ABOUT:
This is the first time I've been able to offer one of these in the shop which is pretty exciting! : )
A scarce and collectible "lover's eye" ring from the mid 1800s. This sturdy ring has a rectangular face with the textbook floral embossed design we see in Georgian and Victorian era jewelry creating a raised halo around the eye. The hand painted portrait is within the ring face, almost appearing like a locket ring.
These rings have an almost secretive quality in their making where only the eye (rather than someone's entire face) is shown. The identify of the eye was known by the giver and receiver of the ring, both given and worn as an expression of devotion. Certainly a romantic piece!
Found in England with old 15 CT stamps inside for 15k gold. The fabrication is beautiful in its own right, with the small hand painted eye being a unique added detail discovered upon closer inspection.
Antique box is not included. Please note the measurements as I have small fingers and it can be difficult to determine scale from pictures.
MEASUREMENTS:
Size: 8 1/4
Weight: 5.7g
Ring face measurement: 18x12mm
Height off the finger: 5mm
Portrait size: 10x4mm
IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
The ring looks almost like a locket ring but does not open. The piece has lovely patina to the gold. Some nicks to the panel but still quite legible. When studying the ring face up close and from the side, you can see a gap between the panel and embossed frame, but the piece does not rattle or move. Under magnification only you can see some nibbles around the outside edge of the panel. Some cloudiness there too but I did not attempt to clean it and there is no muddiness or major deterioration which is nice to see. This is one you'd want to remove before washing hands.
Please note that all my pieces are pre-owned and in estate condition. They will have patina, surface wear, a few small nicks. These pieces may also have evidence of a sizing, some build up around the stones and / or inclusions seen under magnification, typical for antique pieces. I have mentioned any noticeable issues above and they are all still wearable and eager to be loved and accepted for many years to come, (the preservation of antique jewelry, even those with signs of their age and history, is important to me. : )
But - Please note due to age, this piece is not in mint condition. Pictures also serve as part of the description and condition report so please utilize the zoom feature which will magnify any wear significantly more than what is visible to the eye while wearing : )
SOCIAL:
Please feel free watch @mouseshouseantiques on Instagram for inventory drops, sneak peaks and previews! And check out my website www.MousesHouseAntiques.com as I can add more pics there so you can get extra looks : )
Box#m.^42
