"Hold Fast" Silver Charm

THE STORY:

"Hold Fast", a phrase that's held many meanings across centuries: 

This antique seal was crafted in the 1800s--a time when boat and sea was the main means of transportation. Historically, “hold fast” was a command given to sailors when approaching a storm, warning them to grip tight to the ship’s rigging to avoid being washed overboard as the ship plunged through the sea. The phrase was often tattooed across the knuckles of a sailor's hands--a fitting location that was easy to read whenever the bearer had their hands gripped tight around a rope or piece of timber as they rode out a storm.

In some iterations, “hold fast” is only one half of a longer phrase: “hold fast, stay true.” The second half of the phrase may seem like an unnecessary repetition, but it speaks to the long-term mindset of the motto. “Stay true” speaks to the long-term mindset of the motto of not only knowing what you value in life, but also using them as your guideposts at every opportunity.

We've created a limited edition of 200 impressions, in sterling silver, of this "Hold Fast” intaglio from Brooke's personal collection. Each charm is one-of-a-kind, made by hand individually, and each truly unique in their own right. Once the entire edition sells through, they'll officially all be gone, and we'll never make another.

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Each charm measures an average of .75-1" in width, is one-of-a-kind, varies slightly in shape, and comes with a simple bail attached. If you would like a swivel clasp added to your charm, click here to add to your cart. 

Every charm comes with a signed edition card.

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The History of Intaglio Seals

With letters the main form of correspondence prior to the 1900s, intaglio seals were used to seal papers and documents with wax to ensure they remained unopened until it reached its intended recipient. These seals often held personal initials, family crests, heraldry, and other meaningful imagery. Owning a desk seal was a necessity for the middle and upper classes, but those who were too poor to afford such a luxury or were illiterate relied on a local scribe. These scribes would not only dictate messages, but the sender would choose from their assortment of seals as a preview to the message inside their letter.