A Signet Ring as contemporary people wear them is generally a ring with their initials or just a first initial engraved as a monogram, but Signet Rings have a long and interesting history prior to the types of Signet Ring now worn strictly for style. The original form of signet rings, which date back as far as ancient Egpyt, where they are thought to have originated, had designs like a family crest, religious symbol, designs of coat arms, badge or logos through an engraved or embossed design. These styles of signet ring were also called seal rings, as the raised portion was used both to identify the wearer and to press his or her symbol into sealing wax on letters and other important documents. Seeing someone’s seal impressed onto the sealing wax of a document by someone’s signet ring was considered a mark of the document’s authenticity. The engraved designs of signet rings can be done in the metal band, gems or another kind of material. A signet ring represents power and authority in ancient and recent times. Even Prince Charles in modern day Great Britain wears a signet ring of his family crest, as signet rings have their own history in Europe. The royal or noble signet ring started from European countries as a sign of their noble status. These were rather different than the signet rings of the ancient Egyptians which were cylindrical seals. These signet rings were developed from the cylindrical seals that hung from their necks or arms.
A man or woman could wear a signet ring. Using different materials such as metal bands in signet rings indicated a persons status in life. For example, signet ring usage of precious metal bands for military or civil people and those who were free born citizens, signet rings made of iron for those who belongs to masses including slaves, a type of signet ring in silver for freed men, etc. Up to this times, signet rings are worn as a sign of power and position. The Pope wears a signet ring as a sign of his high position.
Nowadays, anyone can wear a signet ring; men or women, young old. College students and those who join fraternities and sororities often wear them. Their signet rings are personalized with their university logos and sorority badge. They are available in most jewelers worldwide and can be purchased right away or ordered and personalized. Various jewelers sell all types of metals with limitless designs. Precious and non-precious gems and diamonds are popular. It can be worn either at the left or the right hand fingers. Some wear a signet ring on the smallest finger.
Finally, some people choose to wear a signet ring as a sign of their love and friendship to each other, with their personalized and own choice of designs represent their love with the art of engraving. Desirable designs are initials, logos, coat of arms, skulls, animals the lion or phoenix, flowers and butterflies etc. The most popular precious metals are gold, silver, titanium and platinum. Shapes like ovals, squares or other desired shapes for the engraved design are also popular.

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