signet ring

Wax-stamping jewelry piece

A signet ring bears an engraved design—typically a family crest, monogram, or emblem—traditionally used to stamp a wax seal on documents.

Worn on the pinky finger, signet rings historically indicated authority or identity, authenticating letters and contracts.

Today they serve mainly as decorative jewelry or family heirlooms: He inherited his grandfather's signet ring.

Related
  • stampMark-making device
  • sealAuthentication stamp or mark
  • bandGroup playing music together
  • intaglioCarving cut below surface
  • waxPliable waterproof substance

wax impression · letter seal · privy seal · carnelian · jewelry · coat of arms · family crest · bezel · heraldry · impression · crest · papal bull · engraved · aristocracy · noble birth · old money · heir apparent · royal

Categories
Opposites
ring function/symbolism

signet ringwedding band

Spousal jewelry worn daily

wedding ring · engagement ring · promise ring · purity ring · mood ring

social signaling

signet ringcostume jewelry

Non-precious decorative adornments

plain band · friendship bracelet · participation medal · name tag · employee badge

Family

sign, ring, signal, assign, ringing, designer, resign, assignment, rings

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G