Initial necklaces have served as a sort of personal branding for centuries. Anne Boleyn bears a pearly “B” pendant in a famed portrait that hangs in the National Portrait Gallery (from the late 16th century), Sex and City’s Carrie Bradshaw thrust cursive gold styles into popular culture in the ’90s and Phoebe Philo released bamboo-relief letter necklaces in 2018. Countless famous women have also embraced the trend, with necklaces that spell out their own names or those of loved ones. And now, a more subtle – but no less sentimental – jewellery trend has emerged: initial rings.

Carrie Bradshaw inspired a generation to wear personalised necklaces – and now, the focus has shifted to initial rings.

“For me, bespoke or individualised pieces offer a meaningful way for wearers to express their unique identities and honour special moments,” Copenhagen-based designer, Sophie Bille Brahe, previously told . “These pieces become beautiful symbols of cherished memories, and have the ability to carry so much history.” Bille Brahe’s snaking diamond alphabet rings are a contemporary take on a modern heirloom, and she wears a J and a B in honour of her children, Beate and Johan.

Bille Brahe’s initial designs are unique and immediately recognisable for their distinct swirling designs, but other brands have explored setting stones or inscribing letters on flat-faced rings, offering a bespoke alternative to a plain signet. Some even offer completely customisable styles, with the choice of serif or sans-serif fonts, cursive or block letters and the option to add colourful gems.

Sophie Bille Brahe has made diamond initial rings her signature.Courtesy of Sophie Bille Brahe

New York jewellery specialist Alex Moss takes an even bolder approach to initial designs. Hailey Bieber regularly wears a custom, puffy “J” ring swathed in diamonds as a nod to her son Jack, which complements a “B” pendant also designed by Moss. The abstract, playful outline of the ring (and suite of diamonds) makes it quite the statement – an offbeat alternative to conventional everyday jewellery.

Much like initial necklaces, letter rings can look classic and timeless. They might be “trending” in the jewellery space, but that’s not to say they can’t become a permanent fixture and sentimental addition to your collection. They also make for the perfect gift; a thoughtful and personal gesture that will go greatly appreciated. Whether you pay homage to a loved one, a family member, a friend or a pet, an initial ring is an understated conversation-starting piece.

Old English Initial Signet Ring