The Signet Ring Revival: Why this 4000-year-old trend is back in 2025
David Beckham has the initials of his family members.
King Charles has the official Prince of Wales crest.
Meghan Markle has a gold open heart.
Franklin D. Roosevelt had a bloodstone, his family crest, and a hidden engraving of the year ‘1853’.
Zendaya has the initials of her fiancée, Tom Holland.
And no—we’re not talking about tattoos.
While the Art Deco era has inspired many of today’s jewellery trends, there’s one classic making a comeback that predates even the Roaring Twenties by millennia: the signet ring.
Once worn by Egyptian pharaohs and European nobility as a personal seal, the signet ring has re-emerged in 2025 as a powerful symbol of identity and self-expression.
“Signet rings, perhaps more than any other piece of jewellery, reflect who you are—whether through a crest, a monogram, or a secret symbol,” says Matthew Ely.
“They can bring an outfit together with a sense of old-school elegance and instinctive style.”
The 2025 Signet Ring Trend
This year, the signet ring has reclaimed its place as the go-to statement piece—unisex, expressive, and rich in meaning.
“We’ve seen a shift back towards solid gold pieces, with a more androgynous, creative feel,” says Matthew. “Signet rings are the perfect example. They’re being embraced by men and women of all ages, thanks to their enduring appeal and old-world elegance – the complete opposite of fast fashion.”
Even pop culture icons are embracing the trend. Taylor Swift’s latest pinky signet – gifted by Gigi Hadid – features a portrait of her cat Benjamin Button, the numbers 13 and 87, and a secret inner engraving: TTPD, referencing her Tortured Poets Department album.
What is a signet ring?
A signet ring is a flat-faced ring traditionally engraved with a personal symbol—such as a family crest, initials, emblem, or meaningful motif.
Historically, signet rings were used as seals, pressed into hot wax to authorise documents and signify identity. In ancient Egypt, Rome, and medieval Europe, they were worn by royalty, religious leaders, and nobles as an extension of power and lineage.
Today, while no longer used for sealing letters, signet rings have evolved into modern heirlooms—worn by both men and women as a symbol of identity, heritage, or self-expression.
Image: 18ct Yellow Gold Ladies Signet Ring (Customisable)
How to design a signet ring?
Creating a personalised signet ring with Matthew Ely Jewellery is an intimate, collaborative experience. It begins with a private consultation at the Woollahra jewellery boutique—often over a glass of French champagne.
“Some clients come in with a family crest. Others bring a sketch, a word, or a feeling,” says Matthew. “Together, we turn that into something wearable and enduring.”
The process includes:
Choosing a ring shape: Oval, cushion, round, square, or octagonal
Selecting the metal: 18ct yellow, white or rose gold, or platinum
Defining your engraving: Initials, coordinates, family crests, animal. emblems, lyrics, or meaningful symbols
Optional accents: Flush-set gemstones, dual metal tones, or secret messages engraved inside the band.
Each custom signet ring is sketched and meticulously handcrafted at the Matthew Ely Jewellery Workshop & Boutique.
Be inspired by the designs below.
How do you wear a signet ring?
Traditionally, signet rings were worn on the pinky finger of the non-dominant hand. But in 2025, there are no rules. Many opt to wear them on the index or middle finger for visual impact, while others choose the ring finger—especially if the piece doubles as a wedding or engagement ring.
“There’s no right or wrong way to wear a signet,” Matthew says.
“It adapts to your style—it becomes part of your story.”
Can a signet ring be a wedding ring?
Yes—and more couples are choosing signet rings as wedding bands in 2025. With space for initials, dates, or secret messages, they’re meaningful and enduring.
“They offer a bit more character than a plain gold band,” says Matthew. “It still feels timeless, but it’s completely yours.”
