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.
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.
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FAQs
Which standard of gold should I choose for my signet 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 Hancocks to try rings on?
Of course you are very welcome. Please call us on +44 (020) 7493 8904 or email [email protected] to make an appointment to visit our shop in London's famous Burlington Arcade.
We are open weekdays 10am-5.30pm and Saturdays 11am-5pm
How long will it take to make my signet ring?
Your signet ring will be finished and delivered within 30 days, although we can if necessary meet tighter deadlines. Please call us on +44 (020) 7493 8904 or email [email protected]
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 signet ring?
Yes, we can be very flexible. Almost anything is possible!
Please contact us to discuss your preferences on +44 (020) 7493 8904 or email [email protected]
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 signet ring comes boxed and with a wax impression of its seal engraving for you to keep.
If I am not happy with my signet ring can I return it?
As your signet 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 signet 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 signet 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.
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Workshop
All our signet rings are bespoke and seal engraved for us by the best craftsmen using traditional goldsmithing techniques. We believe that a once in a lifetime purchase should be unique, timeless and worth every effort.
All our signet rings are carefully made by die stamping to produce a dense, highly durable ring with a beautiful, clean surface for our highly skilled engravers to work on.
Your chosen family crest is seal engraved in reverse in intricate detail by highly skilled craftsmen. This produces a 3D image when pressed in sealing wax. A reminder that the historic purpose of a signet ring was to seal letters and documents. Every engraving is unique and displays wonderful detail and astonishing artistic skill.
About Hancocks
The Hancocks' story began over 150 years ago. Its first home was the corner of Bruton and Bond Street and the fledging firm soon acquired a magnificent reputation, becoming a leading centre for the purchase of fine jewels and silver.
Documented in a company diary, we learn that less than a year after his business had been established; Mr C.F Hancock received a warrant of appointment from Queen Victoria. She and many of the principle sovereigns of Europe became regular patrons.
In 1856, Hancocks was instructed to produce the Queen's new medal, the Victoria Cross. This is an honour upheld by the firm today.
Hancocks has proved itself a robust and successful business surviving all the 20th century could throw at it including robberies, depressions and of course, two world wars. As Charlotte Gere observes in 'The Master Jewellers', 'Hancocks have survived the upheavals of the present century while some once more celebrated firms have disappeared.'
Hancocks Today
Today the company is still family owned. Stephen and Janie Burton bought the business in 1992 and moved Hancocks into its current location in the Burlington Arcade.