The short answer: a father's signet ring can be passed on as it is, resized, re engraved or reworked into something new, and the right choice depends on how much of the original you want to keep. Speak to a jeweller before changing anything, because some alterations cannot be undone.
A signet ring from a father carries history. Passing it on is a lovely tradition, and there are several ways to do it.
Keep it as it is
If the ring fits and the engraving is meaningful, wear it as it comes. Light cleaning and polishing can refresh it without changing it.
Resize it
Many signets can be resized to fit a new wearer. The effect on the engraving and the band depends on the design and the amount of change, and we advise before any work is done.
Re engrave it
Some faces can be polished back and re engraved with new initials or a new crest. Depth matters, since a shallow engraving can be removed more easily than a deep one.
Rework it
If the ring is damaged or does not suit you, it can be melted and remade into something new, or the face can be reused in a new setting. This is a bigger change, and it cannot be reversed.
| Option | Change |
|---|---|
| Keep | None |
| Resize | Small |
| Re engrave | Medium |
| Rework | Large |
Reading the hallmark first
Before any work, look inside the band for a hallmark. It shows the metal, its purity, the assay office and often a date letter, which can tell you roughly when the ring was made. That history is worth recording, and it helps us advise on resizing or engraving, since different gold carats behave differently. Our guides to the UK hallmark decoder and hallmarks and wear on an inherited ring explain what to look for.
Honouring the original
Some people keep the original ring and have a second signet made that echoes it, with the same face shape and a new engraving. That way the original stays untouched and the new ring carries on the tradition. We can design the pair so they look related.
When the ring passes to a daughter
A father's signet is often passed to a son, but many families now pass it to a daughter or share it between siblings. A ring sized for a larger hand may need a significant resize, which can stretch or compress the engraving and change the shape of the shoulders. In that case, a new, smaller signet that copies the face, with the original kept safe, can be the better choice. We talk through both options before anything is changed.
Tips
- Photograph the ring before any work.
- Keep any paperwork or hallmarks.
- Ask what is possible before deciding.
- Write down the story of the ring and keep it with the paperwork.
How to start
- Tell us the story and what you want.
- We advise on options.
- Approve a plan before work begins.
Nothing is made or changed until you approve the plan in writing. For new work, our standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, which can vary with your location and how busy we are. Pieces start from £600.
See engraving a signet ring, the pinky ring and our complete guide to signet rings.
Frequently asked questions
Can a worn signet be restored? Often it can be polished and repaired.
Should I change the engraving? Only if you are sure.
Can it become a new piece? Yes, with care.
Can a large signet be resized a lot? Sometimes, but a big change can distort the engraving, so a new matching ring may be better.
Can I send a ring from overseas? Talk to us first, and we explain how to send it safely and what to expect for your country.