Ceaseless Love & Desire: Antique Agate Seal Fob

It is interesting to note that there were a number of intricate ways in which the French culture as well as the language was woven into the intellectual and sentimental development of 18th and 19th century England. French was often incorporated into sentiments of the Victorian era and found its way into the jewelry and the accessories of that time.

This mid 19th century (18k yellow gold and 18k gold gilt over metal) seal fob incorporates both symbolic and poetic imagery in expressing love. Ornate and almost rococo in style, craftsmanship is displayed through attention to detail and ornamentation.
Decorated with a starburst pattern, floral and leaf forms, scrolls and intricate swirls wend their way throughout the surface. The original top “O” fitting is of solid 18k yellow gold and repeats a pattern of trailing leaves.

A puddingstone agate, with marbleized colors of ochre, deep charcoal gray and umber, has been used in a rather unconventional manner as the matrix of this antique seal fob. Carved into its surface is an intaglio of a winged Eros ceaselessly rowing a small vessel over rolling waves as he navigates through the waters of love. In the bow and sharing his skiff is an iconic heart. Surmounting the image are the French words “Lay Mon Desir” meaning “A Passionate Lament (or Cry For) of My Desire”.

Condition: One small chip to side of agate at about 8 o’clock; two spots of edge wear. These are visible only upon very close inspection or with magnification. Given the marbleized nature of the agate, these are very difficult to see. A tad bit of oxidation to the seams of the seal near the floral and leaf top.

Measurements: The fob is more than 1-5/8 inches (4.1 cm) in height including a 5/8 of an inch (1.6 cm) in diameter top “O” fitting. Has a weight of 15.8 grams. Base is more than 1 inch (2.7 cm) by 7/8 of an inch (2.2 cm). Fob is large in scale.

Date & Origin: Circa 1840; English in origin.