Signet rings were usually engraved with a crest in a mirror image. The ring was pressed in hot wax to officiate documents relating to trade and politics, and this crest was engraved in either the gold of the ring itself or in a semi-precious gemstone that was set into the stone.

Today, people don’t need signet rings for that specific purpose, yet the ring is still very popular. For men, it is a very accepted piece of jewelry to own next to their watch and wedding ring. The crest is often replaced by engraved initials or a faceted or cabochon (semi-precious) stone.

Although usually worn on the ring finger opposite the hand with the wedding band, some men prefer to wear their signet ring on their pinky. Therefore, a signet ring is sometimes also referred to as a "pinky ring."


Quick Facts

  • When a new pope is selected, a signet ring is made especially for him, depicting Saint Peter in a fishing boat and the pope’s name. Although he doesn’t use his ring to officiate documents anymore, one of the first things that is done after his death is still to destroy the ring
  • Signet rings were always passed on from father to son when he took “reign” of the family. This tradition is still held in some families
  • One very prominent man who wears his signet ring on his pinky is Prince Charles of Wales

Recommended Items at Auction

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Antique 10K Gold M Signet Jewelry Ring
Feb 12, 6:00 PM EST
Antique 10K Gold M Signet Jewelry Ring
by Mebane Antique Auction
Est: $100- $10,000
$16011 Bids
A 9ct Rose Gold Carnelian Signet Style Ring
Feb 11, 6:00 PM AEDT
A 9ct Rose Gold Carnelian Signet Style Ring
by Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers
Est: AUD200- AUD300
AUD1502 Bids
14K WHITE AND YELLOW GOLD SIGNET RING 6 G
Feb 10, 6:00 PM EST
14K WHITE AND YELLOW GOLD SIGNET RING 6 G
by DejaVu Estate Sales & Auctions
Est: $275- $310
$301 Bid
10K Yellow Gold Carnelian Signet Style Bezel Ring
Mar 13, 11:00 AM EDT
10K Yellow Gold Carnelian Signet Style Bezel Ring
by Auctions at Showplace
Est: $300- $500
$1501 Bid
Silver Signet Ring with Rampant Lion
Mar 07, 12:00 PM GMT
Silver Signet Ring with Rampant Lion
by TimeLine Auctions
Est: £150- £200
£1301 Bid
CHEVALIERE
Feb 19, 2:30 PM CET
CHEVALIERE
by HVMC - Hôtel des Ventes de Monte-Carlo
Est: €1,000- €1,500
€1,0001 Bid
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Two Signet Rings & Pendant with Chain 9ct Gold
Feb 22, 3:00 PM AEST
Two Signet Rings & Pendant with Chain 9ct Gold
by Roxbury's Auction House
Est: AUD1,100- AUD1,200
AUD51 Bid
A mid Victorian 15ct gold carnelian intaglio seal signet ring
Feb 12, 10:00 AM GMT
A mid Victorian 15ct gold carnelian intaglio seal signet ring
by Kinghams Auctioneers
Est: £80- £120
£401 Bid
White and yellow gold signet ring with quadrangular front decorated with 9 brilliant-cut diamonds.
Feb 11, 1:00 PM CET
White and yellow gold signet ring with quadrangular front decorated with 9 brilliant-cut diamonds.
by Setdart Auction House
Est: €1,300- €1,400
€8000 Bids
SIGNET RING WITH AMETHYST
Feb 13, 4:00 PM CET
SIGNET RING WITH AMETHYST
by Subarna Subastas
Est: €250- €500
€2500 Bids
Signet ring with layer agate
Feb 28, 11:00 AM CET
Signet ring with layer agate
by Henry's Auktionshaus
Est: €170- €680
€1600 Bids
Sterling silver signet type dress ring set with Cornelian, Ring finger size S, Weight 9.70 grams
Feb 27, 6:00 PM AEST
Sterling silver signet type dress ring set with Cornelian, Ring finger size S, Weight 9.70 grams
by Pfeffer's Auctions
Est: AUD55- AUD150
AUD500 Bids
CHEVALIERE
Feb 19, 2:30 PM CET
CHEVALIERE
by HVMC - Hôtel des Ventes de Monte-Carlo
Est: €800- €1,200
€8000 Bids
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9 ct white gold signet ring weight 5.8 grams, 14 c…
Feb 16, 10:00 AM AEDT
9 ct white gold signet ring weight 5.8 grams, 14 c…
by Amanda Addams Auctions
Est: AUD200- AUD400
AUD1600 Bids
CHEVALIERE
Feb 19, 2:30 PM CET
CHEVALIERE
by HVMC - Hôtel des Ventes de Monte-Carlo
Est: €800- €1,000
€8000 Bids
CHEVALIERE
Feb 19, 2:30 PM CET
CHEVALIERE
by HVMC - Hôtel des Ventes de Monte-Carlo
Est: €350- €400
€3500 Bids
Sterling silver signet type dress ring set with black onyx, Ring finger size Q, Weight 7.30 grams
Feb 27, 6:00 PM AEST
Sterling silver signet type dress ring set with black onyx, Ring finger size Q, Weight 7.30 grams
by Pfeffer's Auctions
Est: AUD55- AUD150
AUD500 Bids
RING, 80'S, SIGNET TYPE, IN AMETHYST, TOPAZ AND PERIDOT
Feb 27, 5:00 PM CET
RING, 80'S, SIGNET TYPE, IN AMETHYST, TOPAZ AND PERIDOT
by Ansorena
Est: €1,950- €2,600
€1,3000 Bids
SIGNET TYPE RING IN GOLD AND METAL
Feb 27, 5:00 PM CET
SIGNET TYPE RING IN GOLD AND METAL
by Ansorena
Est: €300- €400
€2000 Bids
GOLD SEAL TYPE ALLIANCE
Feb 27, 5:00 PM CET
GOLD SEAL TYPE ALLIANCE
by Ansorena
Est: €390- €520
€2600 Bids
SORTIJA.
Feb 11, 5:00 PM CET
SORTIJA.
by Aletheia Subastas
Est: €100- €150
€700 Bids
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1.62ct Teal Sapphire Signet Ring 9ct Gold
Feb 22, 3:00 PM AEST
1.62ct Teal Sapphire Signet Ring 9ct Gold
by Roxbury's Auction House
Est: AUD550- AUD650
AUD4500 Bids
Yellow gold 585 signet ring with onyx plate, unengraved, 8g, size 63
Feb 27, 2:00 PM CET
Yellow gold 585 signet ring with onyx plate, unengraved, 8g, size 63
by Kendzia
Est: €0- €0
€2800 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Signet Rings


Claydon Auctioneers

Claydon Auctioneers

HVMC - Hôtel des Ventes de Monte-Carlo

HVMC - Hôtel des Ventes de Monte-Carlo

Ansorena

Ansorena

Subarna Subastas

Subarna Subastas