Early-Victorian Carnelian Fob

Circa 1840, this early Victorian seal fob is crafted in 15KT yellow gold and set with a rectangular carnelian tablet. The warm reddish-orange stone is bezel-set within an elaborately chased gold mount decorated with scrolling foliate motifs and deeply modeled detailing.

Seal fobs were both practical and decorative accessories during the 19th century, traditionally suspended from a gentleman’s watch chain and often engraved for use in sealing correspondence. Carnelian was a particularly favored hardstone for seals because of its rich color, durability, and ability to take a finely engraved design.