Rooted in miniature painting, Lover's Eye jewels enjoyed a vogue 300 years ago thanks to a royal affair. Now they're experiencing a surprise resurgence:
The story begins with star-crossed 18th-century lovers: P
Though the secret marriage went unrecognized , the couple’s illicit exchange of jewels prompted a fervor for these mysterious miniature portraits that would last several decades. Now known as Lover’s Eyes, the jewels typically featured a watercolor portrait on ivory of a single eye belonging to a beloved, be it a spouse, a mistress, a dear relative, or a child. The jewels were often set a pins or rings even bracelets.
“The term ‘Lover’s Eye’ was coined by Madison Avenue antique dealer Edith Weber in the 20th century. She sold many of these jewels and she made up the phrase and a whole story around them to attract buyers and freely admitted to having done so,” Shushan told Artnet News. For collectors, discovering works by known artists is a rare thrill—though somewhat beside the point. Prominent collectors David and Nan Skier first encountered Lover’s Eyes in the 1980s while in Boston for a medical convention. The couple visited a nearby antique show with a booth by the one-and-only Edith Weber with Barry Weber, her son, manning the booth.
“The first ring we purchase came with a story but it also came with a warning,” Skier recalled. “The warning was: ‘please do not wash your hands while you are wearing this ring.’ The image is watercolor on ivory, and even though the image is under glass, if water gets in there, the image will wash away even though it’s 200 years old.”Princess Charlotte’s eye in a bracelet of her hair . Collection of David and Nan Skier.
“There is symbology to ivy and the act of looking through the hedges. Ivy is so strong and resilient and grows everywhere, so I could imagine it being a symbol of everlasting love, in this case” Higgs said.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Experiment Suggests That Consciousness May Be Rooted in Quantum PhysicsA controversial theory suggesting that quantum effects in the brain could explain consciousness may hold more weight than scientists originally thought.
Read more »
A new miniature microscope will help observe neuronal activity in animalsBrain researchers at UCLA have been awarded a $4 million grant for the miniscope they developed to better observe brain activity in animals.
Read more »
Pair of Mike Yastrzemski home runs lift Giants to series sweep of A’sSF Giants beat A’s with a two home run game from Mike Yastrzemski, Logan Webb gem.
Read more »
José Suarez uses new changeup to dominate in Angels victory over A’sSuarez has not allowed an earned run in his three starts since the All-Star break, covering 17-1/3 innings. He started throwing a different changeup and using his slider more recently. Luis Rengifo…
Read more »
Giants Observations: Logan Webb, Homers Fuel Series Sweep of AthleticsLogan Webb returned to ace form and the Giants’ offense did what they do best in the Bay Bridge Series finale against the A’s.
Read more »
Athletics give up three more homers, are swept by Giants in Bay Bridge SeriesThe A’s have been hurt by the long ball in losing five of their last seven games.
Read more »