What is a die-stamped signet ring?

Die-Stamped Signet Rings: An Example of True Craftsmanship

A die-stamped signet ring is a classic piece of jewellery that it made to last.  These signet rings are ideal for lovely deep hand engraving.  Today, die-stamping plays an essential role in creating these beautiful and highly durable rings. We would love to show you how a die-stamped signet ring is made, the time and skill that goes into the process, and the craftsmanship that transforms a simple piece of metal into a timeless work of art.

What is a Die-Stamped Signet Ring?

To create a die-stamped signet ring, a flat solid piece of precious metal, usually sterling silver or gold is pressed into a steel die in the shape of a signet ring and using a hydraulic press with great force the signet ring shape is formed.  This has created a flat signet shape that has been compressed for great durability.

How a Die-Stamped Signet Ring is Crafted in the workshop

Here is a short video showing clips of the process of making a signet ring from start to finish.

1. The signet requires annealing to a high temperature using the Smith Torch.  This enables the silver to be softened so that it can be bent and formed.
2. The signet is then quenched in cool water and placed in a pickle solution, this removes the oxidisation.
3. The ring is then bent into shape using a ring bender.  This is done by bringing in both sides of the shank into a round shape ready for sizing the ring.
4. Peter then marks the ring to the rough size that is required and removes the excess silver on the shank by sawing this off.
5. The ring bender is then used to bring the sides of the shank in further and the ring sizing stick is used to check the correct finger size.
6. The ring is then knocked into shape with a mallet and the join soldered.
7. Then a great deal of time is taken to file and buff the signet, ensuring that all marks and dinks are removed and a nice even shape created.
8. We lap the head of the ring to keep that nice flat surface for engraving and the ring is polished to a lovely shiny bright finish.
9. The signet is then ready to be hand engraved by Peter.

The Timeless Appeal of a Die-Stamped Signet Ring

Craftsmanship is at the core of every die-stamped signet ring. Handcrafted with care and precision, each ring is a timeless piece of art.

Check out our sterling silver signet ring range here