I remember my elementary school days when, for Valentine’s Day, we had to create cards with renderings of hearts for our parents and if we were brave, sneak in one to those we were crushing on and visa versa—those that were hoping would grab our attention. That started my passion for the motif, which I then draw with in the center my name and the boy who stole my affection in middle school. At the same time , I purchased with my closest friend split heart sterling silver friendship pendants that are still being produced today.
It isn’t surprising that the creation of the heart shape to signify love was first reported at the end of the Middle Ages. It gained popularity in the 15th and 16th centuries and became widely used in jewelry design throughout subsequent time periods. During the 16th through 19th centuries, a range of different symbolic hearts were used as a way of communicating passion, love and a range of romantic emotions at a time when one did not express themselves so freely in words. Modern jewelers have borrowed the symbol, messages and meanings and rejuvenated the idea of this iconic motif and have been rendering styles that range from feminine yet bold to daring winning our hearts all over again. Although in the 20th century, hearts have always been associated with Valentine’s Day, they are now a popular motif that continues to evolve and what better time to purchase a unique heart piece for the person you want to communicate you feelings.
Here are a variety of hearts from which to choose for this romantic holiday.
Jacquie Aiche x Timex Valentine’s Day watch drop. This is the fifth collaboration with Timex that the uber talented designer has done and it’s offers an original spin on hearts in her iconic style. The black watch has a black mother-of-pearl dial and two tone stainless steel bracelet. The pink watch has a pink quartz diamond and a gold tone bracelet.
Anita Ko’s 18K and pave diamond Heart Ear Cuff will make the receiver of this gift’s heart skip a beat. It’s a must for anyone who wears multiple earrings.
Nak Armstrong’a 20K rose gold Melodeon Heart Pendant with green tourmaline, Ethiopian opal, and diamonds is a unexpected and inventive take on the classic heart shape.
Serpentine Jewels’ 18K yellow gold Ruby Heart Studs feature heart shaped ruby gemstones and heart shape prong setting. The rubies signify passion and anyone receiving these will feel passionate about the giver as well as the gift.
Future Fortune ‘s 18K gold Heartbreaker Locket with gold stardust finish with and Australian Opal set into the locket and a suprise diamond inside. We all love unexpected gestures and the diamond inside is a secret token of enduring love.
Sorellina’s 18K Starburst Heart Ring with heart-shaped pink sapphire and diamonds offers a chunky yet feminine ring that would look equally well on the pointer finger, right hand ring finger or pinky.
Auroro’s s one-of-a-kind 18K gold Dream In Technicolor ring with an unheated emerald cut yellow sapphire paired with a 1 heart-shaped spinel. It’s like gifting two rings in one and the mismatched textural detail renders in unique from other heart shaped jewels you will see.
Seal & Scribe’s Mon Coeur Love Shield pendant is an homage to everlasting love and affection. Based on a rare antique seal the designer Shari Cohen set into a ne-of-a-kind ring , the two flaming hearts joined together with two arrows that are connected by a chain. Above, a bough of roses. And the motto Unis Pour Toujour/United Forever. The shield is a solid piece of English hallmarked sterling silver from the U.K., hand-engraved and set into a 14K bezel. This shield has a reverse inscription of a single rose with a ribbon banner that says ‘Mon Coeur’ or ‘My Heart’.
Anne Baker’s Heart Enchancer/ Earring Jacket with a heart-shaped rubellite and ruby surround, set in 22K gold evokes a feeling that romance is in the air. It is also multifuctional and can be worn as a earring jacket over a pearl stud or as a pendant on a chain.
Yoki Collections’ pair of dimensional heart-shaped stud earrings encrusted with round-cut ruby and diamond pave set in two-tone 18K white and blackened gold. The combination of rubies and diamonds signify undying love and passion.
Borgioni offers an edgy, chic twist on both the Cuban link and the heart shaped diamond in a ring. Its slides easily on the finger and is one that the receiver of this gift might keep in her daily rotation as a stacking options or to wear on a finger alone.
Boochier’s evokes a whimsical take with it’s 18K gold diamond and pink sapphire jumbo yellow gold heart pendant. For the company, it also represents beauty, joy and love.
Buddha Mama’s rubellite 20K Heart Drop Earrings with diamonds features multiple hearts that create a linear earring with movement. They are representative of all different types of love are refreshing contemporary in their execution.
Retrouvaí ‘s 18K gold rubellite and diamond Heirloom one-of-a-kind ring pairs the surround of diamonds for eduring love with a firey red stone that speaks to lust of love.
Robinson’s Pelham’s Cupid Heart Earwish earings are designed to represent romantic love and desire, this eye-catching EarWish is made from 14K yellow gold and accented with pink t sapphires and diamonds.
Lee Jone’s 14K Small Gold Floating Heart Charm is designed to float on the chain or bracelet of your choice. It is set with a single ruby to celebrate love. The Charm can also be customized with a single gemstone of your choice, including birthstones