Like initial necklaces and earrings, the best signet rings put a personal stamp on everyday jewelry with sophisticated designs and signature details. Traditionally worn on the pinky finger of the left hand, signet rings are characterized by a flat bezel, often engraved with a crest or initials, which historically was used to stamp or sign documents by pressing the engraved design into hot wax. Today’s signet rings, such as Catbird’s Small Heirloom Signet Ring and Sarah Chloe Lana Monogrammed Oval Signet Ring, function more as style statements worn by both men and women.
There’s a look for every fashion preference: Some signet rings have decorative markings like Brilliant Earth’s Zodiac Diamond Signet Ring or precious stones, such as the Stone and Strand Fine Sparkle Mini Signet Ring. Whichever type you choose, the best signet rings are a personal and meaningful piece of jewelry—and can be passed down to others. They also make great gifts, especially for milestone birthdays and graduations.
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Editor’s Picks At A Glance
- Catbird Small Heirloom Signet Ring
- Brilliant Earth Classic Signet Ring
- Sarah Chloe Lana Monogrammed Oval Signet Ring
- Aurate Signet Ring
- Gorjana Bespoke Signet Ring
- Brilliant Earth Zodiac Diamond Signet Ring
- Miansai Signet Ring
- David Yurman Exotic Stone Signet Ring
Shop All The Best Signet Rings
Petite Size For Pinky Fingers
Ring sizes: 1 to 6 | Materials: 14k gold or 14k rose gold
- What’s notable: It’s a classic design made with high-quality materials and comes with free engraving.
- What could be better: This ring only goes up to size 6.
This classic, petite signet ring is ideally sized for a pinky finger, and fits one initial. If you have a larger ring size, Catbird recommends their Large Heirloom Signet ring (which looks the same but is a little chunkier) and goes up to size 10.5. You can choose between 14k gold or 14k rose gold, and Catbird offers free monogramming. Just keep in mind that custom orders can’t be returned.
Looks Chic Plain Or Monogrammed
Ring sizes: 3 to 10 | Materials: 14k yellow gold
- What’s notable: This pick can be stacked with other rings and the face of it can accommodate multiple letters.
- What could be better: Slim and subtle, this isn’t as much of a statement piece if that’s the look you prefer.
This chic, understated ring may be diminutive, but it can hold up to seven letters and special characters—which the company will engrave at no extra charge (just keep in mind that returns aren’t offered for engraved pieces). This signet ring looks especially stylish when worn on the pointer finger, and can easily be stacked with other rings.
Single Initial Design That's Understated And Elegant
Aurate Signet Ring, 14k
Ring sizes: 3 to 9.5 | Materials: 14k or 18k recycled solid gold
- What’s notable: Aurate’s signet rings are made out of recycled gold and the company offers free engraving.
- What could be better: You can only exchange (not return) the ring, and shipping time can vary based on available stock.
Small but bold, this ring features a modern rectangular face and a single engraved initial. Most sizes are made-to-order (which can take over a month to ship) but if your size happens to be in stock, it will ship in approximately a week.
High-End Look For A Low Price
Ring sizes: 3 to 7 | Materials: 18k gold vermeil
- What’s notable: Engraving is free and Gorjana offers several font options to put a personalized spin on this ring.
- What could be better: No returns and the largest ring is a size 7.
This gold-plated signet ring is only $80, but its chic look makes it seem much more expensive. You can choose from five different fonts and there is a heart character available, too, which makes this ring a nice gift for a loved one.
Statement Design For Each Astrological Sign
Ring sizes: 3 to 12 | Materials: 14k white gold, 14K rose gold or 14k yellow gold
- What’s notable: You can custom order sizes smaller than 3 and larger than 12.
- What could be better: No engraving available.
Those who follow their horoscope will appreciate this zodiac ring. All rings feature a sparkling diamond in the center and a constellation of diamonds on the sides. Flip the ring over and you’ll see a symbolic representation of your zodiac sign hidden behind the face.
Simple And Timeless
Sarah Chloe Lana Monogrammed Oval Signet Ring
Ring sizes: 4 to 6 (at Mark and Graham) and 6 to 8 (at Neiman Marcus) |Materials: 14k yellow gold or silver
- What’s notable: The ring comes with lifetime complimentary cleaning policy and is covered under a limited warranty for one year.
- What could be better: It’s on the expensive end.
