Wax Seals: A Brief History of This Luxurious Postage Decoration

Wax seals have been used for centuries. Their origins can be traced back to some of the earliest-known civilizations. Examples of seals have been found from the Indus Valley and Mesopotamia civilizations, but rather than wax, those ancient communicators used clay and impressed designs using rings or cylinders. As time went on, however, wax became more prevalent than clay.  

Beautiful Stock Floral Design!

Beautiful Stock Floral Design!

Although we consider these stationery additions luxurious today, they were used by nearly everyone sending post in the Middle Ages and after. In fact, by the mid-19th century, sending a letter was costly and postage was based on the number of sheets of paper—not the weight. Envelopes were considered an extravagant expense and something only aristocrats could afford. Common folk, in turn, used wax to seal parchment and sent it in the mail that way, rather than putting it in an envelope.

Now that postage is calculated by weight, the perspective has switched. We use wax seals and envelopes to get that perfect luxury feel. And, in all honesty, who doesn’t want a bit of luxury in their life? Especially when it comes to once-in-a-lifetime decisions, like picking out the stationery with which you invite your favorite people to celebrate one of your most important days with you.

Custom Hot Air Balloon Seal, perfect for a baby shower!

Custom Hot Air Balloon Seal, perfect for a baby shower!

Each set of seals from Graphic-Poetry—whether purchased for your personal use or included in a wedding invitation package—is melted and hand-pressed. We not only value the unique touch each seal brings, but the tradition of the craft. Wax seals, once used in place of signatures, should be just as unique as one. They should speak to the individuality of the sender and bring a one-of-a-kind aesthetic charm to every parcel.

Custom Buffalove Seals!

Custom Buffalove Seals!

 In fact, we believe so much in the touch of individuality that wax seals bring that we offer custom and semi-custom designs, so your seal can be as unique as you! In our shop, we carry our signature Buffalove wax seals, along with several other designs that you can order in your choice of color. Or we can personalize a wax seal just for you with monograms, dates, names, images, or even logos to elevate a brand or give your company’s correspondence the unique touch you’ve been looking for. Whether you’re looking for a year-round aura of elegance or a cute, fancy addition to your holiday cards, wax seals could be your solution.

And, if you’re feeling a little DIY, we’ve got you covered. Wax-sealing sticks that fit your low-heat glue gun are available in our physical shop in several colors (not available online at this time). So if you plan to make your own invites for your special occasion, you can get the professional materials to make them extra special!


Thinking about adding wax seals to your correspondences with friends or letters to your love? Check out our shop for pre-made seals.

Want to add them to your wedding invites? Check out our custom wedding stationery packages.

How about a custom seal for your business correspondence? Check out one custom business seal we created below!