Seals

A handsome 18ct gold seal that was made circa 1820. It has a rectangular cut carnelian that has been engraved with an intaglio of a Coat of Arms that features a double eagle and birds within a shield with helmet above and the motto "J'Aime Mon Dieu Mon Roi et ma Patrie" "I love my God, my King and my country" This is the Coat of Arms for the Kerwan or Kirwan Family. The Irish surname Kirwan or Kerwan is the English version of the Gaelic word "Ciardhubhan" which means "small dark/black person". The first record of the name was around 1500AD in County Galway. }

A very unusual seal that was made in Scotland circa 1880 and features a curling stone. Outdoor curling was very popular in Scotland between the 16th and 19th centuries because the climate provided good ice conditions every winter. The game consists of two teams, each with four players, who take turns sliding heavy, polished granite stones or rocks, across the ice curling sheet toward the house, a circular target marked on the ice. Each team has eight stones, with each player throwing two. This seal may have been presented to the winner so it was most likely a special commission. It is 15ct gold and the base is smokey quartz with a monogram "Gloria Merces Virtutis" with the letter K within a complex monogram. The latin phrase “Virtutis Gloria Merces” is translated as “Glory is the Reward of Valour.” This is the motto of the Robertson family clan so one of the family was obviously a curling champion! }

A good 18ct gold seal that was made circa 1840. The base has been set with a carnelian which is a hardstone. It has been finely engraved with a Cockerel intaglio. The name "Cockerel" first reached England following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Cockerel family lived in Gloucestershire. The family was originally from Cocquerel, near Evreux, Normandy, and it is from that location that their name derives. }

A good quality 18ct gold seal that was made circa 1820. the top is richly decorated with scrolls and stylised leaves. The base has been set with a carnelian that has been engraved with an intaglio of a lion rampant. The term 'lion rampant' actually refers to the positioning of the lion. The lion is shown in profile of a lion standing upright with raised forlegs, claws unsheathed, as if to strike. The Lion Rampant was also adopted as the Scottish royal coat of arms and incorporated into the Great Seal of Scotland. This seal is a Scottish family crest }

A fabulous large late Georgian seal that was made circa 1820. It is typical of the period with a very crisp rose and leaf motif repoussee design. A carnelian, which is a type of hard stone, has been set in to the base. It has a carved intaglio of a lion rampant within a shield and a man's head above. The motto reads "A Vono Duw Dervid". This could be a Celtic motto. There is a large split ring that is original to the seal. This means that you can hang other pieces on to the split ring if you wish. }

An impressive late Georgian seal that was made circa 1800-1820. It is highly decorated with repoussé work featuring flowers acorns and oak leaves. Set in to the base is a citrine with two initials engraved on it "J B". It has the original split ring. These rings are sought after in their own right as they can be worn as rings or used to attach other pieces to. }

A lion with attitude! Well modelled and made circa 1880 in England. The base is a carnelian stone which has been engraved with a monogram H A N. }

A pretty late Georgian gold seal with an amethyst set in the base. It is engraved with a monogram A.M.A. }

A sweet little watch key made of 9ct gold and steel that can be worn as part of a small collection of pieces on a chain. It was made circa 1880 and has a small bloodstone set at the end. }

A charming 15ct gold seal with a white chalcedony inset in to the base. It has a carved intaglio of a crowned griffin. These small seals look great when worn as part of a collection of pieces. }

An unusual and quite large Georgian seal with The MacLeans of Coll Coat of Arms. It is a palish green agate and is mounted in 9ct gold and was made circa 1820. . Below are the details of the crest. The coat of arms of Alexander Maclean of Coll, matriculated in Lyon Court 24 February 1803: "Quarterly, first or, a hill rising from the base; second, argent, a dexter hand and arm issuant from the sinister in fess gules and holding a cross crosslet fitched in pale azure; third, argent, a galley, her oars erect in saltyr sails furled sable and flags displayed gules; fourth, per fess or and azure, in chief two hawk's heads couped and affrontee gules, in base a salmon naiant proper. Above the shield is placed a helmet befitting his degree with a mantling gules, the doubling argent. In a wreath of his liveries is set for crest a battle-axe erect in pale, crossed by a branch of laurel and cypress in saltyr all proper. In an escroll above this motto 'Altera Merces.' Supporters, on the dexter a greyhound proper collared and leashed gules, on the sinister an ostrich proper, in its beak a horse shoe azure. Motto below 'Virtus Durissima Terit.' meaning "The hardest power or virtue" Motto above 'Altera Merces' meaning "Other reward". }

A smart and quite special 18ct gold seal that has been set with a banded sardonyx in the base. It has a carved intaglio of a cockerel. The white band of the sardonyx has been cut through to the black underneath so creating a good contrast. The top is a pleasing mix of plain and engraved decoration in a twist design. It was made circa 1840-1860. These seals look great when worn on a medium length chain or together with other pieces. }

