Images of Time: The Artistic Evolution of Signet Rings from Ancient Civilizations to the Present
Chapter from the book:
Tanrıverdi,
Y.
(ed.)
2026.
From Concept to Form: Traces of Artistic Thought.
Synopsis
This article examines the historical and cultural evolution of signet rings through important civilizations such as Ancient Greece, Rome, Ancient Egypt and the Ottoman Empire. Since antiquity, signet rings have been used as symbols of identity, status and power, and over time they have also played an important role in the authentication of documents. The article discusses in detail the meaning of the symbols, inscriptions and motifs on signet rings and explains the cultural contexts in which these symbols were used. It also examines the production techniques and materials used in the manufacture of the signet rings. From the scarab figure used as a symbol of renewal and protection in Ancient Egypt, to the artistic techniques of Ancient Greece and Rome, to the rich design and craftsmanship of the Ottoman Empire, the evolution and cultural significance of signet rings are explained. The redesign of the signet ring as an aesthetic accessory and its use as a means of personal expression in the modern period are also discussed. This article offers a comprehensive study to understand how signet rings have evolved historically, culturally and artistically.
