A magnificent late Georgian solid 9ct gold fob seal dating to circa 1780–1820, featuring an exceptionally crisp floral and foliate openwork mount set with a beautifully polished unengraved bloodstone.
Originally worn suspended from a gentleman's watch chain, fob seals were both practical and symbolic, serving as personal seals for wax impressions while reflecting the owner's taste and status. Today they have found a new life as highly collectible pendants and charms, prized for their history, craftsmanship and unmistakable Georgian character.
This is an especially fine example. Beautifully crafted in rich buttery yellow gold, the remarkably crisp decoration and substantial weight give the piece an appearance often associated with much higher carat gold. Although unhallmarked, it has been professionally tested as solid 9ct gold.
The elegant openwork mount is lavishly decorated with deeply chased flowers and scrolling foliage, retaining superb definition throughout. A generously sized bail allows the seal to be worn on a wide variety of necklace chains, making it an effortlessly wearable piece of Georgian history. (Please note the display chain is not included.)
The base is set with a highly polished rounded rectangular bloodstone displaying deep forest green colouring with natural red flecks. Unlike many surviving Georgian seals, the stone remains unengraved, allowing it to be enjoyed exactly as it has survived for more than two centuries, or personalised by a future owner if desired.
With its exceptional workmanship, generous weight and beautiful sculptural form, this elegant Georgian fob seal is equally at home worn as a striking pendant, added to a charm collection, or treasured as a fine example of late Georgian goldsmithing.
DETAILS ~
METAL: Solid 9ct gold (tests as 9ct, unhallmarked)
GEMSTONE: Natural bloodstone, approximately 13.5 × 11.75 mm
DATE: Circa 1780–1820
SIZE: 2.8 cm (1⅛ inches) tall × 2 cm (⅞ inch) wide
WEIGHT: 6.5 grams
CONDITION: Very good antique condition with only light surface wear commensurate with over 200 years of age. The mount retains exceptional crispness and definition throughout. The bloodstone remains beautifully polished with no significant damage noted.
_______
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
* Free worldwide shipping on all purchases.
* Returns - you can return your item for a refund for any reason. Just get in touch within 3 days of receiving your order and return it within 7 days.
* All gemstones have been tested and verified using a Presidium Gemstone Tester. All measurements and carat weights given are approximations.
* Our photographs have been taken in extreme close up to show you every tiny detail. This often means that any flaws or damage which you can see on the photos will be invisible when viewed normally with the eye. This can also mean that the item can appear larger on the screen than it is in person, so please be sure to read our written description to double check all sizes and dimensions.
* Buying a gift? – Your item will arrive gift wrapped in a custom Mercy Madge jewellery box. Please note, unless otherwise stated antique boxes in our photos are for display only and are not included in the purchase.