An unusual and quite large seal that was made circa 1830-1840. It is typical of the period with the scroll motif above the rectangular swivel. Within the glazed locket are three flowers in three coloured gold on a textured gold background. On the reverse is a rectangular piece of carnelian which is a type of agate. It can be worn on a thick mid length gold chain. }

A pretty 15ct gold cased seal that was made circa 1820. The base is chalcedony with a diamond shaped intaglio with three birds within. The stem is a pretty pierced design that was typical of the Georgian period. A collection of seals can be worn on a chain or a bracelet and they look fantastic. }

An unusual 15ct gold seal that was made circa 1820. It has been set with a plain faceted rectangular amethyst on the base. The amethyst has been foiled at the back to give it extra lustre. The stem of this seal is the most interesting part of it as it is composed of a coiled snake.  By the eighteenth century, the snake was no longer viewed a symbol of the decay of the corpse and had instead become symbolic of the re-birth of the deceased into the next, spiritual life so this seal was most likely a mourning jewel. }

A wonderful 15ct two colour red and yellow gold seal that was made circa 1800-1820. It has been set with four turquoise, two on either side, and is decorated with leaves and flowers. The use of the turquoise means "Forget me not". The base has been set with a white chalcedony and is plain. These seals look lovely when worn on a chain or layered with other pieces. }

A good 9ct gold cased Georgian seal set with a carnelian on the base with an intaglio of a crest with a lion rampant above. There is a motto "Esse quam videri" which is a Latin phrase meaning "To be, rather than to seem". It and variants have been used as a motto by a number of different families. These seals are always very well; made and interesting historical objects to wear on a chain on their own or with other pieces. }

An unusual 15ct gold seal with two colour yellow and red gold flowers. It says "Filial Piety" on the base. It literally means that it is the important virtue and primary duty of respect, obedience, and care for one's parents and elderly family members. It was made circa 1820. }

An interesting 18ct gold seal that was made circa 1860-1880. The design is a fleur-de-lis motif which is a stylised lily composed of three petals bound together near their bases. It is especially known from the former royal arms of France, in which it appears in gold on a blue field. This seal has "A" engraved on the base. }

A lovely gold seal with a acorn and oak leaf motif and a grey chalcedony base. The base has an intaglio of a boar's head with a monogram below. It was made circa 1830-1850. It is a smart look and can be worn on its own or with other pieces on a chain or a bracelet. }

An attractive 9ct gold seal with a lion on the top. On one side is carnelian and the other is bloodstone. Both stones are plain but can be engraved if wanted. There is another larger one to match this. }

An attractive 9ct gold seal with a lion on the top. On one side is carnelian and the other is bloodstone. Both stones are plain but can be engraved if wanted. There is another smaller seal that matches this one if you fancy two! }

An unusual 9ct gold cased seal with a well modelled Indian elephant. Beneath is a carnelian with the letters IH or LH in Gothick script. It was made circa 1860. These seals can be worn as a small collection on a chain or on their own. }

An 18ct gold seal set with a carnelian with an intaglio of a Greek/Roman head. It was made circa 1820. It would look great worn on a chain together with other seals. }

A good large 18ct gold cased seal with a bloodstone set in to the base. The crest is a hand, star and crescent over a shield with the motto "Solar Virtus Nobillitas" literally meaning "But the power of the nobility" It was made circa 1800-1820 for a member of the Henderson family. }

A good Georgian seal that was made circa 1800-1820. The base is a finely carved intaglio of a full Coat of Arms with motto. These types of seals are very sought after and can be worn on their own or with others either on a bracelet or, better still, a chain. }

An unusual 18ct gold seal with banded hard stone,(carnelian) for the stem and the base. The base is engraved with a crown and a garter which says within "God save the King". It has the original split ring. It is a Royalist seal in support of George III (r.1760–1820), the first Hanoverian king born in England. He was affectionately nicknamed ‘Farmer George’ because of his interest in agriculture. Many of his richer rural subjects were themselves busily and profitably improving farming methods. By contrast, smallholders and customary tenants were impoverished by the enclosure of land and the commercialisation of agriculture. }

A beautiful 15ct gold early Georgian seal that was made circa 1760-1780. It is set with a carnelian that has been engraved with an intaglio of a crest which features three ducks in water with a floriate surround. It is a delicate looking seal and could be worn as part of a small collection of seals on a chain or on it's own. }

An unusual piece of jewellery that was made circa 1880. It is 15ct gold and is composed of a swivel section that has a plain bloodstone on one side and a carnelian on the other. The elephant looks like a circus elephant balancing on top of the swivel seal. It would be an eye catcher when worn around the neck! }

