Irish and English Miniatures 1640 -1800
The Enamel Portrait as Jewellery
'Of all the miniature techniques, these enamel miniatures were best suited to be worn as personal adornment. Most enamels of this type were set in gold pendants. Less commonly, they are found in lockets, brooches, rings, chatelaines, earrings or bracelets. In this period, even buttons, fans and buckles were decorated with enamel portraits. Though it was common for gold settings to be elaborately embellished with jewels, the most common type of setting which survives is the plain oval pendant with a clasp of decorative scroll work. These would have been worn around the neck on a gold chain, ribbon or cord. This explains why the miniature was commonly worn as an object of adornment, a fashionable accessory and piece of jewellery.'

Caffrey, P. (2000) Treasures to Hold, Irish and English Miniatures 1650-1850, National Galley of Ireland