Wax seals have a long and interesting history, dating back thousands of years. They were first used in ancient civilisations, such as Mesopotamia and Egypt, to seal important documents and messages. However, it was during the Middle Ages that wax seal stamps usage grew. During this time, they were used by nobles, clergymen and rulers as a mark of authority and authenticity, often used to seal royal charters, treaties and other personal documents like love letters.
Wax seals served several important purposes. Firstly, wax seal stamps helped to keep documents private. The wax would form a tight seal around the document, making it impossible for anyone to open it without breaking the seal. Secondly, they helped to ensure the authenticity of a document or letter. If the seal was broken, it was clear that the document had been tampered with. Lastly but arguably the most important, wax seals added a touch of elegance and sophistication to important correspondence.
In the 19th century, the use of wax seal stamps began to decline. This was due to a number of factors, including the invention of the postage stamp and the gummed envelope. Postage stamps made it easier and cheaper to send letters and gummed envelopes made it easier to seal letters without having to use wax. Despite the decline in their popularity, wax seals are still used today. Often used for craft projects; sealing wedding invitations and other special occasion paperwork.
How to use a Wax Seal
Using a wax seal is a relatively simple process. You will need wax beads, a wax seal melter and of course a wax seal stamp.
- Place a few wax beads in the wax seal melter.
- Heat the wax seal melter until all the wax is melted.
- Dip the wax seal stamp into the melted wax.
- Press the wax seal stamp onto the letter or gift that you want to seal.
- Allow the wax seal to cool and harden before handling.
Tips for a Good Wax Seal Impression
- Use a high-quality wax seal stamp, a good wax seal stamp will produce a clear and sharp impression.
- Use the right type of wax. There are different types of wax available, such as beeswax, paraffin wax and sealing wax.
- Make sure that the wax is melted to the correct temperature. If the wax is too hot, it will be runny and difficult to control. If the wax is too cold, it will be stiff and difficult to work with.
- Press the wax seal stamp firmly onto the document or letter, this will ensure that the impression is clear and sharp.
- Allow the wax seal to cool and harden completely before handling the document or letter.
How to use a wax seal
- Seal a letter: fold the letter in half and press the wax seal onto the flap of the envelope. The wax seal should be centred on the flap and should cover the seam of the envelope.
- Seal a package: place the package on a flat surface and press the wax seal onto the top of the package. The wax seal should be centred on the top of the package and should be large enough to cover the opening of the package.
- Seal a gift: tie the gift with a ribbon and press the wax seal onto the ribbon or cord. The wax seal should be centred on the ribbon and should be large enough to cover the knot.
Whether you are using a wax seal to seal a wedding invitation or simply to add a touch of elegance to a personal letter, a wax seal is sure to make a lasting impression. Shop our range of wax seals here.
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