The Eyes Have It!

We depend on our eyes more than any of our five senses. So of course much attention is focused on aiding and enhancing our sight. Victorian women were known for sporting long gold chains that were either looped or draped across the front of their gorgeous dresses. Watches, lockets or magnifiers were often suspended from these fabulous chains. This charming gold and mother-of-pearl treasure features a beautiful petit point flower. I can just imagine the well-dressed lady that wore it with such grace.

 
This is a folding lorgnette that can be worn or carried. 

Ladies of the period would not wear glasses but would use the lorgnette or magnifier to see more clearly.

These lovely mother-of-pearl opera glasses would be tucked into a lady’s evening bag and then taken out to use during the performances.

These were just as much decorative as utilitarian.

Now, let’s play I spy. Do you spy two eyes in this picture? These are Georgian lover’s eye pins.

This one has an intricate gold casing. They feature just the eye so they can be worn without disclosing the identity of the secret lover.

This one is encircled by garnets. They were also made into rings as well.

Can you guess this one? It is an old eyewash cup in cobalt blue. You would fill it with water or medicine, place it over the eye with one hand and hold the eye open with the other.

 This type of eyeglass is called a “pince-nez”. They fit tightly on the nose with no handles.

 They, too, fold and fasten with a clasp that can be suspended on a chain.

A pair of early wire framed glasses.

 Notice the small size that speaks to the small stature of people during the past century.

 This stereoscope is the Victorian home theatre. You could purchase scenes of famous sites and enjoy viewing them at home. 

 This view is the Winter Palace of the Czar of Russia.

Let’s end with this man’s pince-nez with attached ear hook, displayed on my favorite eyeglass holder, that also has storage for false teeth. It always makes me smile.

Hugs,

 Patti & Paula


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