Why the signet ring is luxury jewellery’s latest must-have: you don’t have to be from an aristocratic family, or Jude Law in The Talented Mr Ripley, to pull it off – and it’s an excellent heirloom too

The domain of noblemen throughout the ages, from the days of ancient Greece to London’s Sloane Rangers of the 1980s, signet rings have always been a powerful status symbol – whether used to seal documents or simply sport evidence of a notable family crest on the finger. Today, they remain a modern heirloom which transcends trends.

While none of us may ever pull off a signet ring with quite the aplomb of the doomed and debonair Dickie Greenleaf, played by Jude Law in the 1999 film adaptation of The Talented Mr Ripley, owning one makes an undoubtedly chic addition to any jewellery box – striking, versatile and timeless.

“Stylistically, signets are a great ring to have in your collection – they’re bold yet can be worn every day,” says Alison Chemla, founder of the playful jewellery brand Alison Lou. “We have been making signet rings for our site for about five years and they’ve been a great seller. We offer a handful of options for customisation, which our customers love. The signet rings from our newest collection, CeLouBrations, are all about various milestones in life and remembering special occasions – Away You Go, To The Moon & Back, Ball & Chain, Forever – using details of stone options and enamel.”

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