Collectible Antique Jewelry Archives -

You must know by now I’m a huge fan of vintage anything…have been all my life….collecting is a relaxing pastime of mine. What better way to indulge my passion than by seeing what is up with the RANDOLPH STREET MARKET!

Just look at this line up from mid-September through mid-December. Their most diverse and exciting season ever! The place to go for the best vintage since 2003! Its not only clothing, jewelry, accessories, home goods, books, vinyl and the list goes on but also fabulous food, drink and music…what’s not to like…silly me, nothing! Get you calendar boldly marked for each of these not to be missed events. I promise you won’t be disappointed. I think the most fun is engaging in conversation with the diverse vendors/collectors to learn more about their passions and yours! And remember when you see something you like grab it or someone else will!

We have a Chicago treasure in the incredible Sally Schwartz who makes all this magic happen! Let’s get ready to take a trip down memory lane…remember everything old is new again….hurrah for nostalgia!

I’ve been fascinated by Lover’s Eye jewelry ever since I saw a collection at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum many years ago. And what better time to do a post on this unique short lived Georgian jewelry craze (1790-1820) than now when we are masked and can only see our loved ones, actually everyone’s, eyes! Perhaps a revival is in order, we all can use a bit of romance in our lives!

The story has a romantic beginning and takes us to the court of the future King George IV of England, then the Prince of Wales, and his secret lover, Maria Fitzherbert.

Since Mrs. Fitzherbert was divorced it would prove difficult for them to be married. After many proposals, George sent her a locket containing a portrait of his eye, along with the note: “P.S. I send you a parcel … and I send you at the same time an Eye, if you have not totally forgot the whole countenance. I think the likeness will strike you.”

She replied to the sent image with a portrait of her own eye. They were married in a secret ceremony.

Most of the miniatures are painted in watercolor on ivory or gouache on card, the miniatures were set in pins, rings, and lockets for women and various containers such as snuff boxes or stick pins for men. Usually a decorative border of burnished or engraved gold, gems or pearls surround the portrait and often a hair compartment was included to hold a loved one’s hair. Obviously very intimate and meant for the recipient “eyes” only, they were small and to be concealed.