Around 1800, small glass intaglios known as Tassies became fashionable for sealing letters. Named after Scottish gem engraver James Tassie, who developed a method of reproducing carved gems in colored glass paste, they often featured sentimental mottos and classical imagery.
This yellow glass Tassie was salvaged from a broken Georgian wax seal wheel and reset in 14k gold. “A letter softens the pain of absence” appears on the image of a paper envelope. At a time when correspondence could take weeks or months to arrive (if at all!) a handwritten letter was a thrilling, treasured connection between loved ones. In OUR time, when communication is instant, what does it mean to you?
MATERIALS: 14k gold, antique yellow glass seal
AGE: c. 1800 glass seal, contemporary mounting
SIZE: 6.5, can be resized; 5/8" x 1/2" head, 1/8" shank