How were fob seals worn?

These pieces hung from ribbons or chains attached to pocket watches carried in waistcoat pockets or waistbands. Owners displayed them openly as accessories of status and utility.

What is intaglio engraving?

Intaglio is the method of sinking a design beneath the flat surface of a stone. When pressed into hot wax, the sunken lines create a raised image.

What stones appear most often?

Carnelian and bloodstone dominate the surviving examples, alongside chalcedony, sardonyx, and rock crystal. Softer materials like paste or turquoise also occur in specific mounts.

Can these seals still stamp wax?

Most seals retain their carved matrices in clean condition and function properly for stamping. Modern users test them with traditional sealing wax and taper flames.