The signet ring has a lengthy history intertwined with royal or heraldic tradition.
Once a functional item, a signet ring would be engraved with a personal symbol or family crest and pressed into wax or clay to seal a handwritten letter in order to prove authenticity.
Over the years, as signet rings were passed down through generations, they became a token of your family heritage. But you no longer need to be a member of the landed gentry to don the jewellery piece. The traditional style has been universalised and given a modern, wearable twist.
Long a fixture in men’s jewellery, signet rings have evolved into a staple for both male and female consumers alike where the classic design has been taken to the next level with innovative detailing like the addition of semi-precious stones, coin detailing or engravings.
From your more elaborate, statement-making options, to muted, pared-back pieces, there are signets for every taste that can be worn alone or stacked with other rings, bracelets or watches.
See our favourites.
Jamestown Lapis Lazuli
This unisex piece has a solid sterling silver and 18ct gold vermeil plating and an oval stone. Symbolising wisdom and awareness, the stone adornment is paired with the brand’s hallmarking to create a timeless jewellery staple.
£289 | Phira London | Buy it now
David Yurman Exotic Stone onyx signet ring
As part of the David Yurman Exotic Stone collection, the designer harnesses the power of nature through the use of rare and unique polished gemstones. The American jewellery house pairs a Cabochon inlay black onyx on a sterling silver setting with the brand’s logo embossed on the side as well as the interior of the ring. Each one of the stylish pieces is unique due to the natural composition of the stone.
£425 | Farfetch | Buy it now
Silver Compass Ring
Silver and gold come together to form this mixed metal signet with a Golden compass design. It is composed of 925 Sterling Silver with a 14K Gold Plating at the face.
£60 | Serge Denimes | Buy it now
Snake Bones Elephant Signet Ring
Edgy jewellery label Snake Bones takes inspiration from nature to create vintage-looking treasures. The brand takes a traditional signet ring design and gives it a contemporary twist with animal engravings that include a lion, owl, horse, octopus and our personal favourite, an elephant. The ring will make a distinct addition to your jewellery collection.
£202 | Wolf & Badger | Buy it now
A.P.C. Silver-Tone Signet Ring
Paris-based label A.P.C. has mastered the art of minimalistic chic as perfectly embodied by this signet ring. The silver-tone piece has a square shape with circular cut outs at either side for an elegant piece that you will want to add straight to your basket.
£75 | Mr Porter | Buy it now
Vintage Gold Coin Ring
Once used for visiting tourists or as a marriage token, this vintage piece is from the 1980s. It is comprised of a 9ct Mexican gold coin in a claw setting for a token ring. The rare piece is hallmarked and is bound to sell-out quickly.
£85 | Etsy | Buy it now
Balenciaga Gold-Tone Signet Ring
This stand-out ring is not made for minimalists. The bold piece is offered in a bold pearlescent royal blue hue and embellished with the ‘BB’ monogram created by the founder of the label, Mr Cristóbal Balenciaga himself. Set on a gold-tone metal, the piece takes inspiration from the original purpose of a signet replacing a family crest with the French house’s twist.
£275 | Mr Porter | Buy it now
Small Plain Signet
While the London-based jewellery label is best-known for its iconic skull rings, it also offers a whole host signets. The range includes the sought-after style adorned with skull and crossbone designs as well as options with a more minimal aesthetic.
£105 | The Great Frog | Buy it now
Tom Wood Oval Ring - Tigers Eye
Norwegian based label Tom Wood's collection of signet rings are made up of the classic style adorned with precious stones. Each piece is handcrafted, unisex and unique due to the nature of the locally sourced stone. This option is composed of sterling silver and embellished with a golden Tiger Eye stone and the brand's logo engraving at the side.
£334 | Goodhood | Buy it now
M Cohen Spinning lapis and sterling-silver ring
Colourful beads and stones play a vital role in the collections of Israeli designer Maor Cohen - incorporated here into a signet ring. Set to be am heirloom piece, the ring has an oxiised sterling silver worn look with a spinning lapis at the centre.
£435 | Matches Fashion | Buy it now
ASOS DESIGN vintage style signet ring
Tap into the signet ring trend with a low cost and low-key iteration. From ASOS’ own brand collection, a black stone is set on a gold-tone setting and will bring a unique flair to your outfit.
