A rare early 19th century Lover's Eye miniature ring, with the center piece a right eye painted on ivory under thick glazing, surrounded by 14 small split pearls (2-3mm) and pearls on the shoulders, in antique rose gold, size 7+.
The eye miniature was said to have originated with George IV in 1785. He set a miniature painting of his eye in a letter to the widow Maria Fitzherbert, whom he later married. The thought was that this type of piece of jewelry was a love token from the giver, and that the person's lover would always watch over the beloved. This type of jewelry remained in popularity through the 1820's.
400/600 Sold $1,966.50
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