The etiquette of wearing signet rings varies around the world. In Belgium, men and women both wear signet rings upon the little finger of their left hand; however, in England and Ireland, it is only men who do so. In Switzerland, men wear signet rings upon the ring finger of their right hand, while in France, men use the ring finger of their left hand, and women use the little finger of their left hand.
Whether or not a signet ring conveys nobility, or even royalty, it can still have significance today. Etiquette governing signet rings in the United States is far from strict–it is usual for the ring to be worn on the little finger of whichever hand is used least, for both men and women–but a ring can still be sign of family, nobility and loyalty. It is even possible to revert to the customs of Ancient Rome and use the ring to display not a family crest but an individual’s personality.
In certain situations, it is important to know the correct etiquette concerning signet rings. Not to do so, unless the pope initiates a handshake, is a sign of grave disrespect. Strict protocol also suggests that it is necessary to kiss the signet rings of certain members of European nobility on being introduced, but this has largely fallen out of practice.