Are hearts the most exciting thing happening in jewelry right now? Of course not. But just because they have powerful commercial appeal, especially in the context of Valentine’s Day, doesn’t mean they’re tragically basic. Why else would so many designers keep returning to this motif again and again?
Even the New Guard is on board. And if our industry’s young, disruptive voices, with their penchant for rough stones and blackened metals, can see the intrinsic charm of a heart shape and all that it symbolizes, then I think we need to likewise embrace it.
And embrace it I did as I curated pieces for this post, eschewing the usual Sweet Sixteen fare in favor of more interesting interpretations, with a few eternally classic wearables thrown in for those who might not get the wicked genius of Wendy Brandes’ Vampire Diana ring or Pyrrha’s talisman necklace, which was handcrafted using an authentic wax seal—very GOT.
Stud earrings in 14k yellow gold with rubies, $925; Lulu & Shay
Custom heart-in-hand necklace in 18k yellow gold with 1.75 ct. diamond, $21,000; Abby Sparks Jewelry
Charm bracelet in 14k white gold with 3-D Lucky Star Heart charm with 0.11 ct. t.w. diamonds, $2,500; Alexis Kletjian
Vampire Diana ring in satin-finished 18k yellow gold with removable silver stake, $5,000; Wendy Brandes
Classic Beaded Heart pendant in 14k rose gold with turquoise inlay, $1,250; Gigi Ferranti
Harmony ring in 14k white gold with 3.20 ct. heart-shape cabochon sapphire center stone and 0.30 ct. t.w. diamonds, $3,990; Elizabeth Buenaventura
Tiny Treasures pendants in 18k white or yellow gold, $440 each; Roberto Coin
Infinite Love earrings in 18k rose gold with rhodolite garnets, $1,095; Links of London
Heart Lock talisman necklace in sterling silver and 14k gold with “La Clef Est Y Vous” (“The Key Is Yours”) inscription, $320; Pyrrha
Antique platinum ring with circa-1900s diamond center stone framed in calibré-cut synthetic and authentic sapphires, with single-cut diamonds along the shoulders, $13,900; Jewels by Grace
Necklace in sterling silver with pink corundum and pink crystal hearts, $250; Judith Ripka
Nura Mini Heart bracelet in 18k rose gold vermeil over sterling silver with 0.11 ct. t.w. diamonds, $395; Monica Vinader
Heart & Arrow ring in sterling silver with diamonds, $130; Rogers & Hollands
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