Lover's Eye Journal Embellishment

In the later part of the 18th Century, the Prince Regent, led my his ardent admiration for Mrs. Maria Anne Fitzherbert, created a trend for an item of jewellery which came to be known as The Lover’s Eye.

Mrs. Fitzherbert, deemed an unacceptable match for the Prince, fled the country after his proposal, causing the Prince, in a fit of desperation to send a small painting of his eye, fashioned into a brooch. Many began to emulate the Prince’s unique gift, bestowing their family members or lovers with these same tokens of affection, among them jewelled and ornate lockets, rings and pendants as well as brooches. Some gave these mementos to their families when a long separation was to occur, for example, sons in the military, daughters newly married and living far. Those belonging to lovers were usually pinned inside a lapel where they were able to “look into the eye” of their beloved.

A trend for Lover's Eye Jewellery is on the rise, many examples of this art may be found on Etsy.

For this swap, we shall create a lover’s eye “brooch” This will not be an actual piece of jewellery, but an embellishment for our journals. You may use a photo of your own or a family member’s eye, you may draw or paint an eye, use a magazine clipping to create your embellishment, or if you are inclined you may source an “eye” from a period painting. Decorate it to look like a brooch, with a fancy border. You may attach a paper clip to your creation, but if it is easier and less expensive to send without, that is acceptable also.

The Details

For this swap, we will have one partner. We will be creating a small journal embellishment that resembles an item of jewellery called The Lover’s Eye. This should be no smaller than 1 ½ inches (38 mm)wide by 1 inch high(25 mm), but keep in mind, it was a delicate item of jewellery so should not be larger than 2 ½ inches (63 mm)wide by 1 ½ inches high(38 mm). Let’s take our time with this and make it a focal point for our partner’s journal. You may send a note in character to accompany your embellishment but it is not mandatory in this swap, a note from you is all that is required. Remember to include your user name and the name of the swap.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any queries.