FAQ
What is single mine origin (SMO) gold?
Single Mine Origin refers to gold that has been produced by a mining operation with no ties to conflict, where miners are paid a fair wage and where communities living locally to the gold source benefit from sustainability initiatives. We use this high quality, traceable and responsibly sourced gold for our signet rings.
What’s the difference between 9ct and 18ct gold?
18ct gold is brighter in colour than its 9ct gold counterpart. This is because the carat weight indicates how much pure gold they contain; 18ct gold is 75% pure gold, while 9ct gold contains half the amount of pure gold (37.5%), with the remainder of the mix made up of other metals (like copper and silver).
What is rose gold?
Rose gold is made by blending pure yellow gold with copper, and sometimes a bit of silver, to create its signature pinkish tone. The mix of metals affects the final shade, which can range from a soft blush to a more vibrant rose. Known for its beauty and durability, rose gold is a stylish alternative to traditional yellow or white gold.
Solid rose gold doesn’t fade or tarnish like some base metals. That said, its colour can deepen slightly over the years as the copper naturally develops a soft patina. This subtle change adds character and warmth, and is a sign of the metal’s authenticity, not wear. With regular care, like gentle cleaning and avoiding harsh chemicals, a rose gold signet ring will keep its shine and charm for years to come.
What is sterling silver?
Sterling silver is a metal alloy composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% of other metals. Sterling silver is much more durable and long lasting than ‘pure’ silver, which means that it can be used for jewellery items like silver signets. Sterling silver signet rings also differ from other products that might be described as silver but simply be silver plated.
Are silver signet rings hallmarked?
In the UK, it is a legal requirement for all sterling silver jewellery to be hallmarked by an independent body. Deakin & Francis use the Birmingham Assay Office to inspect the purity of our fine jewellery. All our sterling silver jewellery features the 925 purity hallmark, confirming that the sterling silver signet ring has been independently reviewed.
Can signet rings be engraved?
Once crafted, our in-house engravers produce exquisite seal impressions on your signet ring to include a family crest, initials, or an engraved stone to make your signet ring completely individual to you. Using the art of hand engraving, our master craftsmen create pieces that are highly detailed, timelessly stylish and sophisticated. If you are not sure what your crest is, or wish to create a completely bespoke design, we offer a full bespoke design service to allow clients to realise their design ideas. Contact us today to discuss.
How do you clean a signet ring?
Gold Signet Rings
When it comes to cleaning gold signet rings, all you need is dish soap, a soft bristled toothbrush, a lint free cloth and some warm water. Place your jewellery in a bowl of soapy warm water, leave for 5 minutes, and gently brush your signet ring in order to dislodge any trapped dirt. Finally, soak for another minute before rinsing and drying.
Sterling Silver Signet Rings
As with all sterling silver items,signet rings can tarnish over time. For lightly tarnished rings, you can simply use a silver polishing cloth to get them back to a pristine state. If your ring is dirtier or more tarnished, you can use soapy water to clean the ring and a soft toothbrush to dislodge any dirt.