Types of men's rings: signets, signet rings and signet rings

Most guys do not have enough experience in the intricacies of etiquette associated with wearing rings. This is not a problem because 5 minutes is enough to figure everything out. There are many traditions regarding jewelry in general and rings in particular. They can be used to make a statement without even opening your mouth.

In fact, men's rings appeared much earlier than women's. Even in Mesopotamia, men wore items decorated with the family coat of arms or monogram. Therefore, before deciding on a piece of jewelry, it won’t hurt to find out what a man’s ring is called, where it will be appropriate and what material it is made of.

Functions

Previously, signet rings were a kind of item confirming identity. The ring was decorated with the family coat of arms, and its owner could put his own imprint on the wax with which letters were sealed. This was evidence that the letter was sent by a specific person; the seal was a kind of analogue of a signature. Today, signets are no longer used for this purpose, but they can still confirm that the owner belongs to an ancient family, expressing respect for the history of the family and its traditions.

Main types of rings

Jewelers divide rings into two main types: simple and complex. This is the main classification of finger jewelry.

• Complex rings
  are distinguished by a variety of decorative elements, the use of stone inserts and the complexity of the work, the use of various techniques in creating jewelry: engraving, chasing, blackening. In complex products you can see filigree and enamel.
• Simple rings
  have a simple shape and simple appearance without using everything described above for complex ones.

Differences between men's rings and women's

Men's ring models may differ slightly from women's ones visually:

• sizes,
• massiveness,
• simplicity of shapes and lines,
• strictly cut (large facets),
• inserts with dim colored stones,
• less pronounced decorativeness of products.

Material of modern rings

Gold is one of the most common and desirable metals used in rings of all types. The most common are 10 kt, 14 kt and 18 kt. The higher the carat, the higher the percentage of pure gold and the more expensive the item will be. Gold rings have a range of gold shades:

• yellow – the most popular and typical;
• white – also popular, but somewhat more expensive. White gold rings are often plated with radium to improve their color and protect the gold from wear;
• pink – also known as red. This gold is often used to offset the more traditional yellow and white. What are men's rings with gold inserts called in stores - two-color rings.

Platinum is a white metal and the most expensive and prestigious option for a ring. It does not require additional radium coating. Platinum is also used in rings with almost 100% purity. It is a dense metal, so a platinum ring will feel heavier on your hand than other options. Due to its higher value, platinum is most often used in men's and women's wedding and engagement rings and less commonly in fashion or cocktail rings.

Silver is a softer metal, which makes it susceptible to scratches and other damage. It also tends to oxidize more than other metals, causing the silver in rings to sometimes turn black.

For reference! If oxidation does occur, it can be easily restored with a simple silver cleaner.

However, for this reason, silver is best suited for men's and women's fashion rings that will be worn occasionally rather than daily. Its affordability and bright shine still make it an attractive option for cocktail rings.

Tungsten Carbide is a compound of tungsten and carbon that is heavy and durable. Such decoration will withstand any wear and tear and remain looking like new. One of the main benefits of a tungsten carbide ring is that it is more scratch resistant than other metals and is also able to maintain its shine and shine at all times. It does not require polishing or additional maintenance. The downside is that due to its strength, it cannot be cut or resized. Therefore, when choosing such jewelry, you should carefully measure the size of your finger.

Titanium is another reliable option for a ring. It is the most powerful natural mineral on earth, and this strength makes it the most popular option for a men's ring. Despite its strength, titanium is very light and also 100% hypoallergenic. Its strength makes it resistant to deformation. This mineral has a wide variety of colors, unlike other metals.

For reference! However, titanium cannot be altered or welded, making the variety of ring styles made from this metal very limited.

Palladium is one of the most luxurious options for rings. It is naturally white, durable, lightweight and fade resistant. As a member of the platinum group of metals, palladium is one of the rarest types of precious metals, making it one of the most respected. And because it requires no alloys or coating, it is typically 95% pure. Palladium is more often used in men's and women's wedding rings rather than decorative jewelry due to its high price and durability.

Steel – This metal is good for people on a budget. Stainless steel is relatively durable, making it ideal for wedding rings or fashionable jewelry designs. It is also hypoallergenic and scratch resistant.

Do you like steel rings?

Not really

Types of women's rings

The variety of women's rings in jewelry stores is usually greater than men's, which is due to the greater popularity of such jewelry among the weaker sex. The stronger half of humanity wears smaller and less rings. Women's rings can be classified according to several parameters.

