Symbol of Love: Heart-Shaped Jewels for Valentine’s Day
February 14th is fast approaching, and with that comes a parade of red and pink heart-shaped jewels. Let’s learn more about this famous shape and how it became a symbol of endless love, passion, commitment and all things in between!
We are only a few rotations away from Valentine’s Day, the one day a year dedicated to celebrating all things love, especially the people we hold dear. Whether it’s a romantic partner or an important friendship that you want to shout about, a heart-shaped piece of jewellery is a go-to present for such an occasion. But why this shape? And why has it become such an icon of Saint Valentine?
The heart shape has a long and important history in the design realm that dates back hundreds of years. There are many legends about its origin– one of which states that the first version of the shape was inspired by the seeds of a plant located in modern-day Libya that was historically used as a form of birth control. Another says that its prominence comes from the Middle Ages, where drawing of the shape could be found around the texts of poets and philosophers. In any case, through the writings of these medieval poets, the heart shape has become the shape most associated with love, romance and passion.
Tiffany & Co. necklace in gold
The modern-day heart shape that we use today was first seen during the Renaissance when images of the iconic form were seen in letters sent between members of higher economic classes, as well as being included in drawings, literature and painting. One of our favourite stories about hearts in jewellery is that of the Claddagh ring, a ring style that dates back to the 17th century and which is attributed to Richard Joyce, a Galway villager whose ship was seized and he was taken into slavery by Algerian coursers who gave him to a goldsmith as an assistant. During the 14 years he was held captive, he trained in the art of goldsmithing and created a ring which he hoped to one day bring back to his beloved, who was waiting for him in the small town of Claddagh. The design consisted of a solid gold heart surrounded by two hands, topped with a crown, which he was able to give to his future bride in person after King Richard demanded that all subjects be released from service and slavery. To this day, the Claddagh ring design is an important motif in Celtic jewellery, with many using it as an engagement ring as well as a promise ring or to symbolise eternal partnership.
Another great way to include the heart shape in a piece of jewellery is through heart-shaped stones. Creating this precise gem cut is particularly challenging, as gem cutters must investigate the physical structure of the gem to ensure perfect symmetry and excellent proportions, as well as maintain the maximum amount of carat weight. Not all gem cutters can create this shape, as it requires an added course of training.
The pieces below are just a few beautiful heart-shaped creations that celebrate love, friendship and romance. Let us know which one is on your Valentine’s Day wishlist!
Never Not
Never Not
Ready to Pulse ring in rose gold with neon green and pink enamel
Caratell
Caratell
Trilogy of Rare Hues ring in gold and pink and blue diamonds
Zeemou Zeng
Zeemou Zeng
Beating Heart brooch in gold, carnelian, amethyst and chalcedony
Guzema
Guzema
Brooch in gold and diamond
Pelham
Pelham
Fortune Rainbow Pave Heart ring in gold, tsavorite, rainbow sapphire and diamond
Auroro
Auroro
Pendants in gold, tourmaline, garnet and diamond
Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany & Co.
Heart pendant in gold
Pragnell
Pragnell
Masterpiece ring in gold featuring a Mozambique ruby
Simone Jewels
Simone Jewels
Portraits of Porcelain ring in gold, heart rubellite tourmaline, white quartz and diamond
Ileana Makri
Ileana Makri
Open Your Heart pendant in gold, brown diamonds, tsavorite and sapphire
Ellie Top
Ellie Top
La Dame du lac pendant in gold, oxidised silver, opal and diamond
Genevieve Schwartz
Genevieve Schwartz
Golden Futures pendant in gold, pink tourmaline, and diamond
Fabergé
Fabergé
Heart Surprise Egg pendant in rose gold, ruby and diamond
David Webb
David Webb
Double Heart pendant necklace in gold, platinum and diamond
Chris Ploof
Chris Ploof
Damascus House Pendant with Anthony Lent Gold Heart in gold and stainless steel
Carerra Y Carrera
Carerra Y Carrera
My Angel necklace in gold and diamond
Carerra Y Carrera
Carerra Y Carrera
Heart-shaped ring in gold
Chopard
Chopard
Happy Hearts bangle in rose gold, pink opal and diamond
Loquet London
Loquet London
Heart necklace in gold with a selection of charms
Nava Joaillerie
Nava Joaillerie
Love Coeur ring in rose gold and diamond
State Property Utama
State Property Utama
Passion Red Earrings
Marina B
Marina B
Calvina ring in rose gold, rubellite and pink gemstones
Rock by GS
Rock by GS
Wonder Hearts Ring
Cédille
Cédille
Necklace Heart shape in marquise ruby
ANANYA
ANANYA
WORDS
Livia Primo Lack Watches & Jewellery journalist and content creator Livia Primo Lack has covered all matters when it comes to luxury jewels and timepieces. Through her strong background in the editorial world Livia has developed a keen eye for up-and-coming new designers as well as for exciting innovative work by iconic brands.
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