Antique Occult Items
Vintage 1910s European Aesthetic Movement Signet Rings
Onyx, 18k Gold, Enamel
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Antique 1820s Swedish Medieval Signet Rings
Chalcedony, 18k Gold
Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Signet Rings
Carnelian, Gold, 22k Gold
Vintage 1910s Swedish Aesthetic Movement Signet Rings
Onyx, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century Unknown Classical Greek Signet Rings
Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1900s Swedish Art Nouveau Signet Rings
Carnelian, 18k Gold
Vintage 1920s Swedish Medieval Signet Rings
Carnelian, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century Russian Arts and Crafts Signet Rings
Onyx, 14k Gold
Vintage 1910s European Art Deco Signet Rings
Onyx, 18k Gold
Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Signet Rings
Chalcedony, Gold, 9k Gold
Antique 1880s Signet Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Greek Classical Greek Signet Rings
Antique 1840s Swedish Renaissance Revival Signet Rings
18k Gold
Antique 1890s Swedish Greek Revival Signet Rings
Hematite, 18k Gold
Vintage 1920s Swedish Medieval Signet Rings
Carnelian, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century Swedish Arts and Crafts Signet Rings
Onyx, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century American Victorian Fashion Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Finding the Right signet-rings for You
Traditionally considered a ring for men, a vintage signet ring is a popular gift today for anyone who desires an expressive, timeless piece of jewelry that can feature all manner of engraved motifs, gemstones, specific symbols or monograms.
Whether it's an antique gold signet ring, diamond signet ring or some other classic iteration, signet rings get their name from signus, which means “sign” in Latin.
These rings, which may historically be referred to as “seal rings,” date back thousands of years and were used as a form of signature. Whatever may have been engraved on the ring — a married couple’s initials, a family crest — identified ownership for the purposes of authenticating documents and more when impressed on soft wax. During the Middle Ages, signet rings were symbols of power and prestige and common accessories for nobility. Later, during the 19th century, precious and semiprecious stones such as rubies and diamonds were added to gold signet rings as they took on a more ornate appearance than they had previously.
In recent years, fashion has been primarily about individuality, and nothing is more personal than a jewel bearing a name or monogram. That is the reason jewelers have revived traditional signet rings, custom-engraving their designs with customers’ preferred words or symbols. Those who prefer the thrill of the hunt have a range of vintage letter charms and pendants to sift through.
And it isn't all about men's signet rings anymore, either — the accessory is for everyone. Princess Diana wore a signet ring that was a gift from Charles before their wedding, and we all know that the royals are top-tier fashion influencers, especially when it comes to rings.
Find vintage diamond signet rings, onyx signet rings and other types of rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2020
The more optimal its condition, the more valuable an antique will likely be. If an item is perfectly uniform with no color, this is likely indicative that it is a modern mass-produced reproduction and thus, less valuable. When 1stDibs vets an item, we look for item condition and patina to determine if an item shows signs of age.