Thank you to all my patient readers, as my usual photo-jammed posts are delayed until return of my computer from the repair shop. In the meantime, and, assuming all goes well, for only one or two more posts, I will focus on a very specific trend in jewelry featured in the fashion press with more limited illustrations.

Yellow gold is very much on-trend this season, a rich and apropos accompaniment to the return of seasonless investment dressing. Like a pair of diamond stud earrings or a strand of pearls, a gold signet ring is a perennially popular item of jewelry, albeit one typically not seen on the distaff side of the house. This season, however, the signet ring is being highlighted as a wardrobe staple for women.

The December 2010 issue of Glamour magazine features eight designs of signet rings, including several antique or vintage designs along with some very inexpensive costume copycats. The rings shown, as numbered in the magazine, are from A.V. Max ($20), Tiffany & Co. ($1,600), Sarah Chloe (starting at $98), Camilla Dietz Bergeron (starting at $3,200), Russell Jones ($5,300), James Colarusso ($6,800), Pandora ($800), and Doyle & Doyle ($2,800). 

Certain of the antique/vintage versions shown in the magazine are not initial rings, but rather are carved with a seal used by the original owner to authenticate documents. As legal documents back in the day were executed by men, you may need to resize many of these rings, especially if you want to wear them in traditional style on a pinky finger. 

As Glamour notes about the signet ring, “It’s the one thing you can buy now that will still look right at your 25-year class reunion.”

Even if you’re well past that 25-year reunion, a signet ring is a beautiful and very personal bit of self-expression, especially if it bears your initials. A beautifully engraved signet ring may well be cherished not only for seasons of your own stylish dressing, but also through generations to follow. 

JCK