RARE ANTIQUE ENGLISH GILT GOLD LOVER ' S EYE MINIATURE BROOCH TEAR JEWELRY C1860
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:378671 |
This mesmerising and extremely rare mid-Victorian lover’s eye miniature brooch dates from c.1860. Its partial gilt, partial gold frame is lavishly decorated with deep hand chased and engraved foliate designs, it’s set with a high quality rounded and beveled glass frame and contains a fabulously finely hand painted miniature of an eye with a tear. The realism is superb from the individual hairs to the reflection caught in the pupil.Eye miniatures were first worn during the 18th cent...ury and represented an anonymous love that may have been refused permission - the jewellery was also hidden from view under clothes, further enhancing their quality of secrecy. In the early 19th century eye jewellery had evolved into a form of memorial jewellery known as ‘tear jewellery’, whose purpose was focused toward remembrance of a loved one taken too early and evoke powerful sentiment.This is a slightly larger piece than usual and is in excellent condition throughout, with no loss or damage. It weighs 19.8 grams and measures 42 x 36 mm. The final photo shows it with a US penny (1 cent) coin for scale, which measures 19 mm / ¾ of an inch diameter.All my items are guaranteed 100% as described or your money back, so bid with confidence!What's more, I offer layaway deals so there's no need to let any of my listings slip through your fingers - just ask!If you like this one, click here to see my other items.
