Signet rings are now a thing in women's jewellery

Mention signet ring, and you might be reminded by the ring that your father, aristocrats hundreds of years ago, members of gentlemen’s clubs and Bruno Mars wear. In short, you can’t deny the baller associations that come with these rings which are traditionally engraved with a seal or monogram.

Of late, the style has been co-opted by many women’s labels. Brands such as Dior, Ileana Makri, Rasa x Anna Beck, and Wilhelmina Garcia have gained a cult following for their contemporary and fresh takes on this heritage design – often swapping the seal emblems with more fashionable designs like enamelled hearts or colourful semi-precious stones like lapis lazuli and malachite.

In an interview with men’s luxury e-tail site Mr Porter, Rachel Church, the curator in the Sculpture, Metalwork, Ceramics and Glass Department at the V&A explained how signet rings were originally wearable seals “on a wire that you then wear around your finger, making it portable. And if it’s on your finger, then you know where it is. Nobody else is misusing it.”

According to Afzal Imram, the co-founder of Singapore fine jewellery label State Property, that “sense of authority and individuality gives [signet rings] an edginess that is hard to replicate in other types of jewellery.” Indeed, the popularity of the style among its clientele has turned signet rings into a staple at the label, with designs bearing State Property’s signature architectural Art-Deco-inflicted aesthetic.

Afzal adds how the popularity of casual fashion today could also see the popularity of signet rings to rise further. “With our attires becoming increasingly casual and with the growing prominence of streetwear, people are looking for jewellery to be edgy and highly versatile. Signet rings fit both these criteria: they’re classic in silhouette, making them easy to wear and pair with various looks.”

Here are some designs that got our seal of approval.

Return to Tiffany sterling silver ring, $600, Tiffany & Co.

1/9

(Here are "The Must-Have Pieces From Tiffany & Co. To Add To Cart Right Now")

Perlee 18K pink gold ring with diamonds, $28,900, Van Cleef & Arpels

2/9

Dior Stone metal ring with lapis lazuli, Dior

3/9

Baret Signet Ring 18K yellow gold ring with enamel and diamonds, $12,400, State Property

4/9

Colette Jewelry Classic 18K yellow gold ring with onyx and diamonds, US$1,620 (S$2,216), www.modaoperandi.com

5/9

Chevalier 18K yellow gold-plated sterling silver with tiger's eye, $1,070, Bottega Veneta

6/9

Yvonne Leon 9K yellow gold with malachite and diamond, $865, www.matchesfashion.com

7/9

(Read also "Gold Or Platinum? Which Metal Is Best For Your Wedding Rings")

Chin Teo sterling silver ring, US$390 (S$533), www.ssense.com

8/9

Metal ring with crystals, $715, Louis Vuitton

9/9

This article was first published in Female.