Wax seal ring full#
Wax seal ring series#

Making the right choice when shopping for a wax seal ring may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras - you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 20th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years.

In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. Each design created in this style - which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, Silver and Sterling Silver - can elevate any look. They are not necessarily what we would view as acceptable today.On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate wax seal ring for your needs in our varied inventory. Obviously, the majority of these guidelines are rooted in a history with weight always put in cisgender roles and class hierarchy. For example, say you are sending a letter of congratulations to a romantic partner you may choose to mix pink and blue wax. Only correspondence between ‘lady friends’ would bear a metallic seal these colours would be deemed far too ‘garish’ for gentlemen.Ĭontemporary use of mixed colours is usually an aesthetic choice - but mixed colours can also convey multiple emotions and feelings. These waxes are typically coloured using mica powders. May also be used by girls writing to friends. Would be used with any letter of congratulations.

Wax seal ring series#

See our Selene Wax Seal Series for reference.Ī colour of praise.

These are more novelty, and wouldn’t be used for formal correspondence, or letters to someone that you aren’t familiar with. Used in both formal and informal letters, and naturally would only be used by you. May also feature a latin motto printed around the outside.

Wax seal ring full#

A full Coat of Arms is not usually used for a seal - it should be the crest only. Used in official family correspondence, regarding family or letters to and from other family members. Upon their death, the signet ring would be destroyed and a new one commissioned for their successor. Signet ring seals have historically been viewed as symbols of incredible power, as they attest to the authority of the bearer and only one was valid at a time, e.g. For high-ranking or important figures of times gone, a custom made signet ring with their unique seal would be worn. Traditional seals would be unique to their owner.

Essentially, they are a signature of the bearer. Then, with colonization and increased emigration as time went on, and upon the advent of ' Great Age of Letter Writing' in the 18th century, the tradition eventually became part of the ritual of personal writing to friends and family with news from home or away. They have also been used to preserve the confidentiality of important documents with a tamper proof seal (traditionally, the wax used became brittle once it hardened, meaning that the letter could not be unfolded without damaging the seal) although it is important to note that in earlier times where reading comprehension was low among the public at large, the role of the seal was more for the authentication than security. historical ‘privy seals’ or ‘Great Seals’ of Monarchs). They have been used throughout history as a signature to legitimise formal documents, to prevent forgeries, and in authenticating papers regarding laws and decrees (e.g.

Originally reserved for use by the wealthy and ruling classes (especially bishops, monarchs, royalty, etc), these small pieces of wax are not just decorative adornments to secure a beautifully written letter. Wax seals have been used in letter writing for centuries.