The heart is one of the most recognisable symbols in the world. Across cultures and centuries, it has represented love, affection, devotion and deep emotional connection.
From ancient beliefs about the soul to modern heart emojis ❤️, the heart shape has endured as a powerful and personal symbol — and it remains one of the most popular motifs in jewellery today.
But how did the heart come to symbolise love?
Why does this shape resonate so deeply with us?
And why has it been cherished in jewellery for centuries?
Let’s explore the fascinating history of the heart symbol and its enduring place in jewellery design.
Where Did the Heart Shape Come From?
At first glance, the familiar heart shape doesn’t look much like a real human heart — at least not on the outside. However, historians and medical experts suggest the symbol may be loosely inspired by the anatomical heart when viewed from certain angles or cut open.
According to Time Magazine, cardiologist and medical illustrator Carlos Machado noted that a heart cut open can resemble the stylised symbol we recognise today. Interestingly, animal and bird hearts — commonly dissected in medieval times when human dissection was discouraged — resemble the heart icon even more closely.
Originally, the heart symbol was almost always depicted in red, reflecting blood and life itself. As its association with love deepened, softer shades of pink became popular, reinforcing ideas of romance and affection.
The Heart in the Ancient World
Ancient Egypt
For the ancient Egyptians, the heart was far more important than the brain. They believed it was the seat of intelligence, memory and the soul. During mummification, the heart was carefully preserved inside the body because it was needed in the afterlife.
Early hieroglyphs depicted the heart as a stylised vessel — a shape that may represent one of the earliest ancestors of today’s heart symbol.
Greek Beliefs
In Greek mythology, the heart was considered the seat of the soul. It was believed that the gods could look into a person’s heart to judge their true character and intentions.
The Silphium Theory
One intriguing theory links the heart symbol to Silphium, an ancient plant once grown along the North African coast. Used widely as a contraceptive in the 1st century AD, its seed pods closely resemble the modern heart shape. Because the plant was associated with love and intimacy, the shape may have become symbolically linked to romance.
The Heart in Medieval and Renaissance Times
It wasn’t until the Middle Ages that the heart truly became a symbol of romantic love.
The earliest known depiction of a heart offered as a token of love appears in a French manuscript from around 1250, Roman de la Poire, showing a man presenting a heart-shaped object to his beloved.
Medieval beliefs held that emotions, memories and even God’s will were written inside the heart. Some stories claimed that the hearts of saints, when opened after death, revealed inscriptions expressing divine love.
By the 14th century, the heart symbol had settled into the upright shape we recognise today. Around this time:
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Geoffrey Chaucer linked Valentine’s Day with romance
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The heart appeared as a suit in playing cards
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Love tokens became increasingly symbolic
Victorian Sentimentality and the Language of Love
Victorian England embraced symbolism wholeheartedly. Jewellery, flowers and even gemstones carried coded meanings, often recorded in popular “language of flowers” books.
Valentine’s Day flourished during this era, with hand-written cards, romantic jewellery and heart motifs becoming especially popular. Hearts were used not only between lovers, but also to express loyalty, remembrance and friendship.
The Heart Symbol in Jewellery History
Witch’s Hearts & Luckenbooth Brooches
In the 14th and 15th centuries, Witch’s Heart jewellery was worn as protection against evil. These asymmetrical hearts often featured an open design and were believed to ward off harm.
In Scotland, these evolved into Luckenbooth brooches, sold near St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh. They were pinned to babies for protection and gifted between lovers as symbols of affection and good fortune.
Heart Lockets
By the 17th century, heart-shaped lockets became fashionable, often containing a lock of hair from a loved one. Additional symbols — such as crowns — were added to express loyalty or devotion.
Our Favourite Heart Necklaces for Every Occasion
Heart jewellery continues to inspire designers and wearers alike. Whether you’re looking for a classic locket, a modern pendant, or a sparkling statement piece, there’s a heart necklace to suit every style.
Here are some of our favourites from Carathea:
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Classic Heart Locket – A timeless piece to hold your loved one close.
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Diamond Pavé Heart Pendant – Soft and elegant, perfect for layering.
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Double Heart Necklace – Symbolising two hearts becoming one.
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9ct Gold Diamond Heart Necklace – A touch of sparkle for special occasions.
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Split Heart Pendant with Diamonds– A nod to loyalty and love.
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Silver & CZ Studded Heart Pendant – “Ruler of my heart” in delicate form.
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Ruby & Diamond Heart Pendant – For passion and intensity in your collection.
