A specially-commissioned seal gave light to the idea of a signet ring (ring seal): a classic liturgical jewel. This beautiful ring seal was based on work by illustrator Kam Tang and graphic designer Darren Wall’s seal design of 2011. A traditional goldsmiths’ studio called Rebus which employs a master engraver named Emmet Smith as well as a London-based ring seal specialist were approached to accomplish the making of this seal.

The process of creating the ring seal is delicate and takes time. The design process begins with detail and is reverse engineered into a profiled silhouette in order to focus on defined elements that make the ring seal easier to read and easy to recognize. Then, the design is scaled to the ring size to see how it may look, and adjusts from there until satisfied with the design.

The engraver then begins metalwork, where the ring is clamped so the engraver may score the outline of the design into the ring using a scriber, then engraves the design, creating a 3D impression.

Smith believes that the ‘Holy Handmade’ ring seal is one of the largest pieces he has ever designed, calling the process a challenge as well as a privilege.

J Thomson Custom Jewelers enjoys exploring all kinds of jewelry designs and interpretations. They aim to be able to offer unique kinds of jewelry work to customers for custom requests.

Photographs by Aylin Bayhan