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About Wax Insignia Jewelry:
All of our Wax Seal Jewelry is Hand Cast in Italy from our original wax seal molds used to create our exclusive line of wax seals since the 1950's.
Our inspiration comes from medieval history, and the noble, romantic and enchanting tradition of sealing letters with wax seals. In ancient times, your personal wax seal held a special symbolism and meaning for the owner - a way to express your identity, stature and beliefs.
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Today, the charm and romance of wax seals is reinvented through wax casting jewelry, creating uniquely styled Artisan Jewelry pieces with hand crafted refinement.
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WaxInsignia Pendants and Charms are made from mixed metal Silver and Brass with an durable antique finish, providing 3-4 times the wear resistance of silver & prevents oxidization. No special care is required to keep your wax seal pendant looking great for many years. From elegant to casual, they look great with all kinds of chains, beads, and have a very solid look and feel. |
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About Our Italian Wax Insignia Artisans:
This year we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of our association and close friendship with our Italian Artisan family in Florence Italy ,started in 1959 when we visited their small shop located on the bank of the Arno River. Today, this artisan family's metal factory is still nestled among the beautiful hills of Florence, located in a building on the family property, surrounded by fig trees. The family patriarch, now in his 90's, was the creator and designer of our original wax seal molds, and in fact, designed his own machinery, which eventually made all of our hand crafted Florentine Brass Wax Seal Stamps we have now sold for decades. His inventions were even featured on Italian television, in the Italian equivalent of a "What's My Line" episode. Today, his daughter, son-in-law and grand children continue the family tradition of working with all types of metal to create wax seals, pewter figurines and other artistic creations.
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What is Wax Seal Jewelry hand casting?
Hand casting is the process of hand creating a unique shape in a liquid form of metal (Silver, Brass), then imprinting it with a metal die to create a design. After the metal has dried, it is then fired in a kiln at high temperatures. The final step is to apply an antique finish to give the piece an vintage-style look that also help preserve and prevent oxidization.
Care Instructions:
Insignia Wax Seal Jewelry is protected from tarnish and oxidization through the antique finish that is hand applied to each piece. The best way to keep ourWax Seal Insignia Jewelry looking great is to wear it! Please protect it from harsh chemicals (like pool water!) and that is all that is needed to keep it looking great for many years to come. When not in use, please store it in a dry place.
Sterling Silver Wax Seal Charms, Pendants, Bracelets & Chains: As with all Sterling or Fine Silver items, some oxidization will occur over time.When you are not wearing your jewelry, the best way to store it is in a ziplock bag, which goes a long way to prevent or delay oxidization.
Historical Background of Wax Seals:
Since time immemorial, the wax seal has served as a stamp of indisputable authenticity, just as a signature is accepted in the world today. The use of seals can be traced back to the Old Testament, where it mentions that Jezebel used Ahab's seal to counterfeit important documents.
In Medieval Times, Royalty and governments used their own seal to affix to proclamations to give them their authoritative stamp of approval. The first Great Seal of England was that of Edward the Confessor, impressions of which can still be found. During this time, almost everyone had their own seal, and while most people had just one, Royalty would own several, including their "Great" Seal, as well as seals for all their courts and officials. In Medieval Times, betrothals were prearranged-therefore true words of love were secretly written and the envelope's contents secured by a wax seal, so that the recipient could be assured that their passion would be unknown to others.
During the ages, Wax Seals have always had a symbolic presence and meaning, a message conveyed by the owner , etiher of stature, distinction or symbolism through the images used on their wax seals.
The first Seal of the United States was created by Benjamin Franklin, John Adams & Thomas Jefferson on July 4th 1776 immediately after the Declaration of Independence was signed. Congress realized the necessity of such a seal for the newly established nation.
As literacy increased, seals were used less frequently and with the introduction of the gummed envelope in the 19th Century the need for privacy was reduced. Seals became a more personal expression as well as a decorative embellishment.