£6 | ASOS | Buy it now
Rays of Light Ring Gold
Rachel Entwistle takes inspiration from the ancient concept of amulets to create distinctive pieces that are adorned with precious stones. This timeless ring takes inspiration from the sun with either a Labradorite or turquoise central gem. It is also available in either nine or 18ct yellow gold or sterling silver with an 18ct yellow gold plating.
£330 | Rachel Entwistle | Buy it now
Open Heart Signet Ring
Taking you from day, to play, Missoma’s take on a signet ring is a super wearable everyday piece that was created to represent “love, passion and friendship”. It is embellished with a white topaz gem in the centre of the design and can be worn alone or stacked. The ring is composed of 18ct gold vermeil on sterling silver.
£85 | Missoma | Buy it now
No 13 Zodiac Constellation Signet Ring Diamonds & 9ct Gold
The No 13 zodiac constellation takes inspiration and are created in collaboration with the Sami people who live in the Arctic circle. Handmade in London, the rings are hand engraved with tiny dots and diamond stars. In line with the brand’s ethos of ethical luxury, the piece is made from 100 per cent recycled 9ct yellow gold and a percentage of the profits are donated to the National Wildlife Federation that works to protect “wildlife, wild places, and the environment”.
£370 | Wolf & Badger | Buy it now
Engraved Swallow Signet Ring
The intricate detailing of this ring from Alex Monroe makes it a true treasure that you will be sure to cherish. In a heart shape, the hand engraved signet takes inspiration from nature with bird and floral detailing. The delicate jewellery piece is available in sterling silver, 22ct gold plating and rose gold plating.
£135 | Alex Monroe | Buy it now
Family Tree Signet Ring
Hark back to the history of a signet ring with this customisable piece. Each one of the handmade rings can be embellished with up to six birthstones of your choosing that is set into the tree design. Create a keepsake jewellery item that you can pass down to the next generation with this statement piece. The ring can be made from solid sterling silver, 22ct yellow or 18ct rose gold plated silver as well as solid yellow, rose or white gold.
£175 | Not on the High Street | Buy it now
Basic 2.0 Large Signet Ring in Gold
If you are looking for a more minimal take on a classic signet, check out this ring from Astrid & Miyu. Offered in gold, rose gold and silver plating on sterling silver, stack the piece or wear alongside other rings.
£70 | Astrid & Miyu | Buy it now
Diploria Unisex Signet Ring
Gaia & Terra's designer and founder Lalita Chant takes inspiration from the organic forms found in coral reefs with this textured signet ring. Named Diploria – or ‘brain coral’ – the mesmerising piece is crafted with sterling silver and 14ct gold plating to create a timeless, sleek and unisex item.
£200 | Gaia & Terra | Buy it now
Endless Love Signet Ring
One of Links of London’s latest collections, ‘Endless Love’ is a celebration of love in all forms, therefore, it is unsurprising that the heart motif is used throughout the range. This striking ring has a piped heart at the centre with a stain finish in the interior. It is offered in sterling silver, 18kt rose gold vermeil and 18k yellow gold vermeil, and can be worn alone or layered with other bands.
£110 | Links of London | Buy it now
Signet Ring with Teeny Weeny Bee
With this signet ring, the designer highlights the growing need for us to protect the shrinking bee population with the precious insect taking centre stage. The piece is handmade in England from 18ct yellow gold.
£675 | Alex Monroe | Buy it now
Initial Signet Ring
Add a bespoke creation to your jewellery collection with this signet ring. The piece can be personalised with the initial of your choosing as a modern take on the ring style's original purpose. Your bespoke creation can be crafted from 9ct gold, rose gold and also in sterling silver.
£395 | Laura Lee Jewellery | Buy it now
Luna Mother of Pearl Signet Ring
With a more intricate approach to the traditional signet design, this ring from Astley Clarke has a centre stone made from an iridescent mother of pearl, pastel lace agate or a blue-green abalone with a wave engraving and white sapphire surrounding. The vintage-style piece is made for everyday wear and is set on an 18k gold vermeil band.
£110 | Astley Clarke | Buy it now
Annina Vogel Signet Ring
This heart-shaped ring from Annina Vogel is crafted in a vintage gold style. With an antique charm, this keepsake piece will make a precious gift that will be treasured for years to come.
£550 | Liberty London | Buy it now
Zodiac Signet
The Shoreditch-based jeweller offers zodiac-inspired signets featuring hand-engraved symbols of each star sign. Opt for a gold vermeil, 9ct yellow gold, and 18ct yellow gold, as well as version of the above adorned with diamonds.
£140 | Rachel Entwistle | Buy it now
