signet

A signet is a personal seal, often engraved on a ring, used for authentication. Historically, signets served to mark possessions and validate contracts. They were also used to impress hot wax on documents, creating a seal that indicated the document had not been tampered with. The design of a signet is unique to its owner, and the word "signet" shares its origin with the Latin word "signum," meaning "a mark, token, image, sign, or seal".1

Signet rings, also known as seal rings, have been used since ancient times. The Egyptians used them to authenticate documents with the owner's name and titles engraved on the bezel. In the Middle Ages, signet rings were crucial for legal and commercial transactions. While modern usage of signets is less common, they are still recognized, particularly in jewelry. The reigning pope, for instance, wears a signet ring known as the Fisherman's Ring.21