Heraldic signet rings

A bit of history

The history of signet rings spans over 4,000 years, dating back to Ancient Egypt, where rings were adorned with hieroglyphs and served as symbols of social rank, power, and tools to seal commercial agreements.

In France, signet rings made their appearance during the Middle Ages and were then crafted exclusively in yellow gold. Hieroglyphs gave way to family crests and coats of arms engraved on the rings. This highly symbolic piece of jewellery was worn by the nobility, who used their ring to seal documents with wax, thus authenticating them with their personal heraldic emblem. In an era marked by widespread illiteracy, this system allowed the sender of a letter to be easily identified.

As literacy became more widespread and handwritten signatures took precedence, this type of ring—also called a “sigillary” ring—gradually lost its practical use. Wax seals were slowly replaced by signatures, and the signet ring fell out of favor. It wasn't until the 18th century that it regained popularity, first among men. Still steeped in social status, it was especially prized by the elite as a way to showcase noble lineage. It became a powerful symbol of heritage and family history, passed down from generation to generation. During this period, the signet ring evolved into a true fashion accessory.

SYMBOLISM OF THE COAT OF ARMS

In France, women's shields are traditionally shaped like a lozenge or oval, reflecting a long-standing heraldic convention.

For men, the most common forms are the scutiform (shield-shaped) designs, either in the old or modern proportions, depending on family tradition and personal preference.

The coats of arms of noble families can be “adorned” or “topped” with heraldic elements known as "timbres." These may include: • A crown, if the family holds a noble title, • A helmet (heaume), often accompanied by mantling (lambrequins), for knightly families without a noble title, • Or a mantle, reserved for princes and sovereigns. These elements add layers of meaning to the blazon, reflecting the family’s history, rank, and social standing.

A RARE AND DISAPPEARING CRAFT

This remarkable and demanding profession—listed in France’s Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage—requires exceptional dexterity, precision, and meticulous attention to detail. These true artists, known as engravers or sculptors, carry out their delicate work using a variety of specialized tools and traditional burins. Sadly, the art of hand engraving is becoming increasingly rare, and the number of skilled engravers in France continues to decline. As a result, production times have lengthened and now require patience—typically between 4 to 6 months depending on the time of year.

Today, many engravings are done by laser for speed and consistency. However, in honor of ancestral craftsmanship, our workshop has chosen to preserve and promote traditional hand engraving, carried out by a certified and highly skilled artisan engraver. These hand-engraved pieces are truly one-of-a-kind, and the depth of their carving ensures they will endure for generations.