18ct gold (750 parts of gold per thousand) makes beautiful looking signet rings, rich in colour and that improves with age as it takes on its own patina. The majority of the signet rings we make are in 18ct gold. A Rebus signet ring either 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.

Also known as Carnelian, the name comes from the Latin word for flesh: carnis. The name refers to the dark, almost fleshy colour often seen in the stone. The colour comes from the iron-oxide in its structure, and at Rebus, we select stones with a uniformly deep red to brown colour. Cornelian was widely used in the Roman Empire to make engraved gems for signet rings or wax seals for correspondence or other important documents, as the hot wax they used did not stick to Cornelian. The stone is most commonly found in Brazil, India, Siberia and Germany. Cornelian was once the stone prescribed for those with weak or timid voices, thought to give them the power to speak with courage and conviction. It was also said to protect against envious glances and to grant the wishes of the wearer.

The Medium (14mm x 12mm face size) is by far our best-selling gentleman’s signet ring. The Large (16mm x 13mm face size) suits hands that are larger or heavier set. The Small (13mm x 11mm) is our best-selling ladies’ signet but will feel just as comfortable on a slender gentleman’s hand. These measurements refer to the overall face size, rather than just the stone.