sealed with a kiss

January 24th, 2013 | Posted by Hello Love in Paper

You’ve planned your invitation down to the very last detail. So why not seal it with something just as special. A personal seal expresses dignity, prestige, and formality of a bygone era. Add another layer of detail by painting metallic highlights on to the hardened wax or stamping the seal in a metallic ink pad before pressing it into the wax.

A quick history lesson… For centuries, important documents were authenticated by placing a large drop of melted wax next to a signature and then impressing an engraved signet ring. (Often a coat of arms.) It was tradition to destroy the seal when the owner died so few original signet rings still exist. With the introduction of the gummed envelope in the 19th century, the need for wax seals dwindled but they were still used as a decorative element and means of personal expression.