A small 9ct gold seal with a carnelian base with the word "Periam" inscribed on it. Cornwall in southwestern England provides the original birthplace of the surname Periam. The name is a nickname type of surname for a servant employed by someone named Perry. Perry is a derivative of the ancient Biblical name Peter, meaning rock. }

A neat 18ct gold seal that was made circa 1840. It has been set with a carnelian that has an intaglio of an eagle above a monogram "J W". This style of seal is easy to wear on its own or with other pieces on a chain. }

A really lovely Georgian 9ct gold cased seal that was made circa 1820. It has a carnelian base with the words "Filial Affection" engraved on it. What a wonderful present present to give to a son or daughter. }

An unusual silver seal that was made circa 1760-1780. It has been set with a carnelian that has been engraved in great detail with an Earl's crest. It was made circa 1750.1780. }

An interesting seal to commemorate Edmond Halley who was perhaps the second-greatest genius in the history of British astronomy. By chance, he lived at the same time as Isaac Newton. Halley was born in 1656. Edmond turned to astronomy when he was in his teens and he went to Oxford University in 1673, where he proved himself a brilliant student. He soon came to the attention of the newly appointed Astronomer Royal, John Flamsteed, with whom Halley observed at Greenwich. Halley possessed self-confidence and ambition equal to his intellect. Without waiting to finish his studies at Oxford, he persuaded his father to support him on a two-year trip to the island of St Helena in the South Atlantic, from where he planned to catalogue the southern stars as Flamsteed was doing for those in the north. Coming from any other 19-year-old, it would have sounded embarrassingly presumptuous. Halley returned in 1678 with the job accomplished. He was rewarded with the accolades of the Royal Society and its patron, King Charles II, who ordered Oxford University to award Halley his master’s degree. In 1682 a comet appeared. This was the comet that would one day bear his name. This seal was made circa 1780. }

A top quality 18ct gold seal with a grapes and flower motif on the gold. Beneath is a bloodstone engraved with a crest with a lion rampant above and the words "Esse quam videri" beneath. It is a Latin phrase meaning "To be, rather than to seem". It has been used as a motto by a number of different families. It was made circa 1830-1840. }

A very good quality large 18ct gold seal with a carnelian base. It is carved with a detailed intaglio coat of arms incorporating a crest of a demi lioness, and a shield with a chevron and three hounds. There is also a motto beneath which says "Faithful and Trusty" }

An attractive 18ct gold cased late Georgian seal made circa 1820. It is set with chalcedony on the base with initials engraved on it in Gothick script. }

An attractive 9ct gold cased late Georgian seal made circa 1920. It has a chalcedony base with an engraved monogram W L. }

A pretty seal with a plain shield shaped bloodstone base. It was made circa 1840 and would look great worn on it's own or with other pieces on a chain or a bracelet. }

A lovely early Victorian gold cased seal with a shield shaped base set with a bloodstone. The intaglio is an Earl's crest with a crown and griffin. It would look great worn with other pieces on a chain or on a bracelet. }

A pretty late Georgian seal with a carnelian set in the base. It has been engraved with the initials "A E". It was made circa 1800-1820. }

An attractive late Georgian seal made circa 1800-1820. It is 18ct gold over a metal core for strength. It has a carnelian set in the base with a monogram in Gothick lettering of J.W.W. These seals look great worn with others on a chain or a bracelet. }

An 18ct gold seal with a model of a Tibetan Shakyamuni Buddha. Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha is generally considered one of many buddhas to have come to the help of sentient beings, and is understood to be accessible in various ways. These are called the dharmakaya, samboghakaya and nirmanakya. They have been translated into English as truth-body, bliss- or enjoyment-body, and activity-body. Underneath is engraved a squirrel eating a carrot. On one crest that we researched the motto below the squirrel was "Be not unmindful of the future". It is certainly a motto that squirrels live by. For while we humans are busy raking leaves or watching television, our furry friends are quite literally squirreling away nuts for the future. }

A banded grey chalcedony seal with 9ct gold mounts and a crest carved intaglio on the base of a dog above the initials B.M. It was made circa 1820. }

A decorative late Georgian seal with a chalcedony base engraved with the Gothick initials "R B W". It is base metal and cased in gold and was made circa 1820. It would look great on a chain with other seals or on its own. }

An unusual silver Georgian seal. Normally they are steel or heavy gold cased. This example was made circa 1780-1800. It is in lovely condition and swivels to reveal two crests. }

This is a pretty and well designed Regency seal which was made circa 1820 and has scroll work and bird's head motifs. The base is a bloodstone with the initials "AH" in a monogram. There is a watch key to match here. }

A good large late Georgian seal which is 9ct gold over a metal base. It has a really well carved intaglio on the base of a Greek scholar. This seal is typical of the Neo-Classical period when Greek scholars were celebrated once more. }

A 9ct gold swivel pendant with a carnelian on one side and a bloodstone on the other. It hinges open to reveal a locket section. It was made circa 1880. }