I have always been obsessed with these mysterious pieces of jewelry.
The History of the Lover's Eye
The eye miniature, also known as the Lover's Eye, was a small, intricate painting of an individual's eye, usually framed in a locket or brooch. This unique art form emerged in the late 18th century and gained popularity among aristocratic families in England, France, and America. The paintings were often exchanged as tokens of affection, and their small size made them discreet symbols of love and loyalty.
The popularity of the Lover's Eye was relatively short-lived; Vanity Fair referred to them as the "mood rings" of their time. Despite being a fad, they remain intriguing relics of a bygone era, with their anonymity and secrecy lending them an air of mystery and romance.
Below I share some of my favorites that inspired the Lover's Eye Collection.
Insights & What I Love
The charm and fascination of these pieces is so closely tied to the history of the lover's eye, combined with the preservation and documentation of so many of them! I discovered them on Pinterest but had also seen them on museum websites.
The craftsmanship and exquisite paintings really drew me in. I fell hard for them and cannot resist saving every example that I see. What fascinates me the most is that the facial features of the subject would be instantly recognized by anyone who knows them. But for the casual viewer at the time, and even centuries later, are left to imagine.
The Symbolism
The eye has been a symbol of protection and power across many cultures for centuries. In ancient Egypt, the Eye of Horus was a symbol of protection and good health, while the Eye of Ra represented the sun god's power and authority. In Greek mythology, the evil eye was believed to cause harm, while in Hinduism, the third eye represents inner wisdom and enlightenment. In jewelry, the eye is often used as a protective talisman to ward off negative energy and bring good luck.
Inspired by the Symbolism and History of the Lover's Eye, I created this collection.
With vintage beads paired with hand-formed brass, geometric shapes, and a vintage teardrop charm, I combined the contemporary design of an asymmetrical charmed pair while referencing elements of Art Nouveau. Art Deco, and ancient symbols of the eye. The Lover’s Eye Collection captures a wistfulness with the empowerment of distinct expression of style.
The third eye is a mystical concept that is often associated with spirituality, intuition, and inner wisdom. It is said to be a non-physical organ located in the center of the forehead, which can be awakened through meditation and spiritual practices. In Hinduism, the third eye is represented by the deity Shiva and is associated with higher consciousness and spiritual enlightenment. It is believed that when the third eye is open, a person can access deeper levels of intuition and understanding, and gain insight into the true nature of reality.- original text that was revised by my AI assistant
