A Brief History of Heart-Shaped Jewelry

Heart-shaped jewelry should be in every woman’s collection. These symbolic pieces of jewelry are commonly purchased around Valentine’s Day, where the heart has become a part of the holiday. But, when did heart-shaped jewelry begin adorning the necks, wrists, ears, and fingers of the world? Noe’s Jewelry is here to provide you with a bit of history on heart-shaped jewelry.

As a symbol of enduring love and romance, heart-shaped jewelry was first reported near the end of the Middle Ages. During the 15th and 16th centuries, it grew in popularity and eventually became widely used in jewelry.

When the story of King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson started in the early 20th century, it was revealed that one of the first pieces of jewelry the King presented Simpson was a heart charm made by Cartier. The charm opened to reveal the inscription, “The Heart Has Its Reasons,” which is a line from Blaise Pascal. The King even abdicated the throne to be with the woman who he called his true love. This story of true love only helped to further solidify the heart as a symbol of love to all.

Over the centuries, heart-shaped jewelry has taken on many forms. Originally, the heart shape that we love didn’t exist. In the first pieces of heart-shaped jewelry, the hearts were more pear-shaped. Over time, this evolved into a more oval shape, and eventually, the heart shape that we are familiar with began to take hold.

Designs of heart-shaped jewelry also changed a lot over time. In the early 1800s, heart-shaped lockets were extremely popular gifts that gave people a way to share a memory of a loved one and keep it near. Entwined and double hearts were also popular symbols of everlasting love. Double hearts with a crown were also popular and symbolized the “reigning of fidelity over a marriage.” In 1964, poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s engagement ring was a crowned diamond heart.

Heart-shaped diamonds are now popular, too. These diamonds are not only given at Valentine’s Day, but they have also become sought-after in engagement rings. The diamond cut is not an easy one to make, which makes these diamonds even more special.

Noe’s Jewelry has a variety of heart-shaped pieces that are perfect for the people you love this Valentine’s Day. From necklaces and bracelets to rings and earrings, Noe’s has an unbeatable selection in a variety of price ranges. If you are shopping for one of those women who aren’t fans of heart-shaped jewelry, a Noe’s associate can help you pick out something else, too.

This Raymore, Missouri, jewelry store has the perfect piece of jewelry for everyone. If you need help selecting a piece, an associate at Noe’s can help. Call Noe’s Jewelry today at 816-322-7227 to get started on selecting the perfect Valentine’s Day piece for your beloved.