The word “marker” is derived from the Latin word “signum”, which means “sign”. From the beginning of writing, personal stamps or signs have been placed on the documents to identify the author and ensure their authenticity. Worn by the nobility, a signet ring was carved from a semi-precious stone such as agate, or engraved on metal using the intaglio method to create a reverse image of the desired image. Some marker rings were cast into metal, but they were inferior and not as detailed.
The nobleman would press his ring onto a bead of wax to seal a document, or even press his ring onto paper to create a relief, as a notary public does today. Generally, the image of the ring was a coat of arms, a zodiac sign, or an image that matched the wearer’s personality, such as a lion.
In Europe, the rings were commissioned by the nobility and created by artists. Therefore, they were works of art, often made of gold and highly valued both for their beauty and for their material value. Sometimes they were even adorned with designs and calligraphy on the side to add to the look. The rings were guarded and treasured by the owner, and were passed on to successive generations in the same way that a crown would pass to a prince or princess. They were a symbol of authority and power, indicating that the owner had the right to bear arms (the blazon or shield) in medieval Europe. The Pope’s ring was kissed to honor the supreme authority of the office, and when a Pope died, his ring was destroyed to symbolize the clearing of the way for a new Pope.
Even today, there is a lot of tradition around the signet ring. Depending on the country, the nobles wear the ring as a symbolic gesture on a given finger and hand. French, German and some Spanish nobles wear it on the ring finger of the left hand. The Swiss use markers on the right hand and the nobles of the United Kingdom use them on the little finger of the left hand. Of course, it is used with the impression facing outward to allow the user to turn the hand and press it into the wax.
In ancient times, a signet ring was a way of doing daily business and was necessary to authenticate and protect documents when the only way to transfer them was through couriers. Although many European noble families still have rings, they are not worn much today except on very formal traditional occasions.
Signet rings have led to the tradition of school rings, often with the school’s symbols or shield set on a stone set in a gold ring. The year of graduation is often incorporated into the side decoration and, although not used as a sealing device, it indicates a membership in the school or as a keepsake.
Signet or class rings continue to be a popular item to commemorate high school graduation. Every fall when the ring salesman shows up at school to take orders, there is a lot of excitement among the students as they choose their personalized piece of jewelry to hold memories of this important time in their lives.