Owners pressed the engraved stone base into heated sealing wax to secure letters and documents. The carved design left a raised, identifiable impression. Beyond correspondence, they served as fashionable accessories that displayed the owner's taste, interests, or social standing.

How do I wear one today?

You can suspend an intaglio fob from a modern chain as a pendant or attach it to a charm bracelet. Many collectors also group several fobs together on a heavier watch chain. The substantial metal mounts and colourful stones make them versatile centrepieces for contemporary jewellery wear.

How do I date an antique fob?

Dating relies on stylistic clues in the metal mount and the subject matter of the carving. Georgian pieces often feature neoclassical motifs and heavy gold cased frames, while Victorian examples introduce diverse hardstones and ornate casting. Assay marks on solid gold mounts, where present, provide definitive year markers for the piece.