| Signet rings are defined in the dictionary as rings | | | | a signet ring. After the pope dies, his signet ring is |
| which bear a sign. They are also known by the | | | | destroyed symbolizing his passing away and |
| name of seal rings. In general, seal rings are used | | | | paves the way for the selection of a new pope. |
| like stamps to indicate the position and title of the | | | | This act also starts the period of sede vacante. |
| sender. When used on a material such as a letter, | | | | Sede vacante is a Latin term for "the seat being |
| they are likened to a signature which | | | | vacant." |
| authenticates the document sent out. The term | | | | How to Wear a Signet Ring |
| can also be used to define any device used to | | | | The signet ring is worn on the small finger or fifth |
| make such impressions, similar to signet rings. | | | | finger of nobles on either left or right hand. |
| Symbol of Nobility | | | | Depending on the nobility's country of origin, they |
| Signet ring is a sign of nobility which has been a | | | | may typically set it on the finger of the hand that |
| tradition of the nobles from olden times especially | | | | their customs have prescribed over time. |
| in Europe and other countries. Generally, this ring | | | | However, some countries place their signet rings |
| bears the symbol of the coat of arms which | | | | on the ring finger, specifically on the right hand |
| could either be in semiprecious stones or metal. It | | | | such as the Swiss nobles. Others such as the |
| is engraved in intaglio which indicates the image | | | | German and French nobles, place theirs on the |
| produced where it leaves a raised design on | | | | ring finger of the left hand. For nobles based in |
| where it was stamped. Most of the time, the | | | | the United Kingdom, the signet rings are worn on |
| material used for this is agate, especially sardonyx | | | | the left hand. Their rings are generally cast in gold. |
| or carnelian. This material makes the banding | | | | Some cultures wear the signet rings differently to |
| stand out from the base. The metal signet rings | | | | indicate their marital status such that nobles who |
| are usually cast and they turn out to be less | | | | use the ring with the seal facing inwards towards |
| expensive but produce a weaker product. | | | | their palms are indicating that they are married |
| As a sign of rank and authority, the signet ring is | | | | while those who wear the ring facing up are not. |
| part of the regalia of some monarchies. What this | | | | Signet Rings for the General Public |
| means is that it becomes part of other regal | | | | Signet rings are not limited to the nobles although |
| dresses and are jewelry only the royal family | | | | most of the aspects of the term are attributed |
| possesses. In some museums, the signet rings | | | | to them. To modern man, a signet ring can be a |
| are displayed along with the crown, scepter and | | | | sign of membership or souvenir to a particular |
| other royal paraphernalia of a monarch. | | | | group much similar to a class ring. |
| The pope for the Roman Catholic Church also has | | | | |