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 pink glass Tassie was salvaged from a broken Georgian wax seal wheel and reset in 14k gold. It depicts a sprig of evergreen laurel and the words "Always the same." Because this plant retains its leaves all year round, it was an emblem of loyalty and constancy.
MATERIALS: 14k gold, antique purple glass seal
AGE: c. 1800 seal, contemporary mounting
SIZE: 6.5, can be resized; 5/8" x 1/2" head, 1/8" shank