miniature painting of blue eye behind glass or crystal, black enamel, bezel decoration tested non-gold, frame tested 14kt. yellow gold, 5/8 x 13/16 in., 4.2 grams

Note: A ?lover?s eye? miniature is usually a painted miniature of the giver?s eye or that of someone of significance, presented to a loved one. The notion accompanying this very short-lived fad that started with Prince George of Wales (c.1790 through 1820) was that the eye would be recognizable only to the recipient and could, therefore, be worn publicly keeping the lover?s identity a secret. They were hand painted in watercolor with delicate details of an eye. From a single owner's extensive collection of lover's eye jewelry and objects of virtue from that period.

Provenance: Private Collection, Colorado, Private Collection, Colorado, From a single owner's extensive collection of lover's eye jewelry and objects of virtue from that period

lead solder on back, pin parts all replacements and non-gold, losses to bezel, glass with wear and scratches, dirt under crystal, tarnish, wear and scratches, dents to back of frame commensurate with age