The sentimental symbol makes a meaningful statement either for lovers exchanging presents on the commercially designated day of romance or for self-purchasing consumers looking for a new ornament to cherish.
However one feels about Valentine’s Day, heart jewels are an indispensable offering in retailers’ showcases. From classic to modern interpretations, they are year-round covetable items.
Antique heart jewels — think Victorian lockets that can contain a picture or a strand of hair to funky contemporary enamel pendants — feel timelessly seductive. Vintage dealers Fred Leighton in New York and Hancocks in London both have a lovely selection of 19th-century romantic items that have passed the test of time. At Clive Davis’s recent Salute to Industry Icons Pre-Grammy Gala, singer Lana Del Rey wore a red enamel heart and snake pendant from Fred Leighton, on a velvet ribbon, to stunning effect.
Contemporary designers are playing with the heart motif using delicate pastel gemstones or vibrant enamel, enchanting floral patterns or textured gold. Emily P. Wheeler’s Queen of Heart earrings set with pink opal are an example of doing hearts in a playful way. The romantic rendering would have looked perfect on Margot Robbie in the Barbie movie. Meanwhile NeverNot’s signature bright enamel gives a pop art vibe to the motif with chunky rings and fun pendants.
Even more than celebrating February 14th, heart jewels are the ideal gift for the self-purchasing collector. Jewels Aficionado’s Self Love series of elegant heart-shaped pendants with diamond-set letters, Seal & Scribe’s Love Letters collection featuring Victorian and Georgian symbolic seals, or Toni Lynn’s Healing Heart pieces with a witty bandage to mend a heartbreak are a few examples of how consumers can express their individuality and love of jewelry.
Main image: Daniela Villegas Saraswati ring in 18-karat rose gold set with purple tourmaline, and pink sapphires. (Daniela Villegas)
Comments are closed.