Signet ring question

[awbyrd]

Hello, all!

I was recently fortunate enough to receive my spanking new coat of arms from Edinburgh. My wife (who honestly feels that I have spent a substantial enough sum of money already) has graciously agreed to allow me to purchase a signet ring.

The question, therefore, is this:

I have seen rings with the crest alone, and have seen rings with the full achievement. Which is generally accepted to be proper/most prevalent? Also, purchasing one in gold may substantially lengthen my time on the sofa. Are silver signet rings ever encountered? Can y'all suggest any good suppliers of hand engraved signet rings? I've seen Dexter and Ian Grant, as well as Rebus. I understand that Gieves and Hawkes and Garrard also do these, but I'm not presently willing to sell a kidney to finance it.

Thanks in advance for the input!

Aaron

[Duke of Delrio]

First, Congratulations on achieving your Coat of Arms. In my experience, I have seen far more crest rings than I have seen rings bearing the full arms. I happen to prefer the crest rings because the detail is more easily seen. You may also want to consider a "seal ring" which would have the crest engraved in reverse in order to leave a raised wax impression which can be read.

By the way, there are, indeed silver rings and alloy rings which look stunning.

[thescot]

I see mostly crest rings because I know no one with their own arms.

Personally, I would go for the seal ring and use it to actually seal letters.

But then I'm an odd ball who uses dip pens and sealing wax in letters.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Most gentlemen prefer to have their crest, rather than their arms, on a signet ring. Since the signet is worn on the little finger it takes quite a few knocks and bumps during the course of the year, and for that reason you should have it made up in 9ct gold-- anything else will be too soft to stand up to the rigors of day-to-day life.

I can, without hesitation, recommend The Heraldic Porcelain Company in London as an excellent source for signet rings, crested buttons, and armorial china. The company is run by my dear friend Hugh Macpherson, and he can be contacted via their website:

www.heraldicporcelain.com

Now, how about posting a picture of your arms?

[Ancienne Alliance]

I wear my arms on my signet ring.

I wear it on my ring finger, right hand.





Best,

Robert

[Jock Scot]

I think just the crest, seal engraved, is the best option. Being left handed,I wear the ring on the little finger of my right hand. Whilst I can't say that I take a lot of notice, but I cannot recall seeing a silver signet ring, other sorts of rings most certainly in silver. Maybe even platinum?.

[caig]

Many congratulations on your Coat of Arms.

As to the signet ring, this should certainly be in gold and containing the crest rather than the full arms.

Our very own Alex Cunningham (C15cessna) has also recently obtained his own grant, and I was able to promise him an eagle feather for his bonnet. Regrettably, I do not have another one, but I will keep an eagle eye open.

[Schiehallion]

A signet ring was used to sign and hence was used as a seal into hot wax. The Crest only was historically used and in reverse low relief so as to be the correct way round and proud when used as a seal. I would go for 9crt Gold with cornellian or jet for the stone.

[Spartan Tartan]

I think it would be cool to have in reverse (so it's correct when used as a seal). Truly a unique item among the larger masses and I would be using it to mail letter and holiday cards to everyone I knew!

[Mike_Oettle]

Hi, Aaron, and congratulations on becoming an armiger.
When considering a signet, remember that it is small, so to be effective it should show a small part of the achievement, not the whole.
That small part can be the crest, or (if it is not too detailed) the shield (as Robert Amyot has) – or, if you have a badge as part of your grant, that could be used instead.
It should be in reverse, and engraved, so that when impressed in wax it is “proud” and faces in the right (that is, dexter) direction.
(As an armiger you no doubt know that left and right on a shield are given as from behind the shield, so that dexter is the apparent left, and sinister the apparent right.)
I look forward to seeing an illustration of the arms and, in due course, the signet as well.
Again, congratulations.
Regards,
Mike