Description
A fascinating antique Georgian miniature eye portrait ring, painted on parchment and framed in a rounded rectangular gold setting surrounded by a border of seed pearls. This rare example features a lover’s eye miniature painting, depicting a right eye, eyebrow, and a slight curl of brown hair. The eye is rendered in a hazel brown hue, meticulously detailed with delicate eyelashes and gentle folds and shadows between the upper lid and the area under the arched eyebrow. The image gives the impression that the subject is gazing directly into the viewer’s eyes.
Perhaps the most sentimental and intimate of all types of jewelry, miniature eye portrait rings are extremely rare. Eye miniatures, or “Lovers’ eyes,” were popular during the 18th and 19th centuries and depict a miniature portrait of a single eye belonging to a loved one. Only the eye was painted to keep the subject’s identity a secret, known only to the beloved, adding an element of mystery as the subject and artist are usually unknown. These miniatures were typically painted using watercolor or gouache on a substrate of ivory or parchment, then set into various types of jewelry—most commonly a pin or pendant. This painting was done on parchment. The trend likely ended around 1830 with the advent of photography, making this ring a unique historical artifact.
Seed pearls, named for their small size and shape—usually less than 2 millimeters in diameter and off-round—were historically used as decorative borders, tiny accents in small patterns, or larger clusters to make up entire pieces of jewelry. Glistening like drops of morning dew, these gems add femininity and refinement to the jewelry they adorn. Seed pearls reached the height of their popularity in the Victorian Era and were viewed as a sign of purity by society at the time.
This gorgeous ring captures not only the likeness of a loved one from the past but also their loving gaze. It is an exceptional collectible and would make an excellent addition to any jewelry lover’s collection.
The ring shows overall wear, particularly on the bridge, gallery rail, and shoulders. Featuring a delicate split shank design, there are indications of soldering on the shoulder. Bearing no hallmarks, the gold was acid-tested to ensure metal purity and tested to be between 10K and 14K gold. On the head of the ring, one of the seed pearls is missing and three others appear to be replacements. The painting and glass glazing of the frame have no chips or repairs. Overall, it has been in good condition for more than 200 years.
Measurements: Weight is 8.25 grams. US size 6.5.
