Heart-shaped boxes, candy hearts, red roses and Cupid are synonymous with Valentine’s Day and romance. And of course, bejewelled hearts.
But, wait. Perhaps the object of your affection has a penchant for the unconventional. And there are plenty of other jewellery motifs that offer their own interpretation of love and romance – other than the traditional heart – that can be just as exquisite.
A Diamond ‘Petals Key’ Pendant Necklace, by Tiffany & Co. Sold at Dupuis June 2013.
Worn in jewellery, a key can symbolize abundance and possibility, attracting good fortune. They can also represent security, as in gifting someone the key to your heart. Keys are also symbolic of the beginning of a journey, a reveal, a pathway.
In the Victorian era, locks and keys depicted secret romance – women wore pendants and charms with lock motifs to protect their love while their men would hold onto the keys.
A Diamond and White Gold Necklace by Fred, June 2018, sold for $11,000.
As ancient talismans, crescent moons and stars are symbolic of the union of men and women. The moon also represents women empowerment, illumination, life cycles and change. It can also be quite a sentimental statement: even through all its phases the moon is a constant presence.
Just think of the phrases, “I love you to the moon and back” and “You are my sun, my moon and my stars…”
A Diamond Arrow Brooch, November 2017, sold for $3,000.
The arrow undoubtedly makes a powerful statement. It’s a symbolic representation of protection. It can also signify moving forward in life. Arrows are traditional hunting tools and you may even think of Cupid’s bow aimed at its target – ready to capture the heart of your beloved.
Arrows in jewellery are most commonly seen on brooches, jabot pins, cufflinks, rings and earrings and they can also hang as charms.
A Kunzite, Diamond and Gold Ring, June 2019, sold for $3,400.
Rose gold and pink gemstones, such as morganite, kunzite or pink sapphires, as well as ruby or garnet can also make fabulous Valentine-themed jewellery gifts. Amethyst, the birthstone for the month of February is another fine option.
Jewels by Cartier, Chopard and Tiffany & Co., from previous auctions.
Cartier did a series of rolling rings inscribed ‘Or Amour et Trinity’ and the ever-popular tricoloured Trinity ring with ntertwined bands symbolizes fidelity, friendship and love. And their LOVE bangle requires two significant participants. Tiffany & Co., offers the word Love written in Paloma Picasso’s script, reminiscent of graffiti; Elsa Peretti’s designs offer an extensive series of ‘Open Heart’ motifs and a version of the ‘Etolie’ ring with overlapping attached bands certainly reminds us of a degree of close proximity. When “love is in the air” and you’re “floating on cloud nine”, Chopard’s floating ‘Happy Diamonds’ are perfect.
If you or your amour are a traditionalist at heart after all, there are classic romantic symbols in jewellery to depict your love, including knots, lockets, eternity bands and Toi et Moi motifs. Whatever you choose to gift that someone special this February 14, heart-shaped or otherwise, it’s the meaning and thought that makes it truly special.
