Custom Family Crest Signet Rings
Signet rings are more than 2 000 years old, and while they are not used anymore as seal ring as they used to be in the past, they are a symbol of pride and elegance nowadays.
They are still synonyme of durability and in most of the case are an heirloom to the future family generation. They can be personalized in every aspect and become a unique touch of personnal style.
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Signet rings take their name from the Latin word ‘signum’, meaning sign. While we often associate them with the aristocracy, family crest signet rings have evolved with time and changing societal views. We can trace crest signet rings back to ancient Egypt and through history to today when they’ve broken into mainstream fashion.
Although a family coat of arms ring is traditionally handed down through the generates, today’s custom signet rings have a more creative touch. Whether you’re looking for a modern heirloom or family crest jewelry, the history of signet rings gives them a universal appeal.
At Vivalatina, our jewelry workshop specializes in custom signet rings, from traditional family crest signet rings to contemporary monogram rings, intaglio gemstone rings, religious rings, and military rings. We bring our custom seal rings to life through 3D rendering and 3D printing, incorporating traditional craftsmanship and contemporary jewelry design.
Read on to find out more about family signet rings and how to order your own custom family ring with our extensive customization options.
INDEX
- What are Family Crests?
- The History of the Family Signet Ring
- How Family Signet Rings are Made Today
- How we Create Custom Family Rings
- Examples of Family Crest Rings
- Examples of Monogram Rings
- Examples of Intaglio Rings
- Examples of Religious Rings
- Examples of Military Rings
- FAQs About Signet Rings
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1. What are Family Crests?
Family crests, commonly called a ‘coat of arms’, originated from the eras of knights and landed gentry. These coats of arms were incorporated into everything from helmets to shields and tapestry.
Family crests were handed down through the generations, most commonly appearing on signet rings. The hereditary coat of arms system became widespread across Europe in the mid-12th century. Nowadays, you can create a modern family crest and bring it to life with our custom signet ring service.
Note that crests are not limited to families as many towns in Europe have their own crests dating back from the middle age. Centuries old cities as Paris, St Étienne or Lyon have their own coat of arms, as shown below.
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2. The History of the Family Signet Ring
We can trace family crest rings back to around 3500 BC and the Egyptian pharaohs, who wore seal rings with hieroglyphics. Heraldic signet rings were popularized by King Edward II, who decreed all official documents must be sealed with the King’s ring. The famous Magna Carta was signed by King John using his custom seal ring.
Every signet ring is a little different, even those that incorporate a coat of arms. They’re considered as unique as your signature. Due to their association with the British monarchy, they’re also closely tied to the aristocracy. However, the etiquette of wearing a signet ring has evolved since the time of King Edward II.
Previously worn almost exclusively by men, women started wearing signet rings during the 1970s and 1980s as the style became unisex. Princess Diana popularized gold family crest rings after being frequently photographed wearing one, given to her by Prince Charles on the eve of their wedding, on the little finger of her left hand.
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3. How Family Crest Signet Rings are Made Today
Most family crest jewelry we see today is bespoke and custom-made. Just like the tradition of how to wear a signet ring, how these rings are made has also changed. Traditionally, a custom family crest signet ring was made by hand in three steps:
- the signet ring is first die-stamped to give the shape of the ring's top in gold or silver
- then the ring is made to the ring's size of the client by a jeweler
- last, a master-engraver engraves the familiy crest by hand onto the top of the ring
The die-stamping process means very few tools are used, requiring skilled craftsmanship from the jeweler. This traditionnal process means that:
- You can not see the finished result before actually making the ring
- You do not have many options of shapes and sizes for the ring's top
- It is a slow process that requires time
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Today, traditional craftsmanship is interwoven with modern design techniques and technology to create family signet rings. 3D modeling, 3D printing, and lost-wax casting create heraldic signet rings without requiring hand engraving.
This faster process enables you to create a bespoke design as it eliminates standard die-stamp tools. It’s a more affordable alternative without compromising on quality. You can create a modern family crest or use your initials for a custom wax seal ring. Our team will help you create a custom coat of arms ring and guide you through every step of the process.
This modern process does not replace the traditionnal one but offers some advantages:
- You are free to choose the shape and size you wish without limitation
- You can have the shank engraved as well as the plateau of the ring
- You can see the rendering views of the end result of your design before actually having to make the signet ring
- This is a faster making process
- It is a less expansive option
4. How We Create Custom Family Rings
You can design your own signet ring online with Vivalatina. Our process for creating crest signet rings starts with a CAD model made from your coat of arms or personal design. We’ll make it to your specifications, including ring size and silhouette, to give you an idea of what it will look like. After you approve the design for your custom seal ring from the rendering views, we’ll start manufacturing it.
