How to Choose a Signet Ring: A Complete Guide to Engraved Hard Stone Jewelry

The signet ring is one of the most iconic and timeless pieces of jewelry in history. Born as a symbol of identity, power, and belonging, it has returned today as a deeply personal jewel, chosen by people of every style and gender.

Whether worn daily or given as a meaningful gift, choosing the right signet ring requires attention to shape, proportions, materials, and engraving.
This guide will help you make an informed choice, with special focus on engraved hard stone signet rings, the most authentic and enduring form of this jewel.

What is a signet ring?

Traditionally, the signet ring was worn on the little finger of the right hand and featured a flat surface engraved with a family crest, initials, or personal symbol.

In the past, it was not merely decorative: it was used to seal important documents in wax, serving as a personal signature and proof of identity.

Today, the signet ring preserves its symbolic meaning while evolving into a personal and contemporary jewel. No longer bound by rigid rules, it becomes an intimate object that tells a story through engraved stones, symbols, and carefully chosen materials.

What to consider before buying a signet ring

1. The shape

The shape affects both the aesthetics and the performance of the engraving, especially when an engraved hard stone is present.

Oval
The most classic and versatile shape. It offers ample space for detailed engraving and is ideal for cameos and figurative carvings.

Cushion (square oval)
More decisive and structured, it is appreciated for its strong and defined style, often chosen for a masculine or architectural aesthetic.

Round
Soft and balanced, it represents a more contemporary version of the traditional seal.

Octagonal
Essential and geometric, it is often left simple or with minimal engravings for a refined and modern look.

Beyond technique, it's crucial that the shape reflects your style: a seal is a piece of jewelry that should feel authentically "yours."

2. The dimensions

Proportions are essential: the head of the seal must be harmonious with the hand and finger.

• larger fingers require a larger surface area
• thin fingers prefer more compact shapes
• Today there is no longer a "mandatory finger": the seal can be worn on the ring finger, middle finger or little finger

Tradition leaves room for personal freedom.

3. The metal

Gold
Classic and precious choice.

• 9 carats → stronger, lighter color
• 18 carats → richer, deeper color, softer

Silver
Bright and charming, it can oxidize over time, creating a natural patina much appreciated by lovers of antique style.

Vermeil (925 sterling silver plated with 24k gold)
An elegant solution that combines the strength of silver with the beauty of gold. The 24k gold plating adds warmth and refinement, while remaining more accessible than solid gold. It is ideal for those who desire the look of gold without giving up the lightness and versatility of silver.

Each metal interacts differently with the engraved stone, influencing the contrast and perception of the carving.

The importance of engraved hard stone

Signet rings with engraved hard stone represent the noblest and most historically authentic form of the signet.
Since ancient Roman and Greek times, semiprecious stones have been chosen for their resistance , natural beauty , and ability to be engraved with extreme precision.

Among the most used stones:

Onyx
Deep black, ideal for sharp engravings and strong symbols.

Bloodstone
Dark green with red veins, resistant and full of ancient charm.

Carnelian
Warm red-orange, perfect for classic and heraldic engravings.

Lapis lazuli
Deep blue, symbol of royalty and knowledge, magnificent with gold settings.

Agate
Used for centuries in glyptics for its compactness and chromatic variety.

Sardonyx
Characterized by parallel bands of white, black and red, historically used for layered cameos.

Each stone has its own visual and symbolic identity: choosing an engraved stone means choosing an ancient language to tell a personal story.

A jewel for life

A signet ring is not just any purchase: it is an object destined to become part of your history, and perhaps one day an inheritance.

The combination of precious metal , engraved hard stone and chosen symbol makes each seal a unique object, capable of passing through time without losing its meaning.

Our support

At Sigillum Stones we create handcrafted signet rings with engraved semiprecious stones , inspired by ancient tradition and reinterpreted in a contemporary key.

We will help you choose:

• form
• size
• metal
• stone
• symbolic or figurative engraving

Or we can design a custom seal with you, designed as an extension of your identity.

If you would like more information about our collections or our engraving service, please do not hesitate to contact us: we will be happy to guide you in creating your signet ring.