Archive for Fobs
Spinner fob with coat of arms – help
Posted by: | CommentsIm always looking out for good quality vintage fobs to offer for sale. Recently I came across this Victorian spinner fob which is most unusual having a coat of arms on one side. I am keen to identify the coat of arms both out of interest and so that I can write an accurate description for the website. Ive a feeling I recognise the crest but cant remember what it is. Ive spent a couple of hours researching it on the internet but have failed to find the crest. Perhaps you can help?
coat of arms on fob
There are two figures, one each side of the central shield. The shield is crested by a stags head. The figure to the left of the fob ( to the right of the crest) is holding a caduceus. The other figure appears to be holding a gun. There is a three word motto but I can read it – most likely its Latin.
Any Ideas – I would be grateful for some help 
reverse of fob
Cornelian or Carnelian?
Posted by: | CommentsCarnelian and Cornelian are the same name for a red variety of Chalcedony which is one of the varieties of Quartz hard stones. This stone is sometimes found in antique jewellery and vintage jewellery
Cornelian is probably the name most used these days. The red is a translucent colour and it can vary from yellowish to brownish red.
carnelian Jewellery
The red colour is due to Iron oxide in the stone and the red deepens when it is heated. Much of this stone comes from India where they put it out in the sun to deepen the red colour.
Once it was thought that Cornelian would still the blood or calm the temper.
This hardstone can be made into beads, cabochons or carved as an intaglio or cameo. One of the most popular uses during the Victorian era was to set it into Men’s jewellery particularly into watch fobs and spinning fobs.
AntiquesAvenue offers genuine antique and vintage carnelian jewellery such as the wonderful vintage jewellery set pictured above.
Bloodstone for seals and spinners
Posted by: | CommentsHave you ever seen old jewellery set with a dark green stone with red flecks in it? This is known as bloodstone or sometimes as heliotrope. This is a hardstone which was popular during the Victorian era for setting into fobs and seals however it can also be carved as a cameo or used in bead form.
The name bloodstone was given to this semi precious stone as in the Middle ages it was thought that the red spots were the blood of Christ and it was used as an amulet or charm against blood loss
Here are a few examples of antique jewellery set with bloodstone so that next time you see this stone you will recognise it.
Bloodstone spinner
Bloodstone seal
Are you looking for more Victorian Antique fobs and seals? There are always a few in antiquesavenue shop and usually some set with bloodstone.
Fob or charm? What is the difference?
Posted by: | CommentsAs visitors to my antiques shop will know I have quite an excellent selection of antique and vintage charms and fobs for sale. Examining a quantity of these today ( from a wonderful charm necklace) it occurs to me that there is little or no difference between many charms and fobs and many of these tiny precious objects could be used for either purpose.
Vintage Fob
What is a charm?
This is a small decorative object made of a durable material which can be worn on a necklace , bracelet, dangling from a brooch or even attached to a ring or pair of earrings. A charm can be attached to a key ring and I have a few hanging from my handbag. A charm might have personal significance or meaning to the wearer, it can also have a practical purpose (mini pencil or knife) however usually these are just for decoration. When worn singly on a chain a charm could be called a pendant. Whilst a charm could be of any small size I guess that over 3 cms is getting too big for anything except hanging from a handbag, necklace as a pendant or to be worn as a Watch Fob
Vintage charm
What is a Fob?
A small decorative object made of a durable material which can be worn on a watch chain or a chatelaine. A fob may have personal significance to the wearer however it is often just a piece of decorative jewellery or perhaps used to help anchor a pocket watch to the clothing. Some Fobs are clearly meant to be worn as a Watch fob as they contain a watch key. I would say that a Fob would be quite small at 2 cms and go up in size to 5 or 6 cms with most being somewhere in between.
Are Charms for Girls and Fobs for Boys?
Is the only difference between a charm and a fob other than size to do with who wears it? Perhaps its a charm for a girl and a fob for a boy? Not always true as I am sure some victorian ladies would have referred to Fobs on their albertina watch chains. Some men would carry a “Lucky charm.
There is a huge variety of vintage and antique fobs and charms to collect whatever you call them. Just take a look at a few here:
Vintage Fobs , Antique Charms, Vintage Charms