Signet rings are rings with letters or family crests, coats of arms carved into it. The wearing of signet rings goes back to ancient Egypt; the distinctive personal signature was not developed in antiquity and most documents needed a seal.

The tradition continues, especially among the armigerous, in European and some other cultures. Although they occur in many different cultures they are united in that they are all 'Works of Art' in miniature, exquisite in form, jewels within their own right.