How do you attach a fob?

Thread a simple jump ring through the top loop. You then clip this ring directly to the T-bar or a drop chain on your Albert. Some people prefer hanging them on a modern neck chain. They work well as pendants if the jump ring is wide enough.

My grandfather left me his pocket watch and it has this heavy gold thing with a carved family crest on the bottom hanging off the chain, what was it used for?

That is a traditional seal fob. Gentlemen used the carved base, known as the matrix, to press their crest into hot wax when sealing letters. The heavy weight served a dual purpose. It anchored the pocket watch safely in the waistcoat pocket and prevented the chain from slipping out during daily wear. These personalised crests acted as a unique signature before modern envelopes existed.

Can I polish the stone?

Wiping it with a soft damp cloth is usually enough. Hardstones resist dirt but can pick up grease from handling. Avoid abrasive pastes. They risk wearing down the crisp edges of the intaglio carving.

I found a Victorian spinner with a red stone on one side and a green one on the other, but the metal mount is looking very dull and grey in the crevices, should I clean it?

That grey tarnish often adds definition to the chased metalwork. Many collectors prefer to leave it exactly as it is. If you want to brighten the high spots, a jeweller's cloth will lift surface dirt. Never dip the whole piece in liquid cleaner. The chemicals can seep into the pivot mechanism of the spinner and trap moisture behind the stones.

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Antique Jewellery

Antique Fobs

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Antique fobs are small decorative weights or seals originally worn suspended from a pocket watch chain to keep it anchored and provide a handy tool for stamping wax.