What is a wax seal charm?

A wax seal charm is a small pendant featuring a hardstone matrix engraved with a personalised intaglio, crest, or motif. These pieces were originally used to authenticate documents by pressing them into melted sealing wax. Today, they are worn on necklaces or charm bracelets as decorative items with a direct connection to personal history.

How do I wear a fob seal?

Fob seals are traditionally suspended from a sturdy chain around the neck or attached directly to a charm bracelet using a split ring. Their compact size allows them to sit comfortably alongside other pendants without feeling overly heavy. Many collectors group multiple fobs together on a single chain or bracelet to display a variety of hardstones and intaglio designs.

What stones are used in these seals?

The listings show a frequent use of carnelian and bloodstone, alongside chalcedony, sardonyx, and agate. These hardstones were chosen for their durability and their suitability for fine intaglio carving. Each stone offers a distinct colour palette, ranging from the reddish-orange tones of carnelian to the deep green and red flecks of bloodstone.

How can I tell the age of a seal?

Dating relies on examining the gold purity marks, the style of the metal mount, and the nature of the intaglio subject matter. Georgian and Victorian examples often feature distinct neoclassical motifs, hand-engraved names, or specific gold carat standards. Comparing the construction techniques and the type of hardstone helps place a piece within the broader nineteenth or early twentieth-century timeline.