CHOICE AND CONSEQUENCE ∙ Cachet Collection Victorian reversible wax seal charm or ring

The Jean Jean "CHOICE AND CONSEQUENCE" Cachet Collection cachet is a replica of a round, double-sided, ca. 1830s French wax seal. The sides read as follows:

side 1 ∙ A hedgehog with the French, "Qui s'y frotte s'y pique," or "You can't touch me without a bit of trouble!"
side 2 ∙ A arrow in flight with the French "Ou monter ou descendre," or "Either to go up or to go down."

We could not resist the image or the message of Monsieur Hedgehog! He struts along with French, "Qui s'y frotte s'y pique," arched above in neat typeface. This phrase literally translates to, "Whomsoever pets me will be poked!" The French idiom translates to something more like, "Go searching for trouble and you shall find it," or "Your actions will have consequences." This is a firm message about impunity delivered by a cute mascot: No one should be exempt from the consequences of their actions. The other side of this gorgeous seal shows an arrow mid-flight, going up or down . . . we don't know. The French reads, "Ou monter ou descendre," or "Either to go up or down." An arrow is designed for both the ascent and the descent: it is the archer, not the arrow, who aims and ultimately guides the course of flight. Gravity too, though, always has the final say. Perhaps this is a message about the up-and-down nature of life? We all know that things sometimes don't go as planned, despite our best aim and efforts. There is always, too, that liminal space where we must transition (hopefully gracefully) from lift to dip, from flying to falling.


Measurements: 13.5 mm round

10K: 2.9 grams
14K: 3.3 grams
STER: 2.8 grams

Note: Each piece and bail are made and finished by hand. Please allow for some small variability in gram weight piece to piece.

Era: These are replicas of Regency Era (1820s–1830s) wax letter seals

Markings: Gold karat will be stamped on the bail

Style: You may order this charm as a pendant, a handsome signet ring, or as a charm bracelet in sterling silver, 10K, or 14K. 18K gold, and platinum are also available: please message us for pricing.

Our bracelet is made in-house and has long, oval sterling links and a quartet of 10K gold stations - two polished, two brushed. We envision you using the 10K links to suspend your favorite charms, but anything is possible!

Finishes + Extras: We can add a sweet little gemstone to your cachet! Our favorite options are:

Garnet
Amethyst
Aquamarine
Diamond
Emerald
Alexandrite
Ruby
Peridot
Sapphire
Tourmaline
Citrine
Blue Zircon

Want to double check on a color or placement? Just send us a message.

Chains: Our sterling silver pendants come with sterling silver chains. Our gold pendants ship with 14K gold fill chains. 14K solid gold chains are available in the drop down menu. All chains are cable link and 18". Other chain fineness, styles and lengths are readily available upon request.

Rings: Please leave us a note at checkout with your desired size. It's OK if you forget — we'll follow up!