What better way to celebrate the love for your significant other than by giving heart shaped jewelry and diamonds this Valentine’s Day? As the world’s foremost expert in gems and jewelry, GIA offers a few tips and best practices before you set foot in your neighborhood jewelry store.

Valentine’s Day has a long and storied tradition. The heart has been celebrated as the dwelling place of romantic love for centuries. Some scholars speculate that the earlier winged Cupids with heart-shaped arrows depicted in Renaissance art symbolized it, while others say the heart as the seat of affection dates back the first century BCE.

Valentine’s Day was certainly celebrated during the 16^th century. Shakespeare wrote about it in Hamlet, when Ophelia said:

To-morrow is Saint Valentine’s day,
All in the morning betime,
And I a maid at your window,
To be your Valentine.

Hearts and Valentine’s Day were forever wedded when Hallmark began mass  production of Valentine Day cards in 1913. Now it’s celebrated around the world, and you’re likely to find heart-shaped jewelry and heart-shaped diamonds in your neighborhood jewelry store.

This heart-shaped ruby ring is a classic Valentine’s Day gift. Diamonds surrounding the 8.01 ct Burmese ruby, set in platinum, make this piece a heart stopper. Courtesy of Jan Goodman Co.

So how do you pick the perfect bejeweled heart for your heartthrob? Make sure the proportions of the lobes of the heart are the same size. You might want to choose a stone rich in color – it can capture the emotion of love. If you’re buying a ring and your significant other is physically active, make sure the point is protected by a V-shaped prong to prevent it from being damaged. Heart-shaped earrings or a necklace are always a good choice. For more shopping tips read our “Purchasing Fancy Shaped Diamonds” buying guide.

Now that you’re ready to buy a symbol of love for your significant other, enjoy these exquisite examples of wearable tokens of affection.

These Smiling Lotus suite by Wallace Chan hold a secret known only to a gemologist – the hearts are made of three different layers: carnelian/red agate (bottom), mother of pearl (center), and rock crystal quartz (top). The arrangement gives the hearts a rosy hue. A large diamond in the center of all the hearts is the “cherry on top” of this jeweled confection.

Courtesy of Wallace Chan.

These charming earrings are classic pieces many women may own. The gold backdrop makes the diamonds sparkle all the brighter.

Diamonds surround by gold earrings. Courtesy of Denise James.

The pendant is fashioned from 14k white and yellow gold with 1.30 carats of diamonds. The name of this piece – Rockstar Heart – is a modern take on traditional heart-shaped diamond jewelry. Someone who is a bit of a wild child would probably gush over it.

“Rockstar Heart” pendant is fashioned from 14k white and yellow gold with 1.30 carats of diamonds.

This uber-trendy piece appeals to those who have a bit of Goth in their soul. Think: dystopian love. A black and colorless cubic zirconia (CZ) pendant makes this an affordable alternative to ones made of colorless and black diamonds. The rubber chain is the finishing touch on this jewel for those living on the fringe.

Cubic zirconia (CZ) in black and colorless diamonds hanging from a rubber chain. Courtesy of Jane Smith.

Topped with a regal ribbon of gold and diamonds, this blue zircon heart-shaped pendant in yellow gold looks like something a duchess would wear to a ball.

Blue zircon heart-shaped pendant in yellow gold. Courtesy of Andrew Sarosi.

An impressive number of diamonds for an impressive ring! This pink sapphire stunner is guaranteed to elicit a gasp. Encircling the stone with 126 diamonds ( 1.22 tcw) makes it an even more dazzling ring.

Pink sapphire surrounded by 126 diamonds. Courtesy of Omi Privé.

This striking piece by Barbara Westwood makes a statement. Black onyx is an unusual color choice for a heart (carved by Steve Walters), while the 18K gold setting undulates and flares like flames of passion. It’s pulsating, alive, intense – and not for the faint of heart. Courtesy of Barbara Fine Art Jewelry. Photo credit Sky Hall

Black onxy in an 18K gold setting. Courtesy of Barbara Fine Art Jewelry. Photo credit Sky Hall.

Are you planning to buy a piece of jewelry for your significant other this Valentine’s Day? Which of these pieces best express your love – or is it something entirely different?

Main image Coast Signature Color ring features a vibrant 3.90CT heart shaped spinel surrounded by diamonds, and set in platinum. Courtesy of Platinum Guild International.

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