The heart is perhaps the most recognisable symbol in the world. It is a sign of love, of feelings and of everything a person carries deep inside.
From Egypt to the Middle Ages
The ancient Egyptians believed that the soul and conscience lived in the heart. After death it was weighed against a feather of the goddess Maat – a light heart opened the way to eternal life. The familiar heart shape appeared in medieval drawings and manuscripts and has remained the sign of love ever since.
The heart as a gift
In the 19th century heart-shaped lockets became a favourite gift – they held a photograph or a lock of hair of a loved one. And the Irish Claddagh ring combines a heart, a crown and two hands – love, loyalty and friendship.
Symbolism
A heart jewel says without words:
- I love you – to a partner, a child or a friend;
- gratitude and tenderness;
- loyalty and closeness that need no explanation.
The heart in jewellery
The heart is universal – it looks just as good as a small everyday pendant as in an elegant necklace with crystals. A heart jewel is a classic gift for Valentine’s Day, an anniversary or a birthday.
