Latest news with #signetring
Daily Mail
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Pinky ring demand is soaring, says jewellery expert DAN HATFIELD - do you have one tucked away worth a small fortune?
There's a certain swagger to the pinky ring. Easy to spot from across the room, a glint on the smallest finger that somehow screams confidence louder than a diamond tiara at a dinner party. Whether it's flashed by an East End geezer, a rap mogul, or a country gent sipping sherry in his club chair, the pinky ring carries centuries of history, mystery and of course, value. But where did it come from, and why does this tiny piece of metal still hold such big sway? Historically, the pinky ring was a mark of power. In ancient Rome, only certain classes were permitted to wear gold rings. By the 19th century, British aristocrats had adopted the pinky ring as a gentleman's signature - literally. SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM TO FIND OUT HOW TO GET YOUR MODERN TREASURE VALUED BY DAN Signet rings, often engraved with family crests, were worn on the little finger and used to stamp wax seals on documents. No signature required as your ring did the talking. Even King Charles famously wore his signet pinky ring stacked with his first wedding band. Now, if that's not heritage and symbolism clashing on one digit, I don't know what is. But let's not pretend the pinky ring's appeal stops at titled folk and landed estates. Fast forward to 20th-century America, and you'll find it on the hands of gangsters, boxers and jazz musicians. Think Frank Sinatra crooning in a smoky lounge, pinky ring flashing under the spotlight. Or Marlon Brando's Don Corleone, silently intimidating with just a turn of the wrist. The message? 'I've arrived, and I'm not to be messed with.' In modern pop culture, the pinky ring remains the ultimate wink to wealth and style. Rappers from Jay-Z to Drake have given it fresh swagger. But it's not just bling for bling's sake. The little finger, being set apart from the rest, makes the perfect canvas for self-expression. A pinky ring doesn't scream; it whispers, 'I'm confident enough not to care what you think.' So, how much are they worth? From my years in the pawn and jewellery world, I can tell you this: not all pinky rings are created equal. Value depends on materials, age, craftsmanship, provenance, and, crucially, style. A heavy 18ct gold signet ring with an intaglio (that's a carved family crest to you and me) from the Victorian era? You're looking at anywhere between £1,000 and £5,000, sometimes more if it's linked to a known estate. On the other hand, a modern designer pinky ring by the likes of Cartier, Bvlgari or even Tom Wood, can still fetch strong resale prices, particularly if it's in excellent condition and comes with the original box and paperwork. In short: if it's real gold, real stones, or carries a famous name, you're onto a winner. That said, don't overlook costume pieces. A vintage pinky ring from the 60s or 70s, even in gold plate or silver, can hold serious retro value. The demand for bold, funky statement rings is booming among Gen Z, and they're snapping up heritage fashion like there's no tomorrow. You can even commission your own pinky ring these days and I often recommend it for those looking to mark a milestone. Whether graduation, a new job, marriage or even divorce. Yes, divorce! One client of mine commissioned a ring engraved with the date his decree absolute came through. I think it was his way of saying: 'Onwards and upwards.' And frankly, I love that. If you're buying one today, here's my advice: choose quality over size, go for meaning over flash, and make sure it fits perfectly. The last thing you want is a ring slipping off during a handshake or a round of applause. If you're going to adorn your hand with a pinky ring, I'd advise to keep the rest of your jewellery to a minimum. A pinky ring is a solo act, it doesn't want company. And whether you're donning it on the right or left hand, don't let anyone tell you what's 'proper.' This is about personal flair, not protocol. In a world that's constantly changing, it's comforting to know some things endure. The pinky ring is one of them. From Roman senators to Soho stylists, it remains the ultimate symbol of identity, independence, and let's be honest, a bit of attitude. Next time you see one catching the light across a crowded room, don't underestimate it. That little ring might just tell the biggest story of all. Modern Pinky treasure 1. Post Malone's 'Big Papa' Diamond Pinky Ring – Approximately $500,000 In November 2022, Post Malone received a custom pinky ring from Angel City Jewellers featuring a 5-carat emerald-cut centre surrounded by 23 carats of diamonds (VVS clarity). The ring, named 'Big Papa,' was valued at roughly half a million dollars. 2. Meghan Markle's Lorraine Schwartz Emerald‑Cut Diamond Pinky Ring– Around £56k–£60k The Duchess of Sussex has been spotted wearing a striking pinky ring by Lorraine Schwartz featuring a 3-carat emerald-cut diamond. Estimated value lies between £56,000 and £60,000. 3. Shiffon Co. '1972 Tennis Pinky Ring' Diamond Wrap – Retail price £2,800 This commemorative diamond pinky ring—designed to celebrate Title IX's 50th anniversary was launched in 2022. While beautifully meaningful and diamond-embellished, its retail price places it far below mega‑bling territory. 