When handwritten correspondence was at its most prevalent, the Georgians and Victorians were writing letters pretty much the same way we’re posting on social media today. Georgian Ormolu hardstone wax seal wheel © Collector’s Weekly Palais Royal Antique Glass and Ormolu Wheel Seal – 6 Intaglio Seals A surge of beautiful copies from antiquity became all the rage across Italy, France, Germany and England, made in almost the exact same way as those produced in the Roman Empire. Often mounted on a ring, seals were keenly collected throughout history, becoming hugely popular during the Neo-classical movement of the 18th and 19th century. George IV gold mounted ivory seal, 1820 Victorian cube instaglio The more elaborate and beautiful the design, the harder it would be to forge. The stamp was used to denote from whom, or from where the communication was coming from and powerful Greek and Roman figures would have their seals carved in amethyst, agate, garnet, jasper and cornelian. A finely carved one, impressed in clay (or later with hot wax) using rings or cylinders could help authenticate ancient scripture, prevent forgery or secure privacy. Most carved gems had a practical use first and foremost, originally functioning as seals. Intaglio seals, essentially engraved gems, have been around since at least Ancient Egyptian times when the idea of distinctive personal signatures didn’t really exist yet.
Arguably the loveliest victim to have disappeared from our desks in the wake of its decline? The intaglio seal. When we stopped writing letters, it wasn’t just our penmanship that went down the toilet, but the entire art of letter-writing, and all the romance and ceremony that came with it.
Rare Antique Masonic Six Day Intaglio Wax Seal Wheel