The Fascinating History Behind the British Royal Family’s Favorite Ring

Meghan Markle talking on a cell phone: Royal from Prince Charles to Meghan Markle wears this defining jewel. Here's what to know about the history of signet rings.

© Max Mumby/Indigo – Getty Images
Royal from Prince Charles to Meghan Markle wears this defining jewel. Here’s what to know about the history of signet rings.

Since the mid-1970s, Prince Charles has worn the same gold signet ring on his left pinky finger that bears the crest of the Prince of Wales. The importance of this ring is underscored in The Crown, where his character often appears sheepishly twirling the jewel, perhaps because it signifies the promise that, one day, he will be crowned king. Last worn by his uncle, the Duke of Windsor, who was the Prince of Wales before he ascended the throne, the ring dates back 175 years. It’s Charles’s power piece—and it never comes off.

Prince Charles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall are posing for a picture: Prince Charles wearing his signet ring on his wedding day to Camilla.

© Tim Graham – Getty Images
Prince Charles wearing his signet ring on his wedding day to Camilla.

It’s not just Prince Charles who is loyal to the signet ring. While the style is often considered a gentleman’s ring, it’s favored by royal women, too: Princess Diana wore a signet ring given to her by Charles before their wedding, and Meghan Markle and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, both have their own symbolic signet rings.

Naturally it’s a style that’s been prevalent in royal families for centuries, but it’s especially symbolic to Prince Charles, who was given his signet ring by his mother when she gave him the title of Prince of Wales. The jewel is engraved with a crown with feather and the phrase“ich dien,” which translates to “I serve,” a reminder of his service to the country. Since marrying Camilla, he’s worn it stacked with his wedding band just as his wife does with hers.

Even Kate Middleton’s family started wearing signet rings after the Queen bestowed them with an official Coat of Arms before the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were married. It was a sort of ‘welcome to the family’ gesture. The Middletons didn’t waste any time getting their newly appointed crest emblazoned on signet rings that are frequently worn by Kate’s parents and her siblings Pippa and James.

Pippa Middleton sitting in a car: Kate’s sister Pippa wearing a signet ring at the 2012 US Open.

© Clive Brunskill – Getty Images
Kate’s sister Pippa wearing a signet ring at the 2012 US Open.

Signet rings date as far back as 3500 B.C. when Mesopotamians wore cylindrical seals that they stamped in clay or wax to approve documents. In the Middle Ages, the rings were also used as a sealed signature which identified a person’s coat of arms and political allegiance. Once a person died, their signet ring was usually destroyed to avoid any forgeries. Through the 19^th century, the style was mainly worn by royalty, aristocrats, and government officials whose status and heritage were engraved in a gold or silver ring. But by the 20^th century, the ring’s purpose as a source of security was no longer required, and more gentlemen adopted the tradition of wearing signet rings, which are also called ‘gent’s rings.’

You don’t need to be a royal or marry into an aristocratic family to get your own family crest or coat of arms. The Rebus jewelry store in London has stacks of old books with family crests and symbols that anyone can adopt. The Rebus team will even help you track down a similar likeness to your family name or origins and engrave it on gold or silver rings, or they will help you design your own insignia.

The signet ring is a style that has taken off recently as people look for more personalized pieces. Some new styles have a vintage spirit and are engraved with initials, while other contemporary versions are framed in diamonds. Here are some of the best new signet rings that can define your status.

a close up of electronics: Rebus Stone Set Cushion Signet Ring

$1170.00

Written by

Lavonda Montoney

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