An unusual Georgian fob seal.
 
This fabulously intricate fob has many hidden meanings. 
 
The central theme is a lyre entwined by a snake. The snake coils from the top of the lyre forming a loop onto which a runner ring is suspended. The snake coils down with the head at the base of the lyre.
 
The ouroboros, a circular depiction of a snake swallowing its own tail is a symbol of eternity. The lyre symbolises wisdom.
 
The seal itself has a fabulous carnelian engraved with two owls pulling a harp ridden by a cherub. The fob is in fabulous condition.
 
The Ancient Greeks celebrated the owl as a symbol of wisdom because they considered it to be an emblem of Athena, the goddess of foresight and knowledge.
 
To this day we associate the owl with intellect and learning. Cherubs symbolise earthly love and relationships.
 
Era: Georgian, 1714 - 1837
Measurements: 2.6cm in legth, 11mm at widest point,
7.88 grams in weight
Hallmarks: Unmarked, tests as gold