We design and create premium, hand engraved signet rings. It is our belief that jewellery should have meaning.
BBefore we start to make anything, we listen. Together, we’ll take the time to explore your story. It’s the only way to create a true symbol of the self. A piece that’s yours and yours alone. Then, through the art of hand engraving, we breathe life into the metal to craft something precious, far beyond its fabric. A personal talisman that will grow to have a power and personality of its own. Always there to remind you of all you are and all you love.
Our Story
Rebus was originally born of R.H. Wilkins Engravers Ltd., a renowned hand engraving company founded in 1971 by Raymond Wilkins. Built on a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship, R.H. Wilkins became one of Britain’s most respected names in traditional hand engraving, serving private clients, silversmiths, jewellers and prestigious institutions with meticulous attention to detail.
For decades, the company preserved the centuries-old art of hand engraving, producing work that celebrated the skill, patience and precision of master craftsmen. This heritage remains at the heart of everything Rebus creates today.
Continuing a Tradition of Craftsmanship
Inspired by the rich history of signet rings and seal engraving, Rebus was established by Emmet Smith, who began his career as an apprentice at R.H. Wilkins before eventually taking over the business. Drawing on decades of traditional hand engraving expertise, Emmet created Rebus to preserve Britain’s rich engraving heritage while reimagining signet rings for a contemporary audience.
By combining time-honoured craftsmanship with innovative design, Rebus has developed collections that respect centuries-old traditions while reflecting modern tastes. Every piece is created with the same commitment to quality, individuality and craftsmanship, resulting in jewellery that is both deeply personal and designed to be treasured for generations.
From our London workshop and showroom, every signet ring is individually made to order. Rather than producing jewellery in large quantities, we focus on creating pieces that are made specifically for each client, ensuring exceptional quality and attention to detail at every stage.
“With a hand engraved message or symbol, an object can be transformed from the ordinary into the extraordinary, giving it a life and meaning of its own. And, in time the item will acquire its own personality. It will become a talisman – unique and treasured.”
Emmet Smith, Founder of Rebus.
Specialists in Signet Rings
Unlike many jewellers, Rebus specialises in seal engraved signet rings. This singular focus has allowed us to develop extensive expertise in every aspect of their design and manufacture, from classic heraldic rings to contemporary gemstone-set collections.
Whether a customer is commissioning their first signet ring or creating a future family heirloom, our team provides guidance throughout the process. Every commission is approached with the same commitment to craftsmanship and individuality that has defined our business since its earliest beginnings.
Handmade in London
Each Rebus signet ring begins as an individual commission. Our craftsmen carefully produce every piece using traditional jewellery-making techniques, combining time-honoured skills with modern technology where it enhances precision without compromising craftsmanship.
We work in sterling silver, 9ct, 14ct, 18ct and 22ct gold, as well as platinum, allowing clients to choose the precious metal that best suits their style and budget. Every ring is made to order rather than taken from stock, enabling us to tailor dimensions, proportions and personal details to each customer.
The Art of Seal Engraving
Our heritage in hand engraving remains central to Rebus. Seal engraving is one of the most specialised disciplines within jewellery making, requiring years of training and experience to master.
Whether engraving family crests, coats of arms, monograms or bespoke artwork, our engravers combine traditional hand techniques with exceptional precision to create engravings that are both beautiful and functional. Every engraved signet ring is designed to produce a crisp wax impression, continuing a tradition that has endured for centuries.
Designed Around the Individual
No two clients are the same, and neither are the signet rings we create.
Many of our customers commission completely bespoke pieces, working closely with our team to refine every aspect of the design. Others choose from our carefully curated collections before adding personalised engraving, gemstones or unique design details.
Because every piece is made to order, we can accommodate a wide range of customisations, ensuring every signet ring reflects the personality and story of its owner.
Materials of Lasting Quality
We believe a signet ring should be made to last a lifetime.
That is why we use only solid precious metals and carefully selected gemstones. Each piece is manufactured to exacting standards before being independently hallmarked in accordance with UK hallmarking regulations, providing assurance of its precious metal content and quality.
Our commitment to quality ensures that every Rebus signet ring is designed not only to be worn today but to become an heirloom for future generations.
A Modern British Jewellery House
While our roots lie in traditional engraving, Rebus continues to innovate through contemporary design, new collections and bespoke commissions. Our work combines historical inspiration with modern aesthetics, allowing clients to create jewellery that is deeply personal while respecting the traditions from which signet rings originated.
Today, Rebus serves clients throughout the United Kingdom and internationally, with commissions ranging from understated everyday signet rings to highly intricate bespoke creations featuring heraldic engraving, rare gemstones and one-of-a-kind designs
Why Choose Rebus?
Clients choose Rebus because we offer:
- Handmade, made-to-order signet rings forged in London.
- Decades of expertise rooted in the engraving heritage of R.H. Wilkins.
- Traditional seal engraving by highly skilled craftsmen.
- Bespoke design services tailored to every client
- Solid precious metals including sterling silver, gold and platinum.
- Contemporary and classic signet ring collections.
- Try before you buy sample service.
- Personal guidance throughout the commissioning process.
- Trusted by collectors worldwide
- Regular Trunk Shows in the US and far east.
- Fully insured international shipping.
- Jewellery designed to become lasting family heirlooms
Looking to the Future
Although our techniques are rooted in tradition, our vision has always been forward-looking. We continue to develop new collections, collaborate with talented designers and embrace innovation where it enhances the quality of our work.
More than fifty years after the founding of R.H. Wilkins, the values that shaped the original engraving company continue to guide Rebus today: exceptional craftsmanship, personal service, attention to detail and a passion for creating meaningful jewellery that will be treasured for generations.
Keeping the Craft Alive
Hand engraving is a skill that can’t be learned overnight, it takes years of patience, practice and guidance. At Rebus, we’re passionate about passing this knowledge on through apprenticeships, just as it was passed on to us. Our apprentices are given the option to be indentured through Goldsmiths’ Hall, giving them a strong foundation in one of Britain’s oldest and most respected craft traditions. By investing in the next generation of craftsmen, we’re helping to ensure that the art of traditional hand engraving continues to flourish for generations to come.
“I have had the pleasure of knowing Emmet for around 30 years. Since taking over R.H. Wilkins Engravers, where he was originally apprenticed, he has built Rebus into an internationally renowned signet ring and engraving firm. His knowledge of the craft is unsurpassed, but perhaps his greatest achievement has been recruiting and training apprentices. Many have gone on to become outstanding engravers and award-winning craftsmen in their own right.”
Mr. Chris Rowley. Founder and Chairman of the Hand Engravers Association of Great Britain.
www.handengravers.org.uk
Questions and Answers
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Rebus customer service
Rebus WhatsApp
Dedicated US customer number
Location
67-69 Leather Lane,
Hatton Garden,
London, EC1N 7TJ
Rebus will be closed on 25th August and will reopen on 26th August.
Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm (GMT)
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