14ct gold (585 parts of gold per thousand) is a popular choice of gold for a signet ring, as over half of it is pure gold and it is still very durable. The heavy weight Rebus signet rings in 9ct, 14ct or 18ct gold will last a lifetime. Yellow gold, the element's natural colour, is by far the most traditional colour for signet rings. Yellow gold is usually alloyed with copper and silver to strengthen it and give the jewellery longevity. The shade of the gold depends on its gold content and 18 carat gold has a richer yellow colour than the paler 9 carat gold.

Often seen in artistic works found in the ruins of Crete, Sardonyx has long been used for decorative purposes. The stone comes in a wide range of natural colours and shades and is comprised of coloured bands: the top layer is called Sard and the bottom layer Onyx, giving the stone its name. The colours we use in signet rings range from petrol blue with bands of black and creamy white with shades of amber. Once engraved, the contrast between the layers makes for a very striking seal. It was this eye catching colour that made the stone a favourite with the ancient Romans, who believed that the virtue of stones was increased when they were beautifully engraved. In the ancient world, people also believed that Sardonyx could protect the wearer from infectious disease and from the venom of poisonous animals, including a scorpion’s sting. When worn around the neck, the stone was said to soothe pain, inspire willpower, attract friends, and bring luck in love and success in legal matters.

The 14mm x 12mm medium sized face is our best-selling gentleman's size and the large cushion shape signet (16mm x 13mm) looks striking on the ring or little finger on a larger hand. The small (12mm x 10mm) is a little more discreet and will suit smaller hands. These measurements refer to the overall face size, rather than just the stone.