The Metaphysical Site

The word "signet" is derived from the Latin word "signum," meaning "sign." Since the beginning of writing, personal seals, or signs, have been placed on documents to identify the writer and assure authenticity. Worn by nobility, a signet ring was carved into a semiprecious stone such as agate, or engraved into metal using the intaglio method to create a reverse image of the desired picture. Some signet rings were cast in metal, but they were inferior and not as detailed.

The noble would press his ring into a drop of wax to seal shut a document, or even press his ring into the paper to create embossing, like a notary public does today. Generally, the image on the ring was a coat of arms, a zodiac sign, or an image to match the personality of the wearer, like a lion.

In Europe the rings were commissioned by nobility and created by artists. Therefore, they were works of art, often made of gold and very much valued for their beauty as well as for their material value. Sometimes they were even embellished with designs and calligraphy on the side to add to the appearance. The rings were guarded and treasured by the owner, and passed on to successive generations in much the same way that a crown would be passed on to a prince or princess. They were a symbol of authority and power, indicating that the owner had the right to bear arms (the crest or shield) in medieval Europe. The Pope's ring was kissed to honor the supreme authority of the position, and when a Pope died, his ring was destroyed to symbolize the clearing of the way for a new Pope.

Even today, much tradition surrounds the signet ring. Depending on the country, the ring is worn as a symbolic gesture by nobles on a certain finger and a certain hand. French, German, and some Spanish nobles wear it on the ring finger of their left hands. The Swiss wear signets on the right hand, and nobles of the United Kingdom wear them on the little finger of the left hand. Of course, it is worn with the impressing outward to enable the wearer to turn his hand over and press it into the wax.

In olden times, a signet ring was a way of doing daily business, and was necessary to authenticate and protect documents when the only way of transferring them was through couriers. Although many noble European families still have rings, they are not used much today except for very formal traditional occasions.

Signet rings have led to the tradition of school rings, often with the symbols or crest of the school placed on top of a stone set in a gold ring. The year of graduation is often incorporated into side decoration, and although not used as a sealing device, it indicates a membership in the school or as a souvenir.

Signet or class rings continue to be a popular item to commemorate graduation from high school. Each fall when the ring vendor appears at school to take orders, there is much excitement among the students as they choose their customized piece of jewelry to keep memories of this important time of their lives.

Each Personalized-Jewelry.com item is made to your exact specifications and made even more special with the personalization you choose. Create your custom piece to include a loved ones name, a wedding date, a birth date, religious occasion or words that inspire or touch your heart.

Some Tips on Current Inexpensive Jewelry

Fashion jewelry is often described as jewelry that is made using relatively affordable materials.  These materials may be synthetic such as plastic, lucite, cubic zirconium crystals and glass, or natural materials such as copper, and inexpensive stones such as jasper, onyx, jade or agates.  In some cases, sterling silver is used in the design of high end fashion or costume jewelry.  The goal when designing fashion jewelry is to create pieces that are trendy, eclectic and unique while keeping the price low, so that the target demographic – mainly teenage girls – can afford to buy them using their allowance.  The idea is to recreate a piece of jewelry that is popular celebrities, or an expensive vintage piece that is making a comeback, but using inexpensive substitutes for costly materials such as gold or platinum and diamonds.

In this respect, copper is often the metal of choice for fashion jewelry.  In some cases, copper is used as the base and then coated with silver.  That however in this author’s opinion is truly unnecessary!  Copper is a beautiful metal with a warm rustic rose color, and when paired with the right stones, can be truly spectacular.  And, since copper is much more abundant as compared to gold and silver, it is much more affordable as well.  One popular trend today is to wear a copper pendant on a leather lariat.  These pendants are quite large – ranging in length from 2 to 3 inches, and are generally made with intricate patterns.  The focal bead for the pendant is usually a cabochon of a relatively inexpensive stone such as a colorful agate or a piece of coral with fossils in it.  The pendant makes a bold fashion statement, and is relatively affordable at a price that is probably just around US$20!

Another popular trend this summer is simple – almost minimalistic pearl jewelry.  Now, pearl jewelry has been popular for many centuries now.  The difference here is the type of pearls being used, their cost, and the overall design of the piece.  A single strand necklace of natural pearls can cost thousands of dollars, and certainly does not fit the bill for fashion jewelry!  However, you can probably buy a cultured pearl bracelet for under US20!  Cultured pearls can be just as beautiful as natural pearls, and are also produced by oysters.  The difference between natural and cultured pearls is that the development of natural pearls is left solely up to the forces of nature, while with cultured pearls, pearl development is triggered by human intervention.

About the Author

Dale is a geo-professional in the Southwestern United States, and an avid and amateur gemmologist and a fashion jewelry buff.

how can you know if its the real deal?

i found this store on ebay. wonderful..i love silver, the items this person sells are beautiful. BUT how do i know if the stone is REAL. i bought a pendant and got it yesturday, and my husband asked me if it was plastic or real, i did not know what to tell him. am thinking about opening a small clothing, and accesories shop, and keep buying from the seller, for me to sell. i know i caould go to a jewelry store and ask, but how can learn tell if the stone is real or not? when i tap the stone thats in the pendant it feels and sounds like plastic. this person does not state if real or not, it does say AGATE. i emailed, no answer yet

If they don't list it they are either potentially misleading you or they don't have enough business experience to understand that CLEARLY listing all aspects of the jewelry are essential in selling to your customers. Here is an example from a friend's site that uses good information... http://www.abramsjewelry.com/Silver_Cross_with_Cubic_Zirconia_Accents_Pendant_p/adeetpz-5220.htm

If you look, you'll see everything is clearly listed in the description, features, and even "Technical Specs" sections. All the way from the dimensions, the stones, the silver grading, even the weight in grams per product. If you look for these things when you order, you won't have to second guess because it would be consumer fraud if it was intentionally mislabeled. I hope this helps you out!

Spring fashion takes the scenic route
Riotously vivid prints, exotic global touches, and short and sheer trends indicate a lax dress code for spring 2010. Who needs rules anyway, when layering pattern upon pattern and denim on denim are encouraged behaviors?

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