"""Lovers Eye"" Gems / In 1784, at age 22, the Prince of Wales, George IV, became infatuated with an older woman and widow – Maria Fitzherbert.  After his relentless pursuit, on December 15, 1785, Maria agreed to ""marry"" the smitten prince. The two were united in a form of secret,  illegal, marriage.  Why? Mrs. Fitzherbert was Catholic, quite a problem at that time. Had they officially married, he would not have become king.  The story goes the two commissioned mini eye portraits made to wear as symbols of their love."
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