What’s more timeless than a simple gold signet ring with a classic cursive three-letter monogram? The petite size won’t overwhelm slender hands, and Sarah Chloe offers lifetime complimentary cleaning and a limited one-year warranty—so you don’t need to worry about taking it off to cook or garden.
Easy To Mix And Stack With Other Rings
Ring sizes: 4 to 9 | Materials: 14k solid gold, 14k palladium white gold, sterling silver or 14k gold fill
- What’s notable: The skinny shape is perfect for stacking, and custom sizes are available if the standard 4 to 9 sizes don’t fit.
- What could be better: There’s only room for one initial per ring.
This slim ring can be worn solo for an understated look, or stack a few together to make a style statement (one popular option is to buy one with each of your children or family member’s initials). You can choose between 14k solid gold, 14k palladium white gold, sterling silver or 14k gold fill—and the company will hand stamp the letter of your choice.
Diamonds Dress Up A Classic Style
Sizes: 2.5 to 8 | Material: Yellow gold or white gold
- What’s notable: The natural diamonds are conflict-free so you can feel good about wearing this ring.
- What could be better: While the size is perfect for everyday, those looking for a statement ring may want to choose something larger.
This signet ring is encrusted with hand-set pave diamonds and is partially finished with rhodium plating (which adds strength and luster). It’s made from ethically sourced materials, and the diamonds are conflict free (and compliant with The Kimberly Process, an organization that is committed to removing conflict diamonds from the market). Wear it alone or stacked—this look mixes well with other types of rings.
Sweet Heart-Shaped Signet Ring
Ring sizes: 3 to 9 |Materials: 14k yellow gold, 14k white gold or 14k rose gold
- What’s notable: The heart shape is thoughtful and charming, and the ring is eco-friendly and has a lifetime guarantee.
- What could be better: There is only room for two letters to be engraved, so you can’t add a full monogram.
The heart-shaped face on this signet ring is the perfect place to engrave your initials, or the initials of those you love (the first initial of your name paired with the first initial of your partner’s name, for example). It’s made from solid gold, and Baby Gold will donate one meal to a hungry child with each purchase as part of the No Kid Hungry program.
Classic Shape With Many Engraving Options
Ring sizes: 3 t0 12 | Material: 18K white gold, 18k yellow gold, 14K rose gold or platinum
- What’s notable: The ring is made out of recycled gold, it’s the perfect size (substantial but not too chunky) and custom sizes are available.
- What could be better: Engraving costs an additional $40.
This modern yet classic ring is remarkably smooth and the size is large enough for men yet also works for women. It’s available in four types of precious metals (although the platinum version costs a little more—$1,190) and you can choose from block or script lettering plus several icon options. Just note that the engraving is $40 extra.
Stylish Block Letter Option
Ring sizes: 2 t0 12 | Materials: 14K gold
- What’s notable: Monograming is free and the block letters give this signet ring a modern feel.
- What could be better: You can’t send back returns.
What sets this signet ring apart is the uppercase circle monogram style, which feels masculine and modern. The letters are carved into the gold and you can choose up to three letters (or any standard keyboard characters). This ring is available for both men and women, and the polished gold is so beautiful that you don’t even need a monogram if you prefer a simple, clean look.
Inspired By Balinese Temple Gates
John Hardy Silver Onyx Signet Ring
Ring sizes: 9 t0 12| Materials: Sterling silver and treated black onyx (plus 8 other metal options)
- What’s notable: The ring is made from responsibly sourced materials and features rustic decorative etching.
- What could be better: Personalization is not available.
Crafted by artisans in Bali, this chunky signet ring has a hand-carved motif that represents Balinese temple gates, and there is additional etching on the sides and the interior of the ring. The large black onyx stone is stylish, but you can also choose from a variety of other metal and stone combinations, like 14k gold with brown tiger eye or sterling silver with lapis lazuli (prices vary depending on the type of metal and stone selected).
Bold, Luxury Style That's A Splurge
Ring sizes: M and L| Materials: 18k gold
- What’s notable: The handcrafted ring is stunning and utilizes an ancient enameling technique.
- What could be better: It’s much more expensive than the other rings on this list, and sizes are limited.
Foundrae is best known for their women’s medallion charms, but their men’s pieces are equally hefty and statement-making. All of their jewelry is etched with “tools of self discovery and expression” and this Course Correction Signet Ring is intended to represent one’s internal compass and serve as a reminder that life is a constant process of adjustment. The 18k gold design is richly detailed and the black and cream compass in the center is a enameled using a champlevé technique (an ancient process in which troughs are cast in gold and filled with enamel).
