The wearing of signet rings is a tradition
among European nobility, and stretches back to the Roman Empire
and beyond. A signet ring is one which may be used to create a
wax impression, or seal, to close an envelope or sign a document, in a secure, not
easily copied way. Signet
rings would often have a crest or arms of a knight's family, or
initials, or a portrait, or a personal symbol and/or motto. Portraits
or crests were often cut from a gemstone such as carnelian or
onyx, or engraved directly in the metal of the signet ring.
Wearing a signet ring is a symbol of
power, and sentimentality, and often family identity. It can also
indicate interests or hobbies, or membership in an organization. Signet
rings are sometimes created as awards in the business world, to
commemorate years of employee service, or goals met.
At Foxfire Jewelers we create a
custom signet rings in any shape, form and with any motif you choose.
Gentleman's, Ladies' Signet rings, Signet rings in 14K, 18K, yellow
or white gold, platinum, palladium, and/or with stone seals custom
cut of carnelian, onyx, lapis lazuli, or other
stones. We can
create signet rings using CAD/CAM design, but often combine the
high tech with the old world art of hand engraving.
Our Artists will be happy to develop the design with
you, and can quote an exact cost once the design has been determined.
You will be asked to provide all available artwork for your symbol,
crest or initials, that are to be used, or we can create a new design
from your description. The designer will be happy to advise you on what
level of detail can be achieved in the actual ring. Foxfire can create
signet rings with or without gemstones.
We are pleased to offer custom engraved
gemstone seals. These are hand
carved in Germany, where master craftsmen follow a centuries old
tradition of fine artisanship, so they are exquisite and beautiful.
We recommend opaque gemstones such as Carnelian, Bloodstone, Lapis
Lazuli, Jade, Black Onyx, and Tigereye. It is also possible to do a
carving on transparent faceted gemstones such as Amethyst, Garnet or
Citrine, although this is a very different look, and may be unsuitable
for a signet ring due to style and durability.
Gemstone carving prices range from around $400 for a simple initial, to
$1,800 and beyond for faces, coat of arms, etc. The process takes about
6-12 weeks depending on complexity and shipping through customs.
Once the stone has been completed, or if no gemstone is to be used, we
can start work on the metal portion of the ring. We offer a choice
of precious metals: Platinum, Palladium (a platinum group metal), 18
Karat Yellow Gold, 14 Karat Yellow Gold, 14 Karat X-1 White Gold (a
superior white gold alloy, very white), 14 Karat Palladium White Gold,
14 Karat Red Gold, 14 Karat Green Gold, and Sterling Silver.
The metal work for a signet ring generally ranges from $900-1,500 and
up, and the process takes 6-10 weeks. We can do all types of lettering,
symbols, devices on the top and sides of the ring, plus engraving on
the inside or outside.
We do a wide variety of creative custom work for clients, drawing on
whatever technique is most appropriate from Old World hand engraving to
cutting edge CAD/CAM computer design.
Here's a few examples
of rings we have
created (click to enlarge)