We’ll use the original CAD file to 3D print your signet ring to create a wax master. Our process involves a bottom-up 3D printer, printing 25-micrometer layers over the course of 3 to 5 hours, depending on your ring size. This wax master is your futur ring 100% conform to the CAD design, this latter will be used to make the actual metal signet ring.
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During the lost wax cast process, we’ll use the wax master to make a plaster mold for your custom seal ring. After drying, the latter is burnt to destroy the master with the wax sublimating into gas, a process that prevents ash contamination inside the plaster mold. After creating the ‘footprint’ for your signet ring, we’ll add the liquid metal inside the mold.
Following the casting, you’ll be able to see the details of the rough metal signet ring. The final step of your custom signet ring is to add the coat of arms detailing by hand before polishing the ring.
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Then we can detail the ring by hand, filing then polishing the ring and detailing the engraving to highlight the details.
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We mary ancient craftmanship with modern jewelry tools as 3D rendering and 3D printing to get amazing results.
We offer the best customizable experience as your are free to choose:
- The form and size of your ring, no process limitation
- The metal of your choice, it can be Silver, 14k, 18k or even 22k gold
- Open or closed ring (heavier in metal)
- Raised engraving or intaglio jewellery
- Metal or gemstone engraving
Before starting your project, check out how to wear your signet ring and what can be the price of a personalized signet ring.
5. Example of Family crest signet rings
Those rings are made from the family crest design of our clients without any change for the top engraving.
Our work consist in giving advices about the best ring shape and size to get the most details of the crest depending on the finger and ring size. Raised engraving give more depth and detail to the coat of arms and can be used to make wax seals.
Many raised engraving allow to add more details to the crest that are visible on the ring without having to make a wax seal to see them.
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6. Examples of Monogram Rings
While this kind of ring seems obvious, there is a lot of way to make such a ring stand out with a unique design.
You can choose the ring style and dimensions that you please, any metal from silver to 22k gold (or event 24k for specific designs) and find the unique customization you please.
You can also mix silver and 18k gold to get a unique design for a very competitive price.
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7. Examples of Intaglio gemstones signet ring
Your crest or monogram can also be engraved in a gemstone, giving a stunning result and unique ring style.
Commonly, the gemstones that are most used for such a work are:
- Onyx
- Lapis lazuli
- Quartz (amethyst or citrine)
- Blood stone
- Carnelian
- Agate
- Malachite
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8. Examples of Religious signet rings with symbols
Back in the middle age, Nobles and Religious leaders lead the people and both had distinctive rings to show their rank, with religious symbols in the case of bishops.
Nowadays, anyone can have its own custom religious ring following his own design. Take a look at these examples.
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9. Military ring using Coat of Arms
Military units still use emblems that are often severa centuries old, and many soliders wear the coat of arms of their unit on a signet ring.
Here are some exemples of custom military rings.
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10. FAQs about Signet Rings
Do you have a question about custom signet rings? Contact our team or request a bespoke jewelry quotation if you’re ready to order.
Can I Get My Family Crest on a Signet Ring?
You don’t need a traditional coat of arms or a family crest to create a signet ring. Many families are creating their own crests, or you can opt for a contemporary alternative, such as your initials or a gemstone. Shop our range of 18k gold signet rings or reach out to your team to create a
What does a signet ring symbolize?
Traditionally, signet rings have been seen as a status symbol, worn by authority figures. A family crest ring conveys power, heritage, and elegance while offering a way to continue your family’s heritage.
What finger do you wear a family crest ring on?
Signet rings are typically worn on the little finger of your left hand. However, you can style your custom seal ring on any finger. Make sure you measure your ring size for the finger you intend to wear your signet ring on.
Can anyone wear a signet ring?
Anyone can wear a crest signet ring. Although previously only worn by men, signet rings have become more unisex with a growing number of women wearing them.
What age should you get a signet ring?
You can buy a signet ring at any age. Family crest rings are traditional gifts for milestone birthdays, such as an 18th or 21st birthday to symbolize the transition from childhood to adulthood. A coat of arms ring could also be gifted as a wedding gift.
For more information:
- See our collection of 18k gold signet ring
- Our custom made ring service online
- Ask for a quote for your coat of arms signet ring project
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- Custom skull biker ring
- Custom design jewelry online
- Design signet ring online
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- Religious signet ring
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- Custom seal ring price
- 24k gold jewelry online
- 24k solid gold pendant