signet sketches photoshopped to imagine Earth cast inclusions
A signet ring has always been used as a form of identification, historically a marker of a family or business. They were one- offs, made for an individual, designed to be used for life. They made legally binding impressions in wax which we since replaced with the signature.
A signet is now often associated with wealthy and powerful men and as such can be seen as an uber traditional, perhaps stuffy part of the jewellery world but I’ve found myself really drawn to this historically potent symbol.
Wax master in sand with talc
wax master in sand
pewter and silver signets with Earth cast seals
fresh pewter casts
I think I was partly influenced by the strictly personal element of signet rings. I find it fascinating that they are made for you and stay with you you’ll whole life, continuing to represent some part of your experience.
I was also drawn to signet rings because I saw their potential as a tool of subversion. For me they represent the ridged, fixed and unmoving parts of humanity that sees us as independent from nature. So, to use this symbol as a display and reminder of lifelong connection to nature felt instinctive.
pewter, silver and copper signets with Earth cast seals
I wanted to make signet rings that were inspired by the forms of traditional signet rings but rather than having
a family crest they included a piece of earth cast metal. It becomes not associated with an individual but the earth itself. An unrepeatable piece that marks the moment that metal flowed, molten over a part of the earth.
a family crest they included a piece of earth cast metal. It becomes not associated with an individual but the earth itself. An unrepeatable piece that marks the moment that metal flowed, molten over a part of the earth.
wax masters in mould
