Georgian eye miniatures or lovers' eyes were miniatures painted on either vellum/parchment or ivory depicting a loved ones image. The style began in the 1700s during the Georgian era and continued through to the Victorian. They are believed to have originated when the Prince of Wales sent the widow Maria Fitzherbert a token of his love. Their romance was not accepted by the royal court, so the miniature was used to convey his love in secret.
This Georgian eye miniature brooch is from the early 1800s. It features a painting on vellum/parchment, set in a 10-12k gold brooch and surrounded by split pearls. The split pearls are a creamy white colour, with rose and greenish overtones. Painting brush strokes are clearly visible with a loupe. The reverse bears the inscription "Ann Wailes". The pin mechanism is tight.
There is some nacre damage and pitting noticeable on some split pearls. There are some light scratches on the surface of the glass with some dust visible beneath (the small dark spot on the bottom edge of the painting is dirt against the glass). There is some light denting to the reverse of the brooch. This is all commensurate with age.
This brooch measures 20.3mm wide by 16.8mm tall and weighs 3.6g. It has been professionally gold-tested and inspected and authenticated by a member of the Art and Antique Dealers League of America.
I can add a bail so it may be easily worn as a pendant if you so wish. Just leave me a message at checkout.
Please take care to not expose this piece to water as it could damage the painting.
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* Props used in photos, such as antique boxes, are not included in purchases. Your item will come boxed and packaged in Black Umbrella Jewelry custom packaging.
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