Signet ring

What is a signet ring?

A signet ring traditionally carries a personal mark, initials or an image on its face for use as a seal. It could be pressed into wax on a letter or document. The Walters Art Museum, for example, records a gold ring bearing a coat of arms and initials.

Engraved metal and intaglio

The design may be cut into metal or into a mounted stone. Intaglio means a recessed carving. MIHO Museum documents signet rings incorporating materials such as garnet and obsidian. Stone, setting and engraving should be examined separately; an old-looking design does not by itself date the entire ring.

What should be recorded?

Photograph the face directly from above, the sides, the inside and every mark. Record dimensions, weight and wear, and distinguish an interpreted image from documented ownership. Initials or a coat of arms alone do not establish a particular family or person.

For metal marks, see fineness and fineness marks.

Sources

Walters Art Museum: a signet ring and sealing and MIHO Museum: intaglio signet rings.