History of the signet ring
The signet ring as a jewel has a rich history. Beautiful examples have been found in Egypt and Mesopotamia, where engravings in gemstones were already in use alongside those in precious metal. Initially the ring served as a means of personal identification. By pressing the unique seal into moist clay or wax, documents could be furnished with a personal seal to ratify the agreements recorded in them.
In the Middle Ages the signet ring was worn primarily by the nobility and the clergy. These rings were often adorned with a family coat of arms. Later, family coats of arms were also borne by the well-to-do bourgeoisie, municipal administrators and church dignitaries; one expressed, as it were, one's power, standing and office through one's family coat of arms.
A family coat of arms is a heraldic symbol traditionally used to denote a family, lineage or noble line. A family coat of arms is depicted according to the strict rules that heraldry assigns to it. It usually consists of a shield bearing specific patterns and figures, rendered in heraldic colours.
The shield is often surmounted by a helmet with a crest and mantling, which are depicted around two thirds of the shield. It also occurs that the shield is held by supporters; these may be mythical creatures, but also lions or human figures. The images on the shield and in the crest can always be traced back to the family that bears the arms. The family coat of arms is, as it were, a kind of heraldic emblem borne by a family.
The family coat of arms is primarily based on the male line. This is, however, not entirely accurate: ladies also bear their family arms. For ladies, though, there is a difference in the shape of the shield compared with the male coat of arms. The shield of an unmarried lady is displayed in a lozenge. If the lady is married, the shield is displayed in an oval.
Family coats of arms have been in use for hundreds of years, and to this day they are regarded as an inseparable part of a lineage, often worn with great value: “the family coat of arms is an element bound up with a family history”
The signet ring is a status symbol, signifying power, descent and authority. As it has always been a precious treasure, one had to be of considerable standing to own and wear a jewel such as this.
Today the signet ring is still cherished as a family jewel, an heirloom that is often passed down from generation to generation; the signet ring endures.
“a jewellery classic that connects family tradition and history”
The composition of a family coat of arms:
As indicated earlier, a family coat of arms is bound by strict heraldic rules and requirements. That is why, despite the diversity of images, the basic form is always present. A family coat of arms usually consists of the following elements.
Shield: As mentioned, the shield in its characteristic form, depicted with symbols and colours upon it.
Helmet: Placed above the shield, often with a crest or a crown. From this one can read which noble title is involved. Besides the crest, wings also appear frequently.
Torse: symbolises a partly twisted band of fabric from the helmet mantling
Supporters: Figures placed beside the shield, such as animals or mythological creatures.
Motto: a device or maxim placed beneath the shield.
Some frequently asked questions:
May anyone bear or wear a family coat of arms?
Yes, but traditional arms are often tied to historical rights. If your family does not have a family coat of arms, you can have one designed and/or registered with a heraldic society.
May I have a family coat of arms designed?
Yes, you may design a family coat of arms yourself or have one designed for you. Bear in mind that the design of a family coat of arms must meet strict conditions. These can all be traced back to the heraldic rules that apply to a correctly rendered family coat of arms.
You are most welcome in Zeist, where we will gladly advise you on composing a beautiful signet ring. Plan your appointment here.