Cool And Casual With Eye-Catching Stones
David Yurman Exotic Stone Signet Ring
Ring sizes: 9 to 12| Materials: Sterling silver
- What’s notable: The signet ring is available with four different types of stones.
- What could be better: There is a small David Yurman symbol on the side of the ring which might bother you if you aren’t a fan of logos.
Crafted from sterling silver, this ring has a distinctively casual feel and chunky shape, which makes it ideal for everyday. We love the tiger’s eye stone, but the ring is also available in black onyx, pietersite and turquoise—all of which are stylish in their own unique way.
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Here at Forbes Vetted, our fashion team frequently reports on and writes about jewelry for men and women. Our coverage includes everything from the best places to buy diamond jewelry to the best lab grown diamonds.
- We thoroughly research all products that we recommend, and often rely on firsthand testing. Additionally, we carefully analyze independent reviews to ensure that all aspects of the shopping experience meet our high standards.
- Forbes Vetted contributor Lesley Rotchford has been covering men’s and women’s fashion for 25 years, including fine jewelry and other accessories.
- The publication of this article was overseen by Forbes deputy editor Kari Molvar. In addition to holding a degree in fashion styling, she is a certified gem expert.
- We tap both internal and external experts to provide additional insight on what to look for when shopping for jewelry. Gemologist Julia Ballentine, owner of Julia Ballentine Fine Jewelry, weighed in on what to look for when shopping for signet rings for yourself or others.
What To Consider When Shopping For Signet Rings
Signet rings are an investment—and are something meant to be worn for years—so it’s important to be thoughtful about which one you choose. Here, gemologist Julia Ballentine, owner of Julia Ballentine Fine Jewelry, reveals what characteristics to look for in the best signet rings.
Material
While yellow gold is most popular with Ballentine’s clients, signet rings are also available in sterling silver, white gold, rose gold and even platinum. Some rings are available in both 14k gold and 18k gold. While both types of gold are considered precious and high quality, 18k gold rings contain more pure gold than 14k gold pieces, but the downside it that they tend to be less durable. Gold-plated signet rings are another option; they have the appearance of 14k gold and cost significantly less, but they are less durable and some people find that they irritate their skin.
Size
Signet rings traditionally have some heft to them, but slimmer, more modern styles are also becoming popular. “We see a good mix—some bigger ones and some smaller ones,” says Ballentine. Whichever size you choose also depends on the finger that you plan to wear the ring on. Heavier, chunkier styles fit better on your ring finger or pointer finger, while petite rings tend to feel most comfortable on your pinky finger.
Engraving
According to Ballentine, signet rings should be hand-engraved whenever possible. “Hand engraving is deeper and the letters can have a better flow and individuality,” she says. It’s customary to choose one, two, or three initials for a ring, but it’s also common to see family crests and icons like dogs, bees and palm trees engraved into the face of a signet ring. “I wear one that is gold set with a blue agate and a palm tree engraved in it, which is sentimental to me as my family is from Florida,” says Ballentine.
Stones
Several of the signet rings on this list feature exotic or precious stones, which can add an element of luxury. “I love both stones and pave diamonds for signet rings,” says Ballentine. “Stones like onyx, bloodstone, chalcedony, agate can also look great and diamonds can be pretty accents.”
What Finger Should You Wear A Signet Ring On?
This is a matter of preference but “generally speaking, most of our clients choose the right hand ring finger or a pinky,” says Ballentine. “However, finger sizes frequently change over time, so many people find that old rings that once fit their ring finger now fit better on their pinky—so they wear them there.”
What’s The Best Way To Style Signet Rings?
Signet rings are statement pieces that are special enough to wear alone, “but I also like to mix them in with other rings,” says Ballentine. You can stack a few skinny ones (like the Gldn Micro Signet Ring) on one finger, or wear a single signet ring on one finger and different types of rings on your other fingers. Signet rings tend to be given for a sentimental reason—a milestone birthday, family event, sometimes even an engagement—so they are often worn every day and pair well with any outfit.
How Much Should A Signet Ring Cost?
Like most jewelry, signet rings range dramatically in price based on size, material, brand and what (if any stones) are set into the ring. But you can find a stylish, substantially sized, high-quality signet ring in 14k gold for around $500, such as the Catbird Small Heirloom Signet Ring.
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