2 THE CRYSTAL SIGNET RING

You cannot be truly posh unless you are swagged in the jewellery of your dead ancestors. Alas, grandfather’s Patek Philippe is simply too valuable to wear on the street, unless “the street” is “the grounds”, and ensconced by a moat. Which is possibly why posh boys love a signet ring, an item whose lesser financial value is offset by its vast sentimental one. In fact, it’s part of their very identity, as they will never tire of telling you when

they’re drunk “I love my siggy”, shortly before raising their pinkie imperiously to demand another cider. Prince Charles has worn the same gold signet ring on his left pinky since the 1970s, but

while his bears the crest of the Prince of Wales, younger aristos favour signets with a more esoteric twist.

Alighieri Fire In His Eyes cornelian & 24 carat gold-plated ring, £280 (matchesfashion. com)