Lover’s Eye Jewellery

Lover’s Eye jewellery features a miniature painted representation of a person’s eye, usually set within a piece of jewellery such as a ring, brooch, pendant or locket.

The style became fashionable in Britain and Europe during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. These intimate portraits were often exchanged between lovers or family members and could be worn discreetly, allowing the identity of the sitter to remain private.

The miniature was usually painted in watercolour on ivory, vellum or another suitable material and protected beneath glass or crystal. Some examples were surrounded by diamonds, pearls or other gemstones.

Lover’s Eye jewels are particularly associated with Georgian sentimental jewellery and are highly valued for their rarity, craftsmanship and intimate personal history.

Period: Particularly late 18th and early 19th centuries
Typical forms: Rings, brooches, pendants and lockets
Characteristic feature: Miniature painted eye
Association: Georgian sentimental jewellery