Hello my fellow magpies, welcome back to the mischief
I’ve been thinking recently about how underrated heraldic seals are. Which is slightly ridiculous really, because they contain almost everything I love about antique jewellery in one object: symbolism, history, craftsmanship, identity, power, and an absolutely unreasonable amount of presence. I get it, sometimes they’re a bit too much, but isn’t that wonderful?
They’re often overlooked in favour of daintier, softer, more immediately romantic motifs. Perhaps because heraldics really are for a certain type of bearer, they ask you to be the type of person who loves to make a statement, who is bold and unapologetic in who they are and what they value.
Okay Emma, what is a Heraldic seal?
Full of shields, crests, creatures, banners and mottos heraldics were originally designed to say something very specific about the person carrying them. Their values. Their family. Their allegiances. Their ambitions.
Historically, heraldic seals were about identity and legacy, about signalling who you were before you even said a word.
And while most of us are no longer riding into battle under family banners (thankfully), I think the emotional pull behind them still translates remarkably well today
Because modern women still want symbols that feel representative of who they are, what they value, what they’ve survived and what they’re building.
Which is why heraldics make such extraordinary jewellery.
Not quiet pieces, but statement talismans with real weight and expectation behind them.
The sort of jewellery that feels less like accessorising and more like self-definition.
Ready to wear Heraldics available now
Freedom & Captivity is one of my favourite ready-to-wear heraldic pieces currently available.
A beautifully carved statement seal exploring duality, restraint and release, and the strange tension between the parts of ourselves that long for freedom and the responsibilities that tether us to the ground.
Shop the Freedom and Captivity Antique Intaglio Pendant
Heraldics available for custom design…
All of our intaglios are available to be made into a talisman of your very own, whether you shape it into an Intaglio pendant, or fashion it as a statement intaglio signet ring. You can start with the heraldic intaglio, then select your design of pendant or ring shape, as well as choose your metals and gemstones. Here are some of our favourite heraldic intaglios currently available.
A seal centred around connection, loyalty and belonging, wear as a talisman reminding you of your community.
The pen is mightier than the sword and honesty may not be the easiest option but it is, in our opinion, the best
The laurel has long symbolised triumph, wisdom and honour, wear as a talisman guidance and affirm your purpose.
The Laurel Is My Light Intaglio
Magpies, are you ready to make a statement?
Some of the most extraordinary commissioned pieces I’ve ever created have started with heraldic seals. Statement signets, bold pendants, with real presence to them. So, alongside the pieces featured here, I’d really encourage you to spend some time exploring the heraldics currently available for commission too because they are, in my opinion, one of the most impactful and underrated categories in antique jewellery. Big, bold, beautiful histories searching for their next bearers.
With love and shiny things, always
Emma and the Bauble Magpie Team
