I am designing a series of silver and gold enameled rings, the first of which I hope to have for sale at this coming Pennsic. I have uploaded a photo so people can see what I am proposing. The three examples in the picture show a silver ring with black enamel indicating a man at arms, a silver ring with red enamel indicating a Squire, and a gold ring with purple enamel indication a Knight. Of course a rich man at arms could buy a gold ring with black enamel and a poor knight might prefer a silver ring with purple enamel. The lettering is optional. Also, I haven't decided if the sword will point up or down.
Here is my dilemma. I am designing rings for Laurels, Pelicans, Counts, Countesses, Dukes, And Duchesses. Are there Counts and Countesses in the SCA who are not peers? If so I'll have to choose another background color, white (?) for their rings. Also, how do I indicate a Laurel Apprentice? Gold laurel leaves on a purple field work fine for a Laurel, but gold laurel leaves on a red field might be considered pretentious for an apprentice? Perhaps I can design rings with symbols of the various arts on a red field for the Laurel apprentices.
Working out all of the heraldic and artistic bugs is never easy. I appreciate any advice or guidance anyone might be able to provide.