Lovers’ eye miniatures are small-scale portraits of individual eyes set into various forms of jewelry dating from late 18th to early 19th-century England. A trend that began in the late 18th century with Britain’s young Prince of Wales (later George IV). 

Last year a collection of over 100 18th century eye portraits toured several American museams. The Show titled The Look of Love: Eye Miniatures from the Skier Collection was organized by Birmingham Museum of Art, There is an App created for the show that has many great examples. The App is the same title as the show The Look of Love.

Here is a New York Times review of the show:

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/03/arts/design/loving-lovers-eyes-and-loving-cereal.html?_r=0

I have begun painting my own Lovers’ eye miniatures. They are done in the traditional manor watercolor on reclaimed piano key ivory. I am offering custom eye portraits for you to exchange with your loved ones. 

Prices include a custom eye portrait on ivory from a photograph or from a sitting, a silver, 18K or mixed metal (silver and 18K) hand made case.

Silver is $900.00

Mixed metal (silver and 18K) $1800.00

18K gold $4200.00

The process of painting and making the case takes about two weeks. Please email russelljonesjewelry@gmail.com to reserve a session to have a miniature painted.