4. Kim Kardashian's Massive Pinky Ring at the 2024 Met Gala – Undisclosed value Kim Kardashian stunned at the 2024 Met Gala wearing a massive pear-shaped pink diamond on her pinky finger, as reported in fashion coverage. No published price exists, but given the scale and rarity, it likely ranks among the priciest pinky‑worn stones. 5. Other Celebrity Pinky Rings (Rihanna, Dua Lipa, etc.) Stars like Rihanna (two diamond pinky rings at the 2014 CFDA Awards), Dua Lipa (Tiffany pinky at the 2024 Met Gala), and Naomi Campbell have worn high-end pieces. While visually extravagant, none have publicly disclosed valuations, so exact ranking by price isn't possible but I estimate a jaw dropping value for each! Send in your Modern Treasures Dan Hatfield is This Morning's money-making expert and resident pawnbroker. He is an international specialist in antiques, jewellery, diamonds and collectibles. Dan's first non-fiction book, Money Maker: Unlock Your Money Making Potential is available now. This is Money's Modern Treasures column is after your items and collections for valuations. Please send in as much information as possible, including photographs, to: editor@ with the email subject line: Modern Treasures We're after post-War items only please and we may contact you for further information. Dan will do his best to reply to your message in his bi-weekly column, but he won't be able to answer everyone or correspond privately with readers. Nothing in his replies constitutes regulated financial advice. Published questions are sometimes edited for brevity or other reasons. As with anything, if you are looking to sell items and collections, it is wise to get a second and third opinion - not just rely on Dan's suggestions.
South China Morning Post
27-05-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
The enduring allure of the signet ring: how a striking piece of jewellery travelled from Mesopotamia in 3,500BC to 21st century fashion runways, donned by Elvis Presley and Meghan Markle
One of the most quietly commanding accessories you can wear – small in size but rich in symbolism – the pinky ring, especially the signet variety, has always been a popular jewellery choice among a certain set. Enjoying a spike in popularity of late, signet rings are frequently being spotted on runways, red carpets and in collections from designers putting their own spin on this old-school staple. So what exactly is a signet ring – and is it the same as a pinky ring? Not quite. A pinky ring is simply any ring worn on the little finger. A signet ring, on the other hand, is defined by its flat surface, often engraved with a crest, initials or symbol. While signets are traditionally worn on the pinky – of the non-dominant hand – a pinky ring doesn't have to be a signet. Still, the two terms are often used interchangeably – and with good reason, as the signet has become the most iconic pinky style of all. A Zodiac 18k gold and diamond ring by Anita Ko worn on the pinky finger. Photo: Handout Advertisement The origins of the signet ring can be traced back to Mesopotamia around 3,500BC, when they were used – often by illiterate businessmen – to authenticate documents and mark property. The ancient Egyptians continued the tradition, carving sacred symbols in reverse to leave imprints in wax or clay – giving rise to the tradition of wearing the ring on the pinky, which made sealing easier without obstructing writing. The use of signet rings continued through the Roman Empire, when carved gemstones served as personal signatures – and status symbols – for emperors and merchants. In medieval Europe, they also became legal instruments, and were often destroyed upon the owner's death to prevent misuse. The pope's Fisherman's Ring, used to seal documents until 1842, symbolises papal authority to this day. By the Renaissance, signet rings were tied to aristocratic tradition, especially in Britain , where they were engraved with coats of arms and passed down through the generations. They also signified allegiance, being worn by Freemasons and other societies as discreet symbols of identity. A stack of Maison H Jewels' 18k yellow gold and diamond rings. Photo: Handout By the early 20th century, the signet's role had shifted once again. It still conveyed status, but increasingly it spoke to personal identity and intellectual legacy too. Winston Churchill famously wore a large square one, bearing the crests of both the Churchill and Spencer families (the latter marking a lineage that would later include Diana, Princess of Wales ). The 1960s and 70s saw another cultural change, with the rings now speaking much more of individuality than heritage. Rock and soul legends like Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and James Brown embraced the pinky ring, blending tradition with their own sense of style. King Charles III has been pictured wearing his gold signet ring since the mid-1970s – a royal tradition continued by Meghan Markle , who has started wearing a gold signet ring engraved with her and Prince Harry's royal cipher. Today, the pinky ring is being reinterpreted by a new generation of designers and wearers, with many modern iterations proudly genderless or designed with women in mind, moving away from the outdated notion of signet rings as men's jewellery . Still, the style continues to carry rich historical significance, making it a symbol that bridges tradition and modernity.
