The idea is that when the wearer presses the ring into liquid sealing wax, it leaves an impression. The word signet comes from the Latin word “ signum,” which means “mark” or “sign.” A signet ring has a flat top surface featuring a personal or family crest design. When a Roman woman accepted a ring, it became a legally binding agreement whereby she was bound to be obedient to her husband.Ī signet ring – note the flat top featuring an intricate design. These sometimes had precious stones or jewels set in them, although they were initially a plain iron hoop. It was actually illegal for seal-makers to keep an impression of a ring they sold to avoid identity theft.įast forward to the 8th century BC and Roman men wore rings made from silver, gold, bronze, iron, and jet. These ancient rings were similar to modern-day signet rings and would be pressed into wax or ink to stamp one’s seal of approval. They wore their rings on the left hand's 4th finger because they believed the vein of love ran through this finger to the head. Egyptians believed rings had supernatural powers and symbolized eternal love. Men have worn rings since the Egyptian times when they were used as personal identification and as a signature.
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