Engraving and Crests

What is the difference between hand engraving and seal engraving?

Seal engraving is the most traditional type of engraving for signet rings. The word signet comes from the Latin Signum meaning ‘to sign’. The rings ability to be used to produce a wax seal is central to the origin of the ring. The engraving that is done to make a seal is very deep and cut as a mirror image of the design. This is so the wax seal produced, is the correct way round. All our seal engraved rings are engraved by hand as they have been since the first signet rings were produced by the ancient Egyptians.

Hand engraving refers to a shallower engraving that acts as a drawing on the face of the signet ring. The engraving is not as deep as seal engraving and is not cut as a mirror image. This style of engraving is more commonly used when engraving initials. While it is shallower cut then seal engraving it is still deep enough to make the design pop.

What are family crests?

Family crests refer to one part of a coat of arms or an achievement of arms. The crest refers to the family rather than the individual. During medieval times knights in jousting competitions would be identified by their heraldry and have a designed shield and clothing, they would wear a physical representation of their crest upon their helmet. This meant you could identify who each knight was by by his heraldry.

Heraldry is found all over Europe, from Italy to Scotland, and from Russia to Spain. The tradition in Britain is that if you are entitled to use a crest, you have this engraved on your signet ring.

How can I find my family crest?

Finding your family crest can be challenging. We have extensive experience in locating crests both in British Heraldry and beyond. If you are struggling to find your crest, please get in touch and we will be more than happy to assist you.

Contact us.

What if I don’t have a family crest?

Many people do not have or are not entitled to a crest. If you do not have a crest then their are still many option open to you for your engraving.

The first option would be to approach the College of Arms and buy a crest or coat of arms. Prices for this begin at around £9,500.

The second option is to design an emblem. This is different from a crest as it is not heraldic nor recognised by the College of Arms. We have designed and engraved many emblems for our customers. We charge a flat fee of £350 to design an emblem, this includes up to six reasonable revisions. If you are interested in having an emblem designed please get in touch.

The third option is to have your initials engraved. We have many fonts and styles from which to choose.