• Women's rings with flowers
  are probably the most popular. Flowers often come with beautiful little stones. These decorations are cute and delicate. Catchy and bright massive rings with large flowers with or without large stones look impressive, emphasizing the individual style of the owner. Lilies and orchids, or maybe even a completely fictitious fantastic flower, the main thing is that it is beautiful and looks harmonious in the product.
• Animal rings for women
  are also popular. You can often see such products with butterflies, swans, snakes (in this case, the snake can symbolize wisdom). In general, the theme of nature is quite popular in jewelry for women.
• Women's rings in the form of a crown
  are elegant and beautiful, just in fashion right now. They can emphasize the elegance and sophistication of the image. The crown has always been a symbol of the power of the monarchy.
• Ethnic rings
  depicting ancient symbols can also be used as amulets. Before purchasing such products, you should familiarize yourself in detail with the meaning of a particular symbol, because the consultant may not know all the symbolism or may not have complete information on it.
• Religious rings
• Horoscopic rings
  are presented either with the image of a specific zodiac sign, or have an insert with a stone that corresponds to a specific zodiac sign.

Types of women's rings by purpose

• An engagement ring
  is given by a loved one along with a proposal to marry him, as a symbolic gift. It usually has a beautiful insert with a small neat stone. It is worn on the ring finger and can be worn with the wedding ring after the wedding.
• Wedding rings
  are traditionally worn during a formal or simple marriage ceremony. Usually they are the same pair of rings (for husband and wife) of a relatively simple shape with a smooth or grooved surface without inserts. After the wedding, you can wear it together with the engagement dress, if that was the case. In many countries it is worn on the ring finger of the left hand, as it symbolizes the connection with the heart, but in our country it is customary to wear wedding rings on the ring finger of the right hand. First of all, the ring is a symbol of marriage, fidelity and shows that he/she is married. This is an old unofficial tradition.
• A cocktail ring
  is most often bright and spectacular: a decorated bezel, a high frame with a large stone.

What is a signet

Gold signets of different shapes
Men's signets are products of rectangular, oval or triangular shape. They can be made only from metal (silver, gold, jewelry steel), or they can be decorated with precious or semi-precious stones. The product is often made with engraving or some kind of image, but in some models the surface can be smooth.

Some people wear signets simply as jewelry, others make a custom signet and wear it as a family heirloom.

Signets are status items . They emphasize style, masculinity, positive qualities and traits of the owner. Since this is a status decoration, it is made only from precious metals: silver, yellow, white or rose gold. There are jewelry that combines several types of precious metals.

A men's signet is a product that always has correct proportions and clear lines, so it is made in oval, triangular or rectangular shape.

What to look for when choosing

The signet still carries a certain meaning, which is why such rings are chosen in such a way as to carefully build their image. When choosing, first of all pay attention to the shape.

It can be a massive rectangular signet or a more neat round one - it all depends on your taste. Next, choose the material of the product: a suitable metal or alloy; the traditional choice is a gold or silver product. At the same time, gold rings without precious jewelry inserts are considered classic, more formal options.

For special occasions, jewelry made from a combination of metals with inserts of precious or semi-precious stones is suitable - for example, a ring made of white and rose gold with an insert of large onyx. The ring looks very impressive, expensive, luxurious, noble.

Gold ring with onyx, MAXIORO (price on the link)

For everyday wear, you can choose a ring made of silver or a jewelry alloy - for example, a round signet made of silver with black cubic zirconia looks stylish and elegant. This ring is equally appropriate for a strict classic suit and for everyday clothes.

Silver ring with cubic zirconia, S&P (price on the link)

Ceramic jewelry looks impressive . They have recently come into fashion, but have already become very popular. Lightweight ceramic products not only look very modern, but are also practically not felt on the hand.

When choosing a ring, consider the color of the material: it is important that the signet is in harmony with other jewelry and accessories that the man wears

Fashion for men's rings

Many modern jewelry styles may not appeal to most men's tastes. Rings have always been both masculine and feminine (and gender neutral). There are usually two main arguments against rings for men:

• that it is too feminine;
• it's very flashy.

But in reality there is only one serious objection to men's rings:

• men who adhere to old traditions;
• British and European aristocrats;
• people who don't wear jewelry at all.

A man can put his innermost meaning into wearing his favorite jewelry, or preserve wonderful memories with it. The reality is that rings send a message. For thousands of years, men have worn them to signal status and wealth.

Comparison

Let's talk about the external differences between jewelry. As can be seen from the definition, a ring is a ring with precious stones and minerals. They are often expensive jewelry inlaid with diamonds, emeralds, rubies, etc. In the middle of the upper part of the product there is a large stone, and smaller ones act as a frame for it. This accessory belongs to the category of status jewelry. As for the signet, it is a type of ring that does not require the presence of precious stones. But the product is necessarily decorated with all kinds of images, inscriptions and drawings. Often it carries a symbolic meaning. This is why some people prefer to wear signets with their signets turned face down. Whereas rings with stones are usually displayed.

Another difference between a ring and a signet is that the first product is considered more sophisticated. It looks very elegant on the hand. That is why rings of this type are popular among women. They can be put on any finger, guided by considerations of convenience. The signet is a more massive product. It is a purely masculine adornment, which from time immemorial has been customary to wear on the little finger.

Let's summarize what is the difference between a ring and a signet.