Antique & Vintage Heart Shaped Diamond Rings

Vintage Heart Shaped Jewellery

Discover Our Collection of Vintage Heart Shaped Engagement Rings and Jewellery

Heart shaped jewellery has been an incredibly popular choice for tokens of love and engagement rings for many centuries. Some heart shaped jewellery and amulets have been found in Ancient Egypt, however, its earliest use as a typical symbol of love was during the 14th and 15th centuries. It was during this century that heart shaped jewellery would become extremely popular.

Heart shaped jewellery made its debut between the 1300s and 1400s, at sometime around the late medieval period. The earliest known depiction of a heart shaped diamond was in the ‘Roman de la Poire’ manuscript of the 13th Century, in a scene of courtly love. Heart shaped engagement rings and brooches were often used as tokens of courtly love and talked about in poetry from the period, with poetry inscribed on the metalwork. Heart shaped jewellery was one of the symbols of courtly love in literature all the way up until the 16th Century. Heart shaped diamonds and lockets were often presented to noble women as a token of love. Following on from this period, heart shaped jewellery as a token of love would remain popular throughout the ages.

One of the most infamous pieces of heart shaped jewellery from the 16th Century was found in around 1562 when Mary Queen of Scots possibly sent heart shaped diamond rings to the Queen of England. This depiction of heart shaped jewellery in poems and epigrams of the time is one of the earliest mentions of heart shaped jewellery.

During the 17th Century, heart shaped jewellery took on a new meaning. Heart shaped jewellery during this period was often used as a talisman to ward off evil spirits. This was a common practice in Scotland particularly, and these brooches were known as ‘witches heart’ or ‘Luckenbooth’ charms. While this trend was very popular, the heart symbol would remain a powerful symbol of love.

Heart shaped jewellery as a symbol of everlasting love would explode into popularity again during the Victorian era. Queen Victoria is said to have had a bracelet with multiple heart shaped charms, one for each of her children. Fashionable women of the period would soon follow her lead, and heart shaped engagement rings would become extremely popular. Heart shaped jewellery has been known as a symbol of love ever since.

Victorian rings used a lot of heart motifs, and jewellery has continued this trend up until the modern day. Heart shaped jewellery would continue to be popular throughout the 20th Century, right to the modern day. Many prominent women throughout history have received a heart shaped engagement ring or jewellery, such as Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Wallis Simpson, Elizabeth Taylor, Lady Gaga, and Gwen Stefani. Heart shaped engagement rings and jewellery have long been considered a beautiful token of love and admiration.

If any of our heart shaped jewellery or engagement rings catches your eye, please get in touch with us here online, or visit us in person at our Hatton Garden showroom.

FAQs

What is the history of heart shaped jewellery?

Heart shaped jewellery has been popular for hundreds of years. Early forms of heart shaped jewellery have been found in Ancient Egypt, however, they are most commonly found in the Mediaeval period. One of the earliest mentions of heart shaped jewellery could be found in the 13th Century manuscript, the ‘Roman de la Poire.’ Between the 13th and 16th Centuries, they were a symbol of courtly love and romance. Heart shaped jewellery has taken on other meanings throughout history, however, the idea that they symbolise deep love still remains today. Hundreds of years later, heart shaped engagement rings are an incredibly popular choice for young couples.

When were heart shaped diamonds popular?

Heart shaped diamond jewellery has had varying levels of popularity throughout the ages. Heart shaped jewellery was incredibly popular between the 13th and 16th Centuries, acting as a symbol of courtly love and deep affection. They were incredibly popular among noble women. Heart shaped jewellery would also be popular during the 17th Century for a different reason - they were considered talismans against evil spirits. This was a particular trend in Scotland, however, before long heart shaped jewellery would soon become a symbol of love again. The Victorian era saw heart shaped jewellery become a long lasting token of love, as Queen Victoria popularised it once again by having a bracelet with heart charms. Each of these charms represented one of her children. Since then, heart shaped engagement rings and jewellery have been incredibly popular as a token of love.

What does a heart shaped engagement ring mean?

Heart shaped engagement rings often symbolise deep love, romance and affection. For many centuries, heart shaped jewellery and diamonds have been given as a love token. Between the 13th and 16th Centuries, heart shaped jewellery was used as a symbol of literary courtly love, and was often given to noble women. However, throughout the ages, it has evolved into a symbol of all kinds of love - Queen Victoria had heart shaped jewellery dedicated to her children. However, heart shaped engagement rings often symbolise intense and unwavering love, making them a very popular choice.

Is heart cut diamond rare?

Heart shaped diamonds are quite rare, and are some of the lesser produced diamond shapes on the market. Heart shaped jewellery is somewhat rare, because producing heart diamonds takes a lot of craftsmanship and expertise. Cutting heart diamonds well can be difficult, because symmetry and precision is very important. However, their scarcity and rarity makes heart shaped engagement rings a beautiful selection to celebrate romantic love. Despite being quite rare, heart shaped engagement rings are a very popular choice due to their long standing symbolism of deep love.

Are heart shaped diamonds more expensive?

Heart shaped diamonds can be more expensive, because they often take a high level of expertise and artistry to produce. Cutting heart shaped jewellery can be difficult, because a high level of symmetry and cutting precision is needed. However, heart shaped jewellery is a very good investment, because of its rarity and beauty. If you’re looking for a heart shaped engagement ring or heart shaped jewellery, please peruse our collection. If any of our stunning vintage pieces catches your eye, please get in touch with us online.