Wearing a hand-engraved signet ring

Wearing a signet ring, an act rich in history and symbolism

Originating in ancient Egypt over four millennia ago, the signet ring has spanned the ages without ever betraying its nobility.

In France, the armorial signet ring appeared in the Middle Ages. This signet ring was used to seal correspondence and affirm the identity of a lineage.

The engraving was then done in mirror image so that its impression, stamped in wax, would appear the right way up.

Initially a symbol of power and a mark of belonging, the signet ring became, in the 18th century, an elegant accessory prized by the elite. The choice of finger, as well as the orientation of the blazon, followed a precise traditional code.

Assert your personality with freedom and elegance

In France, custom dictates that eldest sons wear their signet ring on their left ring finger, while women and younger sons wear it on their right pinky finger.

When single, it is worn "en baise-main," meaning turned towards the fingertips; when married or engaged, it is turned "en bagarre," pointing towards the heart, symbolizing an emotional commitment.

While the signet ring remains an object of tradition, it has evolved with the times.

Engraved with an emblem or a more contemporary ornament such as an initial or any other motif, it is worn today with freedom and elegance, while telling the unique story of the wearer.

The signet ring is often given on major life occasions as a symbol of transmission and recognition. An eighteenth or twentieth birthday is a privileged moment, as is the advent of a union or the achievement of a success.

To give or to treat oneself, the signet ring remains a timeless piece of jewelry, a precious testament to a legacy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Benneton Graveur correspondence cards are made from exceptional papers selected for their quality and durability.
You have a choice of two types of paper:

Vellum paper, white and perfectly smooth, ideal for a precise and contemporary look
Laid paper, slightly textured, offering a more traditional and authentic character

The correspondence card formats offered by Benneton Graveur are part of a tradition of fine engraved stationery, inherited from Parisian houses of the 19th and early 20th centuries, where formats were dictated by the size of available envelopes, and social customs were codified:

The small format (≈ 128 × 80) corresponded to the "billet," a brief and elegant form for a quick note, somewhat the ancestor of the SMS.
The large format (≈155 x 110) was typically used for more developed messages, thank-you notes, or short invitations.

These dimensions correspond to traditional luxury envelope formats (C6 for the large format, and a "small mail" or "billet" format for the smaller one).

Several processes can enhance your correspondence card:

Flat printing, for a clean and elegant finish
Embossed printing, offering a slight raised effect and refined brilliance
Traditional engraving, made from a copper plate specially created for you,
guaranteeing incomparable fineness and depth

This artisanal expertise gives each card a unique and lasting presence.

The steps involved in creating a custom correspondence card include:

Drafting and adapting a quote
Creating a graphic mock-up
Producing a prototype, validated by a step called BAT (proof to print)
Manufacturing your series of cards
A final quality control step performed by us

Once these steps are complete, your order is carefully packaged and made available at our Parisian shop.

If you prefer postal delivery, we strive to ship your order as quickly as possible.
Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email with additional information.
Delivery times vary depending on your location.

Our goal is for every customer to be completely satisfied with their purchase.
If this is not the case, please let us know and we will do our best to find a solution with you.

However, we cannot accept returns on certain personalized items such as correspondence cards.

This is why our creation process includes the production of a graphic mock-up, followed by a proof (good to print), so that you can validate the finished product before large quantities are produced by our workshops.

Manufacturing times vary depending on the specific characteristics of the signet ring. On average, you should allow two to three months between the validation of your custom design and its availability. An estimated timeframe is provided at the beginning of the project.