The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Signet Ring Shape

A signet ring is more than just jewellery; it’s a signature. At Manna Jewellers, we’ve been crafting these heirloom pieces in the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter for over 40 years. If you’re commissioning a bespoke piece, the first decision is the shape of the "head" (the flat top).

Here is how to choose the right one for your style and engraving.

1. The Oxford Oval (The Timeless Classic)

TheOxford Oval is the most popular signet ring shape in the UK. Its soft, rounded edges make it incredibly comfortable for daily wear.

• Best for: traditional family crests and intricate heraldic engraving.

• Style Note: It suits almost every hand shape and is the "gold standard" for a 21st birthday or graduation gift.

• Gold or Silver the Oxford Oval shape stands the test of time.

2. The Cushion (The Bold Choice)

TheCushion shape is a square with softened, rounded corners. it feels more substantial and "sturdy" on the finger than the oval.

• Best for: Victorian-style deep engravings or bold, single initials.

• Style Note: This is a favourite for those who want a more modern, masculine look while staying within traditional boundaries.

3. The Round (The Modern Minimalist)

TheRound signet is a cleaner, more contemporary take on the tradition. It offers a perfectly circular canvas.

• Best for: Simple monograms, modern logos, or symbolic astronomical engravings.

• Style Note: Great for smaller pinky rings or for those who want their signet ring to look a bit more like a fashion piece.

4. The Square (The Architectural Statement)

With sharp, 90-degree corners, theSquare signet ring is a strong, geometric choice.

• Best for: Geometric patterns, Art Deco designs, or very short, bold mottos.

• Style Note: This shape makes a statement. It’s less common than the Oval, making it perfect for someone who wants to stand out.

 

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Three Things to Consider Before You Buy:

1. Metal Weight: At Manna, we recommend "heavy-weight" gold for signet rings. Since these are meant to be passed down through generations, you want a thick head that won't thin out over decades of wear.

2. The Engraving: Are you looking for aSurface Etch (for looks) or aDeep Seal Engraving? A seal engraving is cut deep and in reverse, so you can press it into hot wax to create a 3D image of your crest. This is normally hand engraved.

3. The Finger: Traditionally worn on the "pinky" (little finger) of the non-dominant hand, but modern styles look great on the ring or middle finger too.

Famous signet ring wearers

British Royalty

The British Royal Family is perhaps the most famous group associated with signet rings, as they often use them to display their official crests.

• King Charles III: He is rarely seen without his gold signet ring on his left pinky finger. It bears the crest of the Prince of Wales and is made from Welsh gold.

• Prince William: While he doesn't wear a wedding band, he has occasionally been seen with a family signet ring.

• The Princess of Wales (Kate Middleton): The Middleton family was granted a coat of arms before the royal wedding, and Kate, along with her siblings Pippa and James, have also been spotted wearing signet rings featuring that crest.

Actors and Entertainers

In Hollywood, signet rings are often used as a style statement or a connection to family heritage.

• Steve McQueen: The "King of Cool" was often photographed wearing a square-shaped gold signet ring.

• Elvis Presley: Known for his love of bold jewellery, Elvis wore various signet rings, often featuring his initials or horseshoe motifs.

• Robert De Niro: In many of his roles (and in real life), he wears a signet ring on his pinky, which has become a classic look associated with his screen persona.

• Cara Delevingne: The model and actress often incorporates signet rings into her "tomboy chic" aesthetic, frequently stacking them with other rings.

Fashion and Style Icons

• David Beckham: A modern trendsetter, Beckham often wears a signet ring as part of his curated accessories.

• Bella Hadid: She is known for bringing back "vintage" trends and is frequently seen wearing gold signet rings as part of her street-style looks.

Commissioning a Signet Ring?  Visit us at 16 Hockley Street to try on our sample shapes and feel the weights in person. [Book a design consultation here].