signet ring

noun

1. a finger ring containing a small seal, one's initial, or the like.

signet ring

noun

1. a finger ring bearing a signet

Word History and Origins

Origin of signet ring¹

First recorded in 1675–85

Example Sentences

The colorful intaglios — gems with incised carvings — likely fell out of signet rings worn by wealthy third-century bathers, and ended up trapped in the stone drains.

From New York Times

He proudly wore the family crest on a signet ring, but he was also mindful that his father had been accused of collaboration with the Nazis and his mother was “a former American exotic dancer.”

From Washington Post

She handed me a gold signet ring, and I didn't need to be an archaeologist to know it was ancient.

From Literature

The traditional signet ring gets a modern update courtesy of this astrological line from Talon jewelry.

From Los Angeles Times

"My family wasn't too happy about me leaving," said Dovzhenko, wearing his military fatigues and a large signet ring inscribed "Loyal Forever" from his marine unit in Ukraine.

From Reuters