Men's Signet Rings: History, Styles and How to Choose One
Updated 29 October 2026.
A signet ring is a ring with a flat face (the bezel) that was once engraved with a family crest and pressed into wax to seal letters. Today it's worn as a personal emblem or simply a classic style. When choosing one, decide on four things: face shape, metal, size of face and whether to engrave it. For styling, see our companion guide on how to wear a signet ring.
A short history
Seal rings date back thousands of years to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. Through medieval Europe, nobles, clergy and merchants used them to authenticate documents: the engraved face was pressed into hot wax, leaving a mark that worked like a signature. As signatures and later digital documents took over, the ring stopped being a tool and became a symbol of family, identity and taste.
The parts of a signet ring
- Face (bezel): the flat top, plain or engraved.
- Shoulders: where the face meets the band; plain or detailed.
- Shank (band): usually thicker than a plain band to support the face.
Face shapes
| Shape | Look | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Oval | The most traditional | Most hands; classic style |
| Round | Soft, compact | Pinky; smaller hands |
| Square or cushion | Modern, strong | Larger hands; index finger |
| Rectangle | Sleek, architectural | Longer fingers |
Choosing a metal
| Metal | Pros | Cons | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid gold (9ct to 18ct) | Traditional, holds deep engraving, can be resized | Expensive, scratches | $700+ |
| Sterling silver | Classic look, engraves well, can be resized | Tarnishes, scratches | $150 to $400 |
| Titanium | Very light, durable, affordable | Usually can't be resized; limited deep engraving | $60 to $150 |
| Stainless steel | Tough, inexpensive | Heavier than titanium; can't be resized easily | $40 to $120 |
Our Silver and Gold Titanium Signet Ring ($79) is a light, modern option with a brushed face and gold-coloured accents, available in US sizes 8 to 11.
Personalising a signet
- Monogram: two or three initials, the most common choice today.
- Family crest: the traditional option, if your family has one.
- Symbol: a shape, place or date that means something to you.
- Inside engraving: a name or date inside the band, private to you.
- Plain: an unengraved face is clean, modern and can be engraved later.
Deep seal engraving (cut in reverse so it makes an impression) needs a softer metal such as gold or silver. Harder metals like titanium suit surface laser engraving.
What to check before you buy
- Face size relative to your finger: a face wider than your finger usually looks too big.
- Which finger you'll wear it on: pinky sizes are much smaller than ring-finger sizes.
- Whether the metal can be resized if your fingers change.
- Whether you can engrave it later, and how.
- The returns and exchange policy.
Frequently asked questions
What finger does a man wear a signet ring on?
Traditionally the pinky of the non-dominant hand. Today the ring finger and index finger are common too. See how to wear a signet ring.
Can anyone wear a signet ring?
Yes. You don't need a family crest; most modern signets are plain or monogrammed.
How much does a signet ring cost in Australia?
From under $100 for titanium or steel to well over $1,000 for heavy solid gold.
Should a signet ring be engraved?
It's optional. A plain face looks clean and modern, and you can engrave a gold or silver signet later.
See also: what men's rings mean.