Today We Bloom Antique Seal Pendant

Solid sterling silver pendant inscribed with "today we bloom tomorrow die" with roses

Cast from a wax impression of a Victorian intaglio seal fob

Intaglio carving is an ancient lapidary skill where a hard gemstone is deeply engraved to show a 3D design, in this case roses and tiny text. Historically they've been set into signet rings or fobs hung from watch chains, and used to create beautiful impressions in the wax of sealed letters

The dark oxidised patina in the recessed areas of the pendant is from the reaction of silver with oxygen and will continue to develop and with wear, though high points will remain shiny

Every item is handmade by me in Leeds and due to the nature of hand finishing is likely to vary very slightly from the image shown here