Eye miniatures, often referred to as "Lover’s Eye" jewelry, are one of the most fascinating and mysterious trends in antique jewelry history. These small yet highly detailed paintings of a single eye were popular during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, often set into brooches, rings, lockets, or bracelets. Their origins are intertwined with secret romance, royalty, and sentimental keepsakes.

Most Common Vintage Designer Jewelry to Find While Thrifting

Thrifting for vintage jewelry can be a treasure hunt, and if you know what to look for, you can find stunning designer pieces at a fraction of their value. While high-end brands like Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels are rare, there are many well-known vintage jewelry designers whose pieces still frequently turn up at thrift stores, estate sales, and flea markets.

Here’s a list of some of the most common vintage designer jewelry brands you’re likely to find while thrifting, along with key things to look for.

The first blog post in a series of blog posts to document this ride.