signet Rings in Traditional Highland Attire.

[Mike_Oettle]

It does seem as if men’s wedding rings are a modern trend – although I would hardly call it 21st-century.
Men of my father’s generation rarely if ever wore a wedding ring, but when I was married in 1976 it seemed right and proper for me to have one.
My wife (then fiancée) even paid out of her own pocket for my ring to be made, while she wears an heirloom that didn’t cost me a penny (I am eternally grateful for her generosity).
I still often see men who do not wear a wedding ring, but it seems that a great many do.
Regards,
Mike

[MacLowlife]

Here on the wrong side of the tracks, wedding rings for men are definitely a Post WWII phenomenon. One of my grandfathers made his wife a wedding band from a (silver) quarter dollar. This was accomplished by beating the edge with a spoon until it reached the proper width and then drilling a hole. Neither he nor my other grandfather wore a wedding ring. My father (b 1919, married 1945, again in 1955) didn't, either.

MacBug, I believe the cohesive nature of sealing wax tends to keep it from getting clogged in the ring. I believe an unauthorised user of arms could simply agree not to do so within the jurisdiction of the Lord Lyon and could retain the implements for their other value. But I do not know...

[Bugbear]

I think a definitive answer would be very interesting to have, MacLowlife. I suppose one could have possession of someone else's heraldry and not display it publicly, or at least not in a way that could be mistaken as one's own heraldry.

I've never used sealing wax...

[Steve53]

I suppose in some part, safety concerns will be reflected in the wearing of wedding bands and other jewelry.

My father (now 82) was a farmer, as were both my grandfathers. The only jewelry I've known any of them to wear was a watch. If you've ever worked on a farm, there's no jewelry (watches excepted) worn, and no loose clothing, either -- It's just too easily caught up in machinery, where the results may be fatal!

Steve

[Bugbear]

Yes, I know a few one-armed farmers.

[JerseyLawyer]

I think a definitive answer would be very interesting to have, MacLowlife. I suppose one could have possession of someone else's heraldry and not display it publicly, or at least not in a way that could be mistaken as one's own heraldry.

I've never used sealing wax...

Technically speaking, the Lord Lyon has the authority to seize and destroy all objects containing unregistered arms. Specifically, the Lord Lyon King of Arms Act of 1672 specifies that, "And that whosoevir shall vse any other Armes [shall pay a fine of £100 and] shall likewayes escheat to his Maiestie all the moveable Goods and Geir vpon which the saids Armes are engraven or otherwise represented."

Now, should the object have some other intrinsic historical value, I'm sure the Lyon would be amenable to some compromise. For example, he allowed Leith Town Hall to continue to display falsely attributed arms provided that the tour guides pointed out the mistake. Also, generally speaking, the Lyon will not exercise his jurisdiction over persons not normally resident in Scotland, so a visitor wouldn't have his ring confiscated out of hand.

As for sealing wax, it hardens very quickly, so it doesn't stick to the signet or seal. If you're in the market for some, and you plan to mail it, I suggest that made by Atelier Gargoyle in San Francisco. Their wax is actually part plastic ("synthetic polymers"), in addition to the usual beeswax, and is far less brittle than traditional wax, so it won't be scraped off by the post office. It's neat stuff.

[Cygnus]

Jersey Lawyer's post has got me wondering something else.

Is there a particular colour (or colours) of sealing wax that is acceptable or would any colour do?

I've seen red wax almost exclusively, but I have also seen a few letters sealed with green, blue, or gold wax.

[Frank McGrath]

My father never wore his wedding ring because he was a printer and no jewelry was allowed in the press room. I, on the other hand, have never taken my wedding ring off for any reason. Even though I was an electric lift truck tech for 30 years. I would just put a piece of tape around it if I thought there was any danger.

I do wear my masonic ring with great pride. Kilted or not.

[Bugbear]

Thanks for the answer, JerseyLawyer.

I should add that I have never used sealing wax to seal an envelope, but I have used assorted waxes in artistic and arboricultural endeavors.

[JerseyLawyer]

Jersey Lawyer's post has got me wondering something else.

Is there a particular colour (or colours) of sealing wax that is acceptable or would any colour do?

I've seen red wax almost exclusively, but I have also seen a few letters sealed with green, blue, or gold wax.

If you happen to become Pope, or King of Great Britain, Ireland, and your other realms and territories, then there is a color code where certain types of documents are sealed with certain colors of wax.

If you're sending a letter... whatever strikes your fancy.