A custom signet ring — types, price, engraving and time

A signet is a ring with a flat or slightly domed face on which an identity mark is placed. The most commonly ordered are the coat-of-arms signet (with a family crest), the monogram or initials signet, the university and graduation signet, the professional-symbol signet and the original-design signet. A separate group is signets with a stone — most often onyx or another stone in a bezel setting. The character is decided by the face shape (round, oval, rectangular, cushion) and proportions, matched to the hand.

The price of a signet depends on the material, weight (face and shank thickness), engraving complexity and chosen details. As a guide, a 925 silver signet usually starts from about 1500 PLN, a 585 (14k) gold one from about 4500 PLN, and a 750 (18k) gold one from about 6500 PLN. We prepare the exact quote individually once the design is set — we split the price into metal (driven by the current raw-material price) and labour (design, casting, engraving, finishing), so it is clear what affects it. Hand engraving and extra details raise the labour cost.

Engraving decides a signet’s character and price. Hand engraving gives the deepest and most prestigious effect — only such a signet will truly impress in wax as a seal. Laser engraving is faster, repeatable and excellent for fine detail and series. Techniques can be combined: casting the body from a 3D model and then refining the crest by hand. We cover engraving in more detail in the article engraving on a signet. Remember the face is small — the simpler and clearer the design, the better it holds in metal over the years.

The lead time for a custom signet depends on the technique and workshop load. It is usually from two to several weeks after the 3D model is approved, with extra days for hand engraving. Before the holidays (November–December) it can be longer, so a signet meant as a gift is best ordered in advance. We give a specific date after the design is approved — we avoid promising dates we could not meet for your design and chosen technique.

Ordering a signet with us takes five steps:

• The mark — send a crest, monogram, initials or a description of the idea; we prepare a vector drawing.
• Metal, hallmark and size — you choose silver, gold or titanium and the ring size.
• 3D model and visualisation — you approve the face and body design before production.
• Execution — casting, engraving, finishing and optional rhodium or gold plating.
• Control and dispatch — we check the legibility of the engraving and send the finished signet.

We make single signets and series for brands and jewellers as a signet manufacturer within custom production. Send your idea and we will help choose the metal, technique and finish.