The heart motif is everywhere—on cards, in art, on jewellery, and in home décor. It's one of the most recognisable symbols in the world, and yet many of us don’t know where it came from or why it still means so much.

The heart shape as we know it isn’t anatomically correct—but that hasn’t stopped it from becoming the universal symbol of love and emotion. Some historians trace its origins to the ancient city of Cyrene (modern-day Libya), where a now-extinct plant called silphium—used as a powerful contraceptive—bore seedpods shaped like the heart. Over time, this association with intimacy and fertility evolved into a broader symbol of love. Over time, the heart became more than just a botanical curiosity—it grew into a powerful design used in jewellery, art, and symbolism.

In the world of antique jewellery, especially during the Georgian and Victorian eras, the heart motif was everywhere. Think heart-shaped lockets, mourning jewellery, or double hearts tied with a bow—each piece carrying deep emotional meaning. These weren’t just decorative; they were keepsakes of love, memory, and sentiment.

As poet Emily Dickinson said, “The heart wants what it wants – or else it does not care.”

Today, the heart motif continues to evolve. Whether it’s a hand-crafted ceramic dish, a bold statement brooch, or a vintage charm, the symbol still carries the same message: love, connection, and feeling deeply.

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry put it beautifully in The Little Prince:

“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”

So next time you see a heart-shaped piece—especially in antique or handmade jewellery—know that it’s more than a trend. It’s part of a long tradition of expressing what really matters.