Details
An exceptionally rare antique Lovers’ Eye ring featuring a hand-painted eye miniature attributed to Sir Edwin Henry Landseer RA (1802–1873), one of Britain's most celebrated artists. Admired by Queen Victoria, Landseer is best known for his acclaimed animal paintings, including The Monarch of the Glen, and the iconic bronze lions at the base of Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square.
The finely painted eye miniature is protected beneath a glass window and set within a substantial 18ct yellow gold circular gallery. A border of rich blue enamel, symbolising fidelity, surrounds eight hand-cut old mine diamonds (approx. 1.20ct total), forming a striking guiding star motif, associated with eternal love and devotion. The reverse is engraved with ornate scrollwork and the inscription "Eye Miniature of Sir Edwin Landseer, R.A." As Landseer was elected a Royal Academician in 1831, the inscription dates the piece to around the late Georgian/ early Victorian period.
The ring's original story remains unknown, but Lovers’ Eye jewellery was a fashionable and deeply romantic token in the early 19th Century, exchanged between spouses and secret lovers. Given Landseer's famously long and passionate relationship with Georgiana, Duchess of Bedford, it is possible this miniature was commissioned as an intimate keepsake for her.
This museum-worthy collector's piece remains in excellent condition and comes with an antique ring box to store it in. A truly one-of-a-kind find for art history collectors and admirers of romantic sentimental jewellery.
WEIGHT: 15.4 grams
SIZE: L ½ (UK), 6 ¼ (US) - Can be sized, we offer this service for free, it takes approx. 1-2 weeks to complete.
MEASURES: Gallery Height 26mm x Width 26mm x Depth 6mm – Band Width 2mm - Miniature 12 x 12mm
METAL: Yellow Gold (Tested 18ct)
STONES: Diamonds (approx. 3mm, 0.15ct each – 1.20ct total)
DIAMOND GRADE: SI 1 clarity – H colour
AGE: Georgian. (Circa 1830 - 1840)
MARKS: Inscription: “Eye Miniature of Sir Edwin Landseer, R.A.” - No hallmarks, typical for items made before hallmarking legislation was introduced.
CONDITION: Excellent, wear commensurate with age.
ITEM NUMBER: AJ840
