HAVE A HEART

The heart as the most universal motif of love, has, throughout time, become the iconic symbol of Valentine’s Day. Heart-shaped cards and candies are given to relate various levels of affection. Although, I am not one to turn down confectionery treats, I prefer the imagery that first became associated with romance at the end of the Middle Ages, crafted in precious gemstones and gold that I can wear as earrings, pendants or rings. And, over the past several years, independent designers have revamped and revived hearts as one of the most popular and relevant motifs in contemporary jewelry. Even women who weren’t fans have been wooed by feminine, bold, daring, edgy or chic styles that are on the market today.

Here are some to consider for 2026 Valentine’s Day Gifts:

Rachel Quinn’s 18K gold Ruby Heart Bubble Bath Ring. Playful and one-of-a-kind it features a rich ruby heart soaking in a sea of pink sapphire suds.

Nak Armstrong’s intricately designed, mosaic-inspired, 20K one-of-a-kind rose gold heart featuring emeralds, various tourmalines, Ethiopian opals and diamonds.

Borgioni’s 18K gold diamond heart stud and ear cuff speaks to edgy femininity.

Atelier Liya’s 18K gold pendant with coral heart center on one side and the words LOVE spelled out in diamonds on the other is a reversible piece that is as versatile as it is romantic. 

Joanna Dahdah’s 18K gold ruby heart symbolizes love, unity and strength for the designer. The rubies also signify passion and the diamond bale, enduring love. 

AnaKatarina’s 18K yellow gold Pierce Your Heart necklace featuring inverted diamonds and inverted ombré pink sapphires. The designer explains, “It was inspired by an antique arrow piercing a heart and how love pierces us all, yet we still dare to love deeply,” She added the spikes as both a nod to Victorian cupid imagery and an 80s punk rock attitude. 

Eden Presley’s 14K gold Only Love Ring is featured in chrysocolla as the main stone with turquoise, opal and diamond surround. It can be designed with any center stone depending on the sentiment and message you want to send.

Moritz Glik’s 18K gold Afeto 'Heart-in-heart' Paraiba Necklace is set with Paraiba tourmalines and diamonds enclosed in a Kaleidoscope Shaker™. The meaning of this limited edition piece  speaks to one heart holding another.

The Orchid Jewelry’s 18K gold Heart of Alektra Earrings are influenced by intricate gold patterns which mirror the radiant rays of sunlight, embellished with sparkling natural diamonds and evoke the beauty and shine of early affection or love.