Eye miniature jewellery

Made in order to preserve the anonymity of a lover or a loved one, just as memorable item, Eye miniature jewellery
Eye miniature jewellery
Such commemorative miniatures were in vogue and became very popular in the 1790 – 1820’s in England, then in France, and Russia. The eyes of lovers were portrayed in jewelry: brooches, rings, bracelets and pendants, on the boxes, and wallets. Most often, these miniatures were made on on ivory. Often with a miniature was kept a lock of hair of beloved one.
The history of the emergence of these miniatures is as follows:
Prince of Wales (later King George IV) was in love with the widow Maria Fitzherbert (she was a Catholic and six years older than him) and made her a proposal. According to belief, sometime around 1785, Mrs. Fitzherbert commissioned Richard A. Cosway, a London miniaturist, to paint one of her eyes. The portrait painted on ivory, was placed behind glass and set within a locket. December 15, 1785 was their secret wedding.
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