- Earring/brooch. SINGLE PIECE.
- Measurements: Width: 25mm | Height: 60mm
- 1 white cultured pearl: Ø8mm
- Available in solid 925 sterling silver, 18Kt gold-plated 925 silver with 3 microns & solid 18Kt gold.
Handcrafted in Cordoba, South of Spain.
In 1784, the Prince of Wales fell madly in love with Maria Fitzherbert, but the royal court did not approve of their union. When the future English king George IV asked for her hand in marriage, Maria rejected him. She only accepted after his second proposal where, instead of a ring, the Prince gifted her with a brooch on which he had commissioned a miniature painting of his eye.
Shortly after their marriage, Maria reciprocated the present with another piece, the portrait of her own eye.
This proof of love that the Prince used to hide underneath his lapel inspired the English nobility of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Couples would exchange discreet watercolours painted on ivory that showed only an eye in order to hide the identity and preserve the decorum of the lover. The majority were small brooches.
The piece LOVER’S EYE is designed for an ambivalent use as earring or brooch. Inspired by the story of the eye of the lover, it represents an eye modelled in precious metal from which a cultivated white pearl hangs as symbol of a tear.
~This piece was selected as part of the exhibition 'Denisova Project. Past & present through jewelry' at the National Museum of Decorative Arts in Madrid. From 6 Sep - 8 Oct 2022.
*When out of stock, for pre-order: The craftsmanship time takes and estimate of 3/4 weeks before shipping. As soon as your pieces are ready, we will let you know.
Thank you very much for your support and patience.
Please contact hello@santavanitas.com for any further information.