“Heart” is a word that has been used to describe love throughout history. It’s difficult to picture the world of jewellery without it, whether it’s a heart-shaped ring, pendant, or gemstones. Let’s take a look back at what happened to get us here.
The earliest evidence goes back to the 13th century and is found in Thibaut’s 13th-century French work “Roman de la Poire”, which means “Romance of the Pear”. It is this well-known parable that gave rise to the heart emblem we know today.
15th & 16th Centuries
Mary Queen of Scots is said to have sent England’s Queen Elizabeth I a heart-shaped diamond ring around 1562. This gesture is remembered as one of the most fervent expressions of royal friendliness and goodwill. Because this is the most well-known early diamond heart reference, historians believe the diamond heart became connected with love and admiration around this time. George Buchanan, a 16th-century Scottish historian, penned two Latin epigrams about Mary’s diamond ring presents to Elizabeth. Sir Thomas Warner, a captain in the royal guards, was claimed to have received one of the rings with a heart-shaped diamond from King James.
17th & 18th Centuries
With the development of witchcraft in the 17th and 18th centuries, the emblem was incorporated into twisted heart brooches known as “the witches’ heart”.
Clean, symmetrical heart pendants are becoming popular all around the world. By the 18th century, however, the twisted heart had come to symbolise “bewitched by love”, and a double heart had come to represent a committed partnership.
19th & 20th Centuries
Queen Victoria is credited with popularising the heart motif through her prominent bracelet, which had hearts that were said to represent her children. Fashionistas of the time followed the Queen’s lead, and charm jewellery and hearts quickly became trendy.
The famed “Hope Gem” was the genuine blue diamond that inspired the creation of “Le Cur de la Mer”. The royal collection of Louis XIV included this 45.52ct blue diamond.
At Tim&Co., you’ll find not just pieces fit for special occasions, but also versions that may be mixed and matched with other pieces in your jewellery collection.
