A seal engraved signet ring is a special, once in a lifetime purchase. Given to mark a coming of age, a signet ring signifies tradition and a pride in one’s heritage. It is a thing to be treasured.
We have been signet ring specialists for many years and understand what it takes to make every single seal engraved signet ring that we sell truly special. We keep an unrivalled range of at least 25 sample rings in stock at all times so if you are interested in buying a signet ring you can come to us and see, feel and try on rings from a varied range; after all, this is a ring that will be worn for a lifetime so it must be ‘right’.
All our rings are hand crafted to order using traditional die-stamped methods and every one has a density and a ‘heft’ that makes them perfect for seal engraving. (click here to see how they are made). We don’t sell inferior ‘cast’ signet rings.
Heraldic seal engraving like this is an immensely skilled craft which takes many years to master. Our engraver is very highly regarded within the profession and has years of experience producing work of the very highest quality. Our gold signet rings are made with seal engraving in mind – being die stamped, they are dense and heavy which makes them perfect for producing outstanding results every time.
Our engraver is also very skilled at cutting crests in to hard stones like, bloodstone, lapis lazuli and sardonyx. We have engraved samples here at the shop so you can see the standard of work that we produce.
Typically seal engraving takes 4-5 weeks although this can vary depending on the time of year (The Autumn leading up to Christmas can be very busy and the turnaround time can stretch to 6-8 weeks). Seal engraving costs can vary depending on the complexity of the crest but prices start at £395 for engraving a gold signet ring to £500+ for a crest on a hard stone. THESE ARE DISCOUNTED RATES FOR RINGS PURCHASED FROM US.
If you have purchased your ring elsewhere and bring it to us for seal engraving then we charge £465 for crests seal engraved to a gold ring and £595 for a crest to a hard stone set signet ring.
So, you have chosen your ring, what next? Well, ensuring that the ring is a comfortable fit is essential; getting the size right is absolutely key to a comfortable fit and since sizing signet rings is an art and not a science, a personal consultation is highly recommended. Finger shape, ring weight, shape and dimensions, plus seasonal fluctuations in temperature all have to be considered during the sizing process.
Traditionally signet rings are personalised by having a crest, coat of arms or initials engraved in to the surface. A family crest is usually cut by hand as a negative image and in relief so that when it is pressed in to sealing wax the image appears with definition and in the ‘positive’.
Heraldic seal engraving like this is an immensely skilled craft which takes many years to master. Our engraver is very highly regarded within the profession and has years of experience producing work of the very highest quality. Our gold signet rings are made with seal engraving in mind – being die stamped, they are dense and heavy which makes them perfect for producing outstanding results every time.
Our engraver is also very skilled at cutting crests in to hard stones like, bloodstone, lapis lazuli and sardonyx. We have engraved samples here at the shop so you can see the standard of work that we produce.
A signet ring will last a lifetime which is why investing time with experts like us when you begin the journey will be time very well spent indeed. Buying a signet ring blind from the internet might save a few pounds but if it isn’t ‘right’ or doesn’t fit properly or is uncomfortable then that is a false economy. You wouldn’t buy a handmade suit without visiting your tailor first, why should buying a signet ring be any different?
The art of engraving heraldic images is an old and noble one. Throughout history engraved gems have been used as a portable means to sign and ratify documents and objects. In more modern times the use of these images has become more fashionable as a means of displaying family associations and allegiances. Roman craftsmen were …Continue Reading
Read MoreAs well as own range of signet rings which are hand made especially for us, we also stock signet rings and cufflinks by Deakin & Francis. If you have ever wondered how signet rings are made, take a look at this video produced by Deakin & Francis which shows the many processes involved in creating …Continue Reading
Read MoreSignet rings are such a personal thing. When engraved with a cipher, a crest or any device personal to the wearer it becomes unique. The ring featured in this item evolved from an idea from a customer. She wanted to buy her daughter a ring for a birthday present but wanted something different. It had …Continue Reading
Read MoreSeal Engraved Signet Ring Our seal engraver has just finished cutting a crest in to the surface of this signet ring. Like the other ring featured in ‘Off The Leash…’, the family crest has been engraved in relief (in the negative) so that the crest appears in the positive when the ring is pressed in …Continue Reading
Read MoreHeraldic engraving has always been a speciality at D. Barker & Son. Over the years we have supplied signet rings with seal engraved crests to customers far and wide – as far as New York in fact! This particular signet ring is the latest in a series of rings supplied to a local family.
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Over the years we have been honoured to have been asked to supply Episcopal Rings to the Bishops of Winchester, Reading, Basingstoke and Monmouth. Some Episcopal rings can be very decorative but our rings have proved popular because they are simple. Each ring is hand made to order in 9ct or 18ct gold and …Continue Reading
Read MoreWe are often asked ‘Do you do engraving?’ by customers. Most might only have ever seen ‘engraving’ done in a high street shoe repairers – the sort of places where the aroma of shoe adhesive hangs heavy and where you can get a spare front door key cut whilst you’re there. You see there is …Continue Reading
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