If you're thinking about investing in a signet ring one of the first questions you might have is - how much does a signet ring cost?

In this article I'm going to talk specifically about sterling silver signet rings - how much it costs to order one, what affects the cost and where you can buy one from.

But first, what exactly is sterling silver?

Sterling silver is a precious metal comprised of 92.5% silver and 7.5% of other metals, such as copper, nickel, or zinc. The addition of the other metals makes sterling silver stronger and more durable than pure silver, which is too soft for practical use.

Sterling silver is often used in jewellery, flatware, and decorative objects. It is usually marked with the "925" stamp, indicating the percentage of silver it contains.

Sterling silver is known for its luster, shine, and versatility - and at Benjamin Black it's one of the most popular choices for custom signet rings due to it's high quality and good price point.

So, how much does a sterling silver signet ring cost?

When it comes to buying a sterling silver signet ring, a few different factors will determine the cost.

1. Size. It makes sense that the larger the size, the more your ring will cost, because more metal has been used to make it. Every retailer is different, but at Benjamin Black our sterling silver signet rings range from $390 - $690 NZD depending on the top size and finger size.

2. Quality. Is your ring being custom made by a manufacturing jeweller or are you buying it 'off the shelf' from a cheaper retailer? Has your ring been hand made or machine made? Is your ring hollow underneath or solid? Do you know the jeweller who made your ring, or was it purchased from a retailer rather than a manufacturer? These are all factors that will affect the quality of your sterling silver signet ring - and ultimately the cost. The more cheaply made your ring is, the cheaper it will cost to buy, but it's likely the quality will be compromised. 

If you want your ring to last, it's a good idea to have a chat with your jewellery salesperson about how it was made. Ask whether it comes with a warranty, and whether there is an aftercare service available. 

3. Engraving. One of the distinguishing features of a signet ring is its engraving. The type of engraving it has will affect the cost. For example, a ring that is laser engraved will be much less than a ring that is hand engraved. This is due to the amount of time and skill involved in hand engraving, as opposed to laser engraving being drawn up by a graphic designer and then engraved by a laser machine.

The cost to custom engrave your signet ring will once again vary from jeweller to jeweller, but to give you a idea, at Benjamin Black we charge $250 for laser engraving (including drawing up the design) and $1150 approximately for wax seal hand engraving, which is carried out by our master engraver.

If you have any questions about sterling silver signet rings, or if you'd like to request a quote, get in touch with our team of jewellers and designers or give us a call on +64 3 546 9137 or email us on studio@benjaminblack.co.nz - we would love to hear from you!