What Does it Mean if a Man Wears a Signet Ring?

You're probably familiar with the idea that one's jewelry can communicate things about them. For example, if you were to see a person wearing a band around their left ring finger, you'd guess they were married. If you were to see a person wearing a dog tag necklace, you might assume they know someone dear to them who served in the military.

What do you know about the meaning of signet rings? Exploring its history and symbolism can help guide you as you expand your jewelry collection to include more variety.

The History of the Signet

Before we start, let’s do a quick review of the historical use of signet rings. While many rings today tend to only have a sentimental purpose, signet rings in history were practical and indicative of someone's status and family of origin.

How could a ring be practical?

Well, imagine if every time you needed to sign your name on a page of terms and conditions or an official document, you could do so with a piece of jewelry. Rather than taking the time to sign one's name, a person would dip the signet ring in wax and press it onto a document.

You may be wondering how someone could use a piece of jewelry in place of a signature. Each signet ring displayed one's family crest with an added marking unique to the wearer. This marking helped distinguish signet seals from one another, making each one exceptional.

The Meaning of Ring Finger Placement

Now that you know the meaning of the signet ring, let's talk more about what your jewelry says about you. Like the way the rings you wear can hold meaning, the finger you wear it on can also carry significance.

Let's take a look at the meaning behind wearing your jewelry on certain fingers:

Thumb: It might feel unnatural to wear rings on your thumbs initially. However, wearing a ring on this finger can communicate wealth in many countries. If you'd like to wear several rings on your hands, adding a thumb ring can help you vary the distance between them.
Index: In many ancient European countries, men wore crest-engraved rings on their index fingers to denote class and status. Today, you might elect to wear a ring on this finger to communicate your association with a particular school or organization.
Middle: Wearing a ring on your middle finger doesn't have explicit meaning. Still, if you want to create more symmetry in your jewelry, wearing a ring on your middle finger on either hand can help you do so.
Ring: Culture plays a part in how others interpret your jewelry. For example, wearing a ring on this finger on the left hand communicates marriage to others who see you in North America and South America.

Yet, in many other countries (like India, Spain, and Norway), wearing a ring on this finger on the right hand is what communicates marriage.

Little Finger: Sometimes, wearing rings on your other fingers can have romantic or religious associations. However, the pinky finger has none of these connections. Wearing a ring on this finger can be the most eye-catching.

Seven Statement Rings To Start Wearing

Wearing rings can help you communicate who you are and what you represent. As you explore more jewelry pieces that can take your style to the next level, you may want to keep an eye out for rings that fit your vision and essence.

Here is a list of our favorite CRAFTD rings to get you started:

The CRAFTD Vitruvian Ring

Think about your life, interests, and passions. You're not one-dimensional; you're uniquely driven and multi-faceted. Why fit into a box?

Da Vinci created a piece of art known as The Vitruvian Man. This design work communicated the thought that humans are as intricate as the universe itself. Our CRAFTD Vitruvian Man ring can serve as a reminder to you and a symbol to others that you're more than meets the eye.

The CRAFTD Fleurstone Ring

Some people are less interested in making a symbolic statement and more interested in making a visual one with their jewelry. When you're looking for a ring that will catch the attention of others, our CRAFTD Fleurstone ring is the one.

This ring draws on the iconic design of a Fleur de Lis with a bold black face. Wear it boldly, and you'll make a killer first impression.

The CRAFTD St. Christopher Ring

As we've mentioned, your jewelry can express who you are and what you believe to those who see you. What you wear can spark a conversation that allows you to communicate your thoughts, beliefs, and history to others.

Our CRAFTD St. Christopher ring may be meaningful to you if you find comfort and tradition in religion. It finds inspiration in St. Christopher, the patron saint of travelers. You can wear this one to remind you that the best is still ahead in your journey.

The CRAFTD Signet Ring

While reading about the signet ring, you might have decided that you'd like to have one of your own. Perhaps you enjoy remembering history by incorporating vintage-inspired pieces into your style.

You can try out our CRAFTD Signet ring to communicate your value to others. It's minimalistic and unique, making it the perfect statement ring to try if you're expanding your ring collection.

The CRAFTD Signet 2.0 Ring

Perhaps you'd like to try a statement ring that's even more subdued. Our CRAFTD Signet 2.0 ring has a flush round face rather than a sunken one. Wear it alone, or pair it with a few other rings for a more adventurous ensemble.

The CRAFTD Cali Ring

Perhaps you're looking for a ring with sharper features and bolder elements. When you want a statement ring that stands out, consider our CRAFTD Cali ring. Its square, black face set on a mid-weight band makes it a solid choice.

What Signet Rings Say About You

Are you hooked on signet rings yet? If you're thinking about wearing one, it might help to imagine the value it could add to your appearance. One reason to love wearing this style of ring is its historical significance.

You also may consider wearing this ring style to remind yourself of your high value and the prestigious goals you're creating for yourself. Ultimately, this ring can mean many things, and it's a solid option to consider when you're purchasing new jewelry.

How To Add Dignity to Your Look

Communicating a sense of dignity and class in your appearance isn't as difficult as you might think. Your jewelry can play a massive role in helping you step up your value and style from good to great. We've got a few ideas about how you can get started when you want to upgrade your look.

Here are four tips to help guide you:

1. Wear a Signature Piece of Jewelry

Standing out isn't always a good thing. On the other hand, some people stand out for their exceptional style, and you can be one of them.

One way to do this is by wearing a signature piece of jewelry. Whether you select a unique statement ring or a pendant necklace, repeatedly wearing one individual piece of jewelry can help you stand apart in a dignified way.

2. Keep Your Jewelry Classic

If you want to sharpen up your look, you don't have to swap out all your clothing for suits and bow-ties. You can look dapper by adding a few articles of classic jewelry to your collection. Rather than keeping up with trends, try keeping your looks focused on tried-and-true jewelry pieces. Looking timeless goes a long way.

3. Opt for High-Quality Jewelry

Communicating high value to others doesn't have to cost a fortune. Still, your jewelry shouldn't be cheap, either. Consider refining your jewelry collection to contain high-quality metals made with fine craftsmanship. This kind of jewelry won't tarnish, rust, or fade as easily, ensuring that you always look smart and sophisticated.

4. Coordination Goes a Long Way

Spending an extra couple of minutes on your look can help transform your appearance from ordinary to distinguished. Rather than selecting individual pieces with whimsy, try coordinating your jewelry together so that it creates a unified, stylish look. This principle can be beneficial whether you wear a little or a lot of jewelry.

How To Know Your Jewelry Is Legit

Who says incredible, long-lasting jewelry shouldn't be affordable? When looking for new pieces to boost your style, looking for quality is a must. At CRAFTD, we're thrilled to make unique statement rings and other timeless jewelry to help you look your best.

We use high-quality 18-karat plated gold and premium 316L stainless steel so that your pieces last through multiple life events and adventures. Represent your value with CRAFTD jewelry that will last.

Enjoy Your CRAFTD Rings

Signet rings helped people represent their status and history while portraying intricate design work. While people don't wear this kind of ring for the same reasons, you can still wear meaningful jewelry that communicates your confident vibe.

Choosing high-quality CRAFTD jewelry means you can represent who you are while investing in your style and enjoying unique craftsmanship for years.

Sources:

How to be more confident | Next Level Gents

A brief history of signet rings | The History Press

Everything You Need to Know About Ring Fingers | Brides.