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 purplish-pink glass Tassie was salvaged from a broken Georgian wax seal wheel and reset in 14k gold. It depicts a broken classical column with ivy growing up and around it. The Latin motto "In adversis Etiam Fide" translates to "Faithful even in adversity." It's a declaration of unwavering loyalty, and the image symbolizes that even in places/times of utter devastation, life finds a way.
MATERIALS: 14k gold, antique purple glass seal
AGE: c. 1800 seal, contemporary mounting
SIZE: 6.5, can be resized; 1/2" x 5/8" head, 1/8" shank