Rings are the most commonly surviving medieval jewels. They were worn by both sexes, across all levels of society. Some portraits show wearers with multiple rings across all their fingers. Although rings were worn for decoration, they also had important practical functions. Signet rings such as this one were pressed into sealing wax to create a unique, legally recognised signature.

Signets could be engraved with a coat of arms for those entitled to bear them, with a personal device or simply with an initial letter. This ring is engraved with a sleeping dog under the word 'muet' or 'silent'. The pearled border of the bezel has been extended into a chain for the dog. Dogs were symbols of loyalty and marital fidelity. 'Muet' or silent may refer to the seal's role in keeping the letter private.