What stories many of these antique wax seals must have to tell!
Wax seals are art, craft, and history.
The history of the wax seal is long and romantic. They have served many purposes over centuries. They have been used to identify a sender, authenticate documents, and to insure privacy. Seals of one form or another were used by royalty, government officials, religious entities and military officers.
Long before sticky envelopes and today's modern conveniences, they were used to seal handwritten letters which were the only form of correspondence available to express one's deepest true feelings and thoughts. I am sure many a parent cracked the seal of a letter from a suitor to an anxiously awaiting daughter.
Seals have been around since biblical times, with cylindrical seals being found in southern Mesopotamia in 3500BC. Mine are not that old! However, many of my seals are hundreds of years old. And I use some as young as from the 1950's
They were meaningful and personal when they were created, and I am proud to reflect their history in my jewelry which proves meaningful and personal still today. My silver and bronze wax seal jewelry is helping to keep a small bit of history alive.
My blog is where I share the many stories and facts I have learned as I delve deeper into collecting wax seals and glass intaglios and learning about heraldry and family crests
I am also a physical therapist. As a PT, I worked mostly with adult patients who have had catastrophic illness or accident, and children with severe neurological issues. It never felt like work because I always felt I received so much more than I gave. And I gave my patients all I could muster.
Once my own health failed, I began making jewelry and never even dreamed I could find meaning in it, the way I had in my work as a PT. I had always been creative and used my creative endeavors as hobbies. Suddenly, I was faced with needing to make a living in a whole new way.
Well, jump to today. I consider myself blessed and lucky to feel fulfilled while making a living doing something I absolutely love… twice!
Just like finding the perfect gift for someone you love can make you happy, I find creating jewelry that my customer falls in love with very fulfilling.
I especially enjoy making personalized gift items like my Initials and Monograms in this shop, because the buyer is thrilled to have found something unique, special and meaningful for their loved one. When I hear back that their gift was a hit...well, this is what it is all about for me.
Most of my orders are custom I am very happy to work closely with my customer to design a dream piece of jewelry for them.
People often ask me what my style is. Honestly. I can't give it a name, can you? Let me know! My style has certainly evolved from the days of early, self-taught, roughly honed techniques. I have held on to these, and added formal jewelry training to develop a style that reflects who I am and makes me really happy!
I take my time with each piece, paying great attention to detail; steeping each piece with love and care. This ain't Macy's!
Each and everything is made by hand, by me alone, in my small home studio in horse country in rural NJ. I do purchase certain types of clasps, ear wires, gemstones, ribbon, and bulk chain from jewelry supply companies in the United States. Most from suppliers right here on Etsy. However, when I do, these "findings" are a mere building block in an meticulously handmade piece of jewelry.
I became a true “artisan” when I joined the Etsy community. I am so thankful I found Etsy three years ago, where I have met generous friends with amazing minds and hands. Although virtual, it is a true community, without which I would not be the jewelry designer and maker I am today.
I am proud to be a team leader of the JETs, (Jewelry on Etsy Team). The members from all around the world, are like family to me. The team of Etsy's most prominent jewelers inspire me to grow as an artist daily. You can search team products using the tag: JETTEAM.
Right now, when I am not making jewelry for you, I am learning to draw. Wow, am I bad.! But I am getting better. I don't see a new Etsy artwork shop opening anytime soon, however!
My mind is always creating something. Slowly I am getting to all of my projects.
Please return to shopping here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SilverInitialJewelry
So many silver styles; some 100's of years old! Bronze coming in the New Year.
Wondering what your initial choice will look like? No problem! I will stamp you an example in clay to help you choose.
MONOGRAMS! The options are endless to create a two or three initial, traditional or a design-your-own style Monogram.
Choose a pattern for the reverse side and wear your pendant either way. It's two-for-one jewelry!
What stories these antique wax seals must have to tell!
