The signet ring, referred to as the 'gentleman's ring', has been regarded as a symbol of family heritage for centuries. For many centuries, signet rings bore the coat of arms or the family crest engraved in reverse so it could be pressed into wax or soft clay and used as an authoritative seal on documents. Sealing in this way was considered authentic and official, and something that could not be forged. It is because of this reason that signet rings were also known as 'seal rings'.