Different ways to engrave a signet ring

A bespoke signet ring is a future heirloom to be cherished for generations in your family. The choice of engraving on the face of it can sometimes seem a bit of a daunting decision as the options are endless for the design; initials, dates, combined crests and coats of arms, fingerprints, flowers, shells, Kentish hops, birds. For the style of engraving there are two choices, Seal or Surface, an easier decision for you! But don’t worry, I am here to help guide you through the whole process from the shape of the signet ring face, the design of the engraving and the engraving style.

Your chosen design is engraved on to the face of your ring using small tools that look like mini chisels. Seal or Surface engraving are the two ways it can be done, both are a slightly different look, and one option can work better for certain designs, but again I can help advise you which works best for you.

Seal engraving:

Seal engraving is the traditional hand engraving method. The design is engraved in reverse on the ring so that when it is pressed into the sealing wax it is ‘right-side-up’, with a raised 3D effect and a huge amount of detail. However, if you wish, you can have the design the correct way on the ring, therefore in reverse on the sealing wax - having it the other way around is just the traditional option. Family crests, coats of arms, initials and lots more designs can be hand engraved in this way and can be lots of fun when it comes to sealing Christmas cards!

Surface engraving:

Rather than being in reverse like a seal engraved ring, surface engraving is the correct way round on the ring. The image doesn’t reach quite as deeply into the metal as it does with seal engraving - it is more on the immediate surface of the metal - but it definitely stands the test of time. Surface engraving works very well for initials as well as family crests, coats of arms and lots more designs; it really is a case of personal style and choice.

I have a whole page dedicated to information on signet rings on my website, find it here. You can also ask me any questions that you may have about your bespoke signet ring. I allow 8 to 10 weeks to handcraft a signet ring in my workshop, based in Kent.