Selecting your precious metal
Gold is the traditional choice for signet rings. Our rings are produced in 9ct, 14ct and 18ct gold. For information on which standard of gold to choose click here. 18ct gold is the most popular option with our customers.
We also produce rings in rose gold and white gold. These variations are achieved by alloying gold with other metals, usually palladium and silver for white gold and nickel, copper and zinc for rose gold.
White precious metal signet rings are another popular option. Silver can be used as a cost effective option but it will tarnish and is not particularly durable. Platinum is a much more durable metal, it produces a beautiful, lightweight ring which will not tarnish.
Another precious metal which is increasing in popularity for jewellery is palladium. This lesser known precious metal is similar in appearance to platinum. It does not tarnish and is a good choice for a contemporary look.
Traditional seal engraving can be done directly on to all of these precious metals. However some people prefer to have a stone set ring. For examples click here
Which ever precious metal you choose your ring will be skilfully crafted in our workshops with the utmost care and attention to detail.
FAQs
Which standard of gold should I choose for my ring?
We are often asked which type of gold is best for a signet ring. Apart from price, the difference between 9ct, 14ct and 18ct gold is the standard of gold purity. 18ct gold is the most popular option with our customers.
9ct gold is 37.5% pure gold, 14ct is 62.5% pure gold and 18ct is 75% pure gold. The rest is a mixture of metals to give strength, durability and colour (particularly for white gold) to the alloy.
All standards of gold display a crisp and detailed seal engraving and all our rings will give more than a lifetime's service.
However, as gold is a relatively soft metal, over time 14ct and 18ct gold rings may show more wear than 9ct. They are also richer or more "golden" in colour as the gold content is higher.
Interestingly, this is an appearance which gradually increases over many years as the pure gold migrates to the surface of the ring.
Can I visit your workshop to try rings on?
Of course you are very welcome. Please call us on 0207 781 2399 or email enquiries@myfamilysilver.com to make an appointment to visit our workshop.
Our main workshop is situated in London's historic jewellery quarter in Hatton Garden, WC1. Here you can meet our award winning seal engraver, try on some sample signet rings or have your finger sized.
We are open, by appointment only, from 8.30 till 5pm on weekdays and from 10 till 4 on most Saturdays.
How long will it take to make my ring?
Your ring will be finished and delivered within 30 days, although we can if necessary meet tighter deadlines. Please call 0207 781 2399 to discuss or email enquiries@myfamilysilver.com
Can I have a message engraved as well?
Yes, we can engrave a message or date inside the band of the ring, see the order page for details.
Can I have a different style of ring?
Yes, we can be very flexible. Almost anything is possible!
Please contact us to discuss your preferences. enquiries@myfamilysilver.com or phone us on 0207 781 2399.
What about Delivery?
Delivery is by Royal Mail Special Delivery and costs from £7.50 within the UK.
Overseas delivery is by international shipper at a variable charge – this will be shown on your basket page.
All our deliveries in the UK and overseas are fully insured.
How is it packaged?
Every ring comes boxed with a stick or two of traditional red sealing wax and a wax impression of its seal engraving for you to keep.
If I am not happy with my ring can I return it?
As your ring will be made, sized and engraved especially for you, you will understand that we cannot offer a full refund, credit or exchange if you have second thoughts. However, we are happy to refund, or credit, the prevailing value of the precious metal if the ring is returned to us within 28 days.
Of course, in the very unlikely event that your ring is damaged or faulty, we will offer you a full refund, exchange or credit so long as the ring is returned to us in an unused condition within 28 days.
We also cannot guarantee that your ring will be the perfect size. We can supply a ring sizer by post. We usually re-size returned rings without difficulty and for free within 7 days, or later for a minimum charge of £35.00.