HISTORY OF HERALDIC SEAL RING ENGRAVING
Leaders in the jewelry industry are familiar with the prestige of Heraldic engraving by hand, which was prevalent in the Middle Ages dating back to ancient Egypt; however, most consumers are not.
Beware of companies on the Internet that offer heraldic research for family crests, there are a plethora of them. Many are not all reliable. Throughout the years, Peter Ciavarella has become very experienced and well versed in the language of heraldry and can provide clients with reliable direction. Research though is incumbent upon the customer. Heraldic research can only legitimately be done in a few places. One is The College of Arms in England, however, the cost is very expensive.
There are many specific rules and regulations that one must be familiar with and adhere to when executing Heraldic engraving. “The most essential rule of heraldic design is that it must be accurate.”
Peter has an extensive library on the subject including one of the first illustrated books on the subject. A Display of Heraldrie, by John Guillim, 1638. A copy of this book can be seen in a famous painting of Nathaniel Hurd of Boston. “Portrait of Nathaniel Hurd”, by John Singleton Copley, circa 1765.
Nathaniel Hurd was probably the first practitioner of the art of engraving in the United States. His vocation was seal cutting and die engraving.
The painting above shows him sitting at a table with two books in front of him on the table; one of the books is, A Display of Heraldrie.
Today, there are very few engravers who are as proficient in this craft. Mr. Ciavarella can work from any sample, illustration or wax impression that the customer supplies. He includes a wax impression of each piece for the customer upon completion. Mr. Ciavarella’s penchant is to engrave die struck signet rings and cuff links for custom orders.
Heraldic seal ring engraving is very time consuming if done in the traditional manner, it can also be expensive. The complexity of the Coats of Arms or Crests varies greatly and determines the labor cost. One has to consider though that the signet ring or cuff links created become a one of a kind couture heirloom.