Lover's Eye Ring

"Eye" Miniature, 1790, watercolor on ivory

Unknown British maker, Collection of the Mint Museum of Art

I think this idea is fabulous---carrying a ring with your lover's eye painted on it....not so much for the suggestion, but for the sentiment. According to the Mint, this "vogue was said to have been begun by Mrs. Fitzherbert, the paramour of the man who would one day become King George IV of England." This has always been one of my favorites at the Mint; so tiny it's easy to miss. I couldn't find it on my last visit, so it must be in storage.