Jewelry can be tricky territory for a lot of guys. Many hesitate to dip their toe (or finger or wrist) into the jewelry space, and I get it. It can feel like trying too hard and risking landing somewhere between Mark Zuckerberg's awkward makeover phase and that guy you know who wears a zillion of everything. But the right ring, bracelet, or necklace can be a subtle and chic way to add personality and polish to your overall fit. And yes, they can be masculine.
The key? Less is usually more. Sure, icons like Keith Richards and Johnny Depp can pile on jewelry like rock 'n' roll armor. No disrespect to ornate skull rings or funky geometric designs, but for most of us, keeping it simple works best.
If you're going to wear one ring this year, consider a signet ring. It's approachable, classic, stylish, and a great entry point for those uncertain about jewelry. A single signet ring makes a sleek statement without shouting and adds elegance and refinement to any outfit with a sense of history to boot. And if you're only choosing one, go for this oval tiger's eye sterling silver signet from Tom Wood. The rich, golden-brown stone adds depth for an understated, sophisticated addition to your look. Here's why it deserves a spot in your collection.
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A Sense of History You Can Wear
Signet rings have been worn by stylish men for centuries. They trace their origins back to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, where they served as personal seals to sign documents and signify power. By the Middle Ages, they became status symbols among European nobility, often engraved with family crests and used to stamp wax seals on letters. As technology phased out wax seals, signet rings evolved into heirlooms and marks of legacy. Today, you won't be using yours to stamp letters (or at least, we don't advise it). You wear one for its sense of history and aesthetic oomph. A signet ring transcends trends.
They are also back in the spotlight, and you don't need a family crest to wear one: Modern designs are elegant and effortlessly cool. To me, a signet ring channels both a badass attitude and, paradoxically, the polish of a well-dressed man (here's to you, Peaky Blinders). It's sleek but not stuffy, distinctive but not flashy. It works just as well with a T-shirt and jeans as a double-breasted suit. The right signet ring adds a quiet intrigue, making people wonder about your story.
Why This Tom Wood Signet Ring Stands Out
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The Materials
There are plenty of affordable options in steel or silver plating, but I’m all in for sterling silver. It has the weight, the longevity, and the heirloom-worthy quality that makes it suit the investment. This Tom Wood signet ring, available as either the Kay Ring Tiger Eye or Oval Tiger Eye, is crafted from solid 925 sterling silver with a polished finish. It’s plated with white rhodium to strengthen the surface and prevent tarnishing, meaning it will hold up beautifully for years.
As for the signet itself, most of us don’t have a noble family crest to engrave, but I love the idea of incorporating a stone. The Tom Wood ring features a tiger’s eye, a brownish-yellow stone with golden flecks that shimmer like, well, a tiger’s eye. It’s equal parts bold, regal, and handsome. Now, some more woo-woo folks out there will tell you tiger’s eye is believed to enhance focus, bring clarity, and even attract good luck. We don't know about all that, but we do know this: The mix of sterling silver with the deep, earthy richness of tiger’s eye creates a striking contrast and a sharp visual statement.
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The Proportions
Signet rings can often go too dainty or too bulky. This oval design from Tom Wood gets it just right. You notice the ring, but it doesn’t take over your hand. Too small, and it disappears; too big, and it looks cartoonish. The sleek oval centerpiece showcases just enough stone without overwhelming your hand. There’s also a (less expensive) square version if that fits your aesthetic better, but for my money, the oval shape leans into tradition a bit more.
The Price
Silver rings with ornate gemstones can easily climb into the thousands. At under $500 (and under $350 for the square version), this investment piece won’t break the bank. It’s the kind of ring that feels substantial, not just in weight, but in significance. And folks will notice. The royalty who wore signet rings wouldn’t settle for steel or plating, and neither should you. This Tom Wood design offers accessible luxury that still feels special.
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How to Wear It
Traditionally, signet rings were worn on the pinky of the non-dominant hand. Back in the day, this was practical—your dominant hand wrote the letter, and your signet ring hand sealed it. While the wax-stamping days are over, the pinky is still a go-to spot for a signet ring. That said, style rules are flexible. Some guys (like myself) prefer wearing theirs on the ring or index finger, and either hand works. My advice? Wear it where it feels right. Just remember that a signet ring's minimal silhouette tends to look best on a pinky or ring finger.
This Tom Wood Tiger’s Eye signet ring is above all, an approachable way to enter the world of men's jewelry. It's rich with tradition, has a purely elegant design, and just enough intrigue. You can wear it daily with a denim jacket and chinos or rock it for special occasions that demand polish. Wear one confidently, and be the calm, cool, collected, natty guy at any soiree. The guy about which others say, "Oh, wow, he really pulls off that ring, doesn't he?"
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