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Minimalist Silver Slider Heart Necklace – Subtle and everyday-ready.
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Silver & Rose Gold Double Heart Pendant – Cupid-approved for romance.
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Paperclip Link Heart Necklace with T-Bar –Make it uniquely yours with engraving.
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Tanzanite & Diamond Heart Necklace – Elegant, classic, and feminine.
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CZ Heart Necklace with Bobble Chain – Modern, playful and layered.
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Triple Charm Pearl Heart Pendant – With the charm of history.
Each necklace tells a story — a piece to gift or keep, reflecting the love and connection the heart symbol has carried through centuries.
The Heart Across Cultures
The Sacred Heart
In Catholic symbolism, the Sacred Heart represents Christ’s divine love. Depicted as a flaming heart encircled by thorns and crowned with a cross, it remains a powerful spiritual emblem.
Claddagh Jewellery
The Irish Claddagh design combines a heart (love), hands (friendship) and a crown (loyalty or sovereignty). It’s one of the most meaningful heart symbols in jewellery and remains popular worldwide. You can view our Claddagh jewellery here.
The Heart in Modern Culture
The heart symbol is everywhere today — from jewellery and tattoos to emojis and logos.
The iconic I ❤️ NY logo, designed by Milton Glaser in 1977, cemented the heart as shorthand for love in modern visual culture. Since then, hearts have been used to express affection, agreement, compassion and connection across social media and digital communication.
Heart tattoos have also grown in popularity, ranging from simple outlines to highly detailed designs symbolising love, loss or personal values.
Popular Heart Symbols in Jewellery & Their Meanings
❤️ Single Heart
Love, affection, emotional connection.
💕 Double Heart
Two hearts becoming one — unity, partnership, commitment.
👑 Heart with a Crown
“Ruler of my heart” — loyalty, devotion, sovereignty and self-worth.
💘 Heart with an Arrow
Cupid’s arrow — falling in love, desire, romantic longing.
🔥 Flaming Heart
Passion, intensity, transformative love and spiritual devotion.
The Heart as a Symbol of Love, Friendship & Wellbeing
Although most closely associated with romance, hearts have long symbolised friendship, loyalty and care between family members. They are also widely used to represent health, vitality and emotional wellbeing.
Phrases like “speaking from the heart” or “heartbroken” reflect how deeply we still associate emotions with the heart — just as ancient cultures once did.
The Heart Symbol in Modern Jewellery Design
Today, heart motifs appear in countless forms:
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Heart-shaped pendants, earrings and rings
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Engraved or gemstone-set hearts
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Charm bracelets and keepsake jewellery
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Heart-shaped engagement rings
Heart jewellery remains one of the most meaningful gifts for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries and personal milestones — or simply as a symbol of self-love.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hearts in Jewellery
What does the heart symbol mean in jewellery?
The heart symbol in jewellery traditionally represents love, affection and emotional connection. Depending on its design, it can also symbolise friendship, loyalty, devotion, protection or self-love.
When did the heart become a symbol of love?
The heart began to be widely associated with romantic love during the Middle Ages, with one of the earliest depictions appearing in a 13th-century French manuscript. Its popularity grew through medieval, Renaissance and Victorian times.
Why is heart jewellery so popular as a gift?
Heart jewellery is popular because it carries deep emotional meaning. It is often given to express love, commitment, friendship or remembrance, making it ideal for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries and meaningful occasions.
What is a heart locket used for?
Historically, heart lockets were used to hold keepsakes such as a lock of hair or miniature portrait. Today, they remain symbolic pieces representing closeness, memory and emotional bonds.
What does a heart with a crown symbolise?
A heart with a crown traditionally symbolises loyalty and devotion — often interpreted as “ruler of my heart”. It can also represent self-worth, sovereignty and emotional strength.
What does a double heart symbol mean?
A double heart symbol represents unity, partnership and two lives joined together. It is commonly used in jewellery given between couples or to celebrate lasting relationships.
Are heart symbols used outside romantic jewellery?
Yes. Hearts have historically symbolised friendship, protection, faith and wellbeing. Designs such as Claddagh rings and Luckenbooth brooches were often given between family members or friends.
In Summary
The heart symbol has travelled through centuries of belief, romance, protection and devotion. While its visual form has evolved — from ancient carvings to emojis — its meaning has remained remarkably consistent.
It is, perhaps, the most universal symbol of love we have — and one that continues to inspire jewellery designers and wearers alike.
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