Jewel of the day: Lover’s Eye Pin, Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago

Eye miniatures were a form of sentimental jewellery popular in the 18th century. Typically, they were painted on ivory or porcelain, and showed only the eye of a lover or loved one. They are called eye miniatures or lover’s eyes, and fetch fairly healthy prices when they are found.

This reproduction piece, available from the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, is a way to satisfy the lust for a piece like this at a very inexpensive price: USD $22 for non members, $19.80 for museum members. They are made with printed mother of pearl set in gold-plated brass, measuring 1.25 inches in diameter.  There are male and female (shown below) versions.

Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art eye minature

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