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There are several ways to wear a signet ring, starting with whether the engraving is facing outwards or inwards, towards the owner.
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Wearing a Signet Ring Image: something borrowed Plus, engraving often includes significant, small details that tell connoisseurs of the symbols a lot about family history. That way, the ring leaves the right mark on the wax when used. The crucial thing is that goldsmiths engrave a coat of arms in a mirrored image. Family coats of arms often contained monograms, animals, or a verse that passed down through the generations, along with the family name. The engraving on the signet ring is an essential detail. A man can also receive a signet ring as a member of the organization he belongs to, whether it is a college fraternity, a business company, or a military unit. Members of many secret societies, such as Masons, are recognized by the signet ring they wear. Every detail, including an engraving on the surface, the type of stone, and the ring material, shows its owner’s social status and wealth. The Symbolism of a Signet Ring Image: something borrowedĮxcept used for practical purposes, this ring also has a symbolic meaning. That way, they form the sign of the cross. Unfortunately, it was much more common that the descendants dismantled this item once the owner passed away.Įven today, there is a custom that Vatican officials break the Papal signet ring when he dies with two hammer blows. Often, a father passed the noble signet ring with the family coat of arms to his son. Several historical sources state that King Mithridates VI of Pontus was a passionate collector of signet rings.ĭuring the reign of King Edward II, there was a law according to which all official documents had to contain the royal seal. In the Late Bronze Age, they started to design signet rings made of a metal similar to those men wear today. In the Minoan civilization, men used ivory and stone rings. Craftsmen made those rings of faience, quartz, stone, or pottery in most cases. In Egypt, only the upper class had the right to use the seal ring, including Pharaoh, his advisers, clergy, and nobles. That way, they confirmed the written statement instead of signing it. Clients would press the signet ring on the wet clay, leaving his signature mark.
#SIGNET RING PROFESSIONAL#
Men who could read and write were rare, so professional scribes used such rings to authenticate official documents, wills, and contracts. The oldest found pieces originated in ancient Mesopotamia from the period around 3500 BC. Signet rings have a several-thousand-years long history.