Signet rings, also called seal rings, are rings which bear small signets or seals. This kind of ring usually bears a coat of arms, created through an engraving. The engraving may be done in metal, gems, or any kind of material.
The wearing of signet rings is said to have begun in European countries, as a sign of people's noble status. However, other cultures, such as that of the Egyptians, have signet rings as part of their history. Ancient Egyptians wore cylindrical seals which hung from either their necks or arms. These seals served as signs of authority. Egyptian women also had the custom of wearing several signet rings on a finger.
Roman customs also included wearing signet rings. Each ring was of different material, depending on the social status of the person. While civil or military people were entitled to wearing gold signet rings, those belonging to the masses could only wear signet rings made of iron. Changes in the Roman culture paved the way for slaves to be allowed to wear iron signet rings, freed men with silver signet rings, and freeborn citizens with gold ones.
Signet rings now are usually worn on the little finger. Some cultures choose to wear them on the little finger of the left hand, while others wear them on the right. There are other countries, however, which choose to wear them on the ring finger. The position of the ring, whether it is facing up or not, indicates the civil status of the person in some countries.
Contemporary times still see the purpose of signet rings as a sign of power or authority. For instance, certain countries grant special signet rings to members of their monarchies or those in power. Another example is that of the Roman Catholic religion granting signet rings to their members in position. The pope, for instance has a special signet ring which he wears once he assumes his position as the highest official of the Roman Catholic Church.
Signet rings, nowadays, can be owned by almost any person. Several stores create these rings for commercial purposes. There are many stores, for instance, which create signet rings for colleges and universities. These are usually purchased by graduating students as a souvenir of their alma mater or of their peers.
There are even specialized signet rings which are exclusive to either men or women. While some couples buy signet rings as a sign of their romance, other people purchase them as a representation of their friendship.
source: ezinearticles.com
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