The Backstreet Boys wanted us to quit playing games with the heart. Janis Joplin gave us a piece of her heart. Selena Gomez sang about the heart wanting what it wants. And while these generation-spanning tunes all speak of love — or lack thereof — musicians, artists, writers and poets all, for better or worse, immortalize the heart.
The symbol itself appears on valentines, necklaces, emojis, T-shirts, stained-glass church windows — you name it. The ubiquitous sign of love. But what is the true meaning of the heart symbol? And why does the heart symbol look nothing like an actual aorta? Here’s a brief, heartfelt (pun intended) history of the heart symbol, why we use it and a few of our favorite heart-shaped jewelry pieces.
the history of heart symbol jewelry
There are many speculative interpretations of why the heart symbol looks the way it does and how it got its shape. Some say the shape comes from plants found in ancient cultures. Others, like Aristotle, mistakenly believed the heart had three cavities. Regardless of its origins, however, heart-shaped jewelry first took hold in the 15th or 16th century; and since then the heart symbol has been widely used everywhere, proving its eternal popularity.
gifting heart jewelry
When you present heart-shaped jewelry to a loved one, it can mean many different things — love, admiration, acceptance, friendship or general well wishes. Read on for ideas to incorporate the right heart symbolism in your jeweled selection.
our favorite heart jewelry picks
Looking for an anniversary gift for a significant other or spouse? Want a heart-shaped gift to show yourself a little love? Need something for those ride-or-die friends in your life? Here are a few ways Helzberg Diamonds can help you spread a little love:
falling hearts
In addition to whispering sweet nothings, help pair their favorite date-night outfit with these brilliant moissanite drop earrings with three heart-shaped stones. Or look for other heart earring options that speak to the soul.
heartbeat to heartbeat
They make your heart go pitter patter, so why not choose a necklace that mesmerizes with the brilliance of exquisite diamonds? Choose any necklace in The Beat of Your Heart® collection to give any love of your life eternal butterflies.
best buds
Engraveable friendship necklaces are the right move for besties. Up the ante with sterling silver heart pendants that speak to the bond you two share. Add names in a variety of fonts and maybe even gemstones if you’re feeling a bit extra about your unbreakable bond.
heart to heart
Hold out your heart when you propose with a moissanite heart ring, featuring a heart-shaped halo center stone surrounded by a sparkling moissanite-pavé split-shank band.
to infinity and beyond
Give yourself or a dear friend an everyday heart bracelet featuring a linked band complete with a diamond infinity symbol connected to a sterling silver heart.
In the words of the Beatles, “All you need is love” and “love is all you need” ... but we could all use a little heart symbolism in our jewelry collection too, so shop our array of heart-shaped jewelry at Helzberg Diamonds.
