Joden Girl

Baubles and Bling with Unbelievable Pricing

Today, we’re sharing a small part of a love story that’s nearly two hundred years old.  In the early 1800’s (most likely 1835-1840), it became fashionable to wear a piece of jewelry that hinted at a secret love affair.  Incredibly intimate, these treasures were usually brooches although a few rings, bracelets and lockets were also created.  These meaningful tokens were small oil paintings that depicted just one thing…  a miniature portrait of their loved one’s eye.  This clever bit of subterfuge kept the person close without disclosing their true identity. 

Commonly referred to as “lovers eyes”, these pieces were most often worn my men.  Pinned to a shoulder, lapel, scarf, sleeve, or even a hat – these dainty masterpieces were popular from 1785-1850.  Quite rare, just a few of these antique beauties are available for purchase.  We have only ever had two or three of them, including this one.  Measuring just over an inch wide and just shy of an inch tall, this lovely brooch is comprised of yellow gold.  Unmarked, the metal tests 12-karat on the XRF analyzer ( x-ray fluorescence analyzer that determines the elemental composition of a piece).  Twenty-nine creamy pearls surround the painting itself which highlights a single right eye.  The iris is dark brown in color as is the eyebrow and hair that has been swept back from the alabaster face.  

When viewed from behind, more details are revealed.  A lock of that chestnut brown hair has been plaited and saved beneath a tiny piece of glass with a soft beveled edge.  The pin stem is heavy and extends beyond the edge of the brooch.  A coiled wire in the shape of a “C” forms the catch that holds the hinged pin stem.  Both of these particulars further confirm that this piece was made in the early 1800’s.  This brooch has been on our site for a considerable amount of time – years, in fact.  And while we have been great custodians of this nearly two-hundred-year-old treasure, it’s time for it to find a forever home.  Lovers eyes are highly collectible and sought out by a select group of historians, connoisseurs, and true romantics. The previous price was $5,500.00.  In an endeavor to find a recipient who values it as much as the person who originally commissioned it, we are now offering it for just $2,200… a fraction of the original price.  

As I mentioned, it has been exceptionally well cared for and remains in excellent condition.  One tiny gold ring is visible at the top edge of the frame.  At one time, there was most likely a bail here so that it could also be worn as a pendant.  Though it would not be original, another ring or a bail could be added with no problem.  This one-of-a-kind jewel now has an incredible price drop.  If you’ve been looking for something special to add to your collection, this just might be it.  It’s available on our site or in the store.

“You can go to a museum and look, or come to us and touch.”

Written by Carrie Martin

Photography by Dana Jerpe