How do you use an antique wax seal?

Melt sealing wax over the fold of a letter until a pool forms on the paper. Press the engraved matrix firmly into the warm wax and hold it steady for a few seconds before lifting straight up to reveal the impression. Ensure the metal or stone seal is clean before pressing into the wax to prevent sticking. Allow the wax impression to cool completely before handling the correspondence.

How are periods told apart on seals?

Georgian seals often display armorial intaglios, hardstone matrices, and simpler gold or silver mounts. Edwardian and late Victorian pieces frequently feature cast novelty figures, animals, and combination vesta cases. Examining hallmarks on silver mounts provides precise dates and assay offices for nineteenth and twentieth-century examples.

What materials make up the seal matrix?

The matrix is the flat bottom surface that leaves the impression in the wax. Common materials include chalcedony, carnelian, bloodstone, cut steel, and engraved silver or gold. Softer stones like glass or paste appear in period sets, while hardstones were chosen for durability and clean carving lines.