A touch of modern romance

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When you think of heart-shaped accessories, what springs to mind? For many, thoughts would fly to the heart-shaped chocolate boxes, teddy bears holding heart-shaped cushions and delicate heart pendants that come out in full force around the annual Valentine's Day holiday tradition.

Whilst some may adore these heart-shaped accessories, others have found them to be too sickly and girlish. Whatever your personal opinion of this symbolic shape, the heart has been an iconic motif used throughout period antiques for many centuries.

First created as a symbol of enduring love and romance, the heart shape was first reported at the end of the Middle Ages, which only grew in popularity throughout the 16th and 17th centuries.

Possibly the most iconic reference to the heart shape was during the 20th century when Wallis Simpson was given a Cartier heart charm by King Edward VIII which opened to reveal an inscription: "The Heart Has Its Reasons'.

The heart symbol has also thought to represent various other sentiments throughout history when combined with other motifs and shaped designs. This was particularly prevalent throughout the Georgian and Victorian times.

An example of this would be the 'Witches heart' featuring a different style of its bottom curved up to one side. Also known as the Luckenbooth heart in Scottish Culture, this particular type of heart was worn as an amulet in ancient times to protect its wearer against evil eyes and to stop witches from stealing milk.

The heart symbol has come a long way in terms of jewellery design throughout history where today, we have a plethora of different shapes, takes and materials to differentiate the heart within a range of jewellery styles.

Designs range from the iconic and traditional heart-shaped padlock from Tiffany's to pieces depicting acrostic features with sentimental words and shooting arrows, entwined hearts, double hearts and even flaming bejewelled hearts.

Heart-shaped jewellery has come a long way since its cliched hey-day as proclamations of everlasting love and devotion. Today designers are boldly reinventing the heart to be a modern symbol of confidence and for those who choose to wear them, they act as a reminder to give their hearts to themselves.

Fancy giving your spring jewellery wardrobe a little bit of heart? Shop the best pieces to land this season, crafted with nothing but l--e..!