The heart has represented emotion for centuries. While it’s uncertain exactly when the symbol of the heat was first used to symbolize love, by the Middle Ages it was used to represent the love of Christ and it appeared in Christian art of that time period. Within a few centuries, the heart became associated with Valentine’s Day, solidifying its connection to a message of affection.

Regardless of exactly how the heart came to symbolize love, it’s not surprising that it’s long been connected with emotion. After all, when we’re in love, we feel it in our physical hearts as they flutter, pound and race when the one we love is near.

White gold wedding bands for women that feature hearts are an ideal way to celebrate a love that makes your heart skip a beat. The Eternal Heart Wedding Band Ring in 14K White Gold is wrapped in a ring of gleaming three-dimensional hearts bordered in clean lines of 14K white gold. This sweet wedding band is available in your choice of widths: 6mm or 7mm. In addition to 14K white gold, this design is available in several other solid colors as well as an array of two-tone combinations.

Diamond heart rings are ideal engagement rings as they convey your affection with both a time-honored symbol and the most brilliant and resilient of gems. A heart-shaped diamond is an unmistakable way to communicate your love—not to mention to pop the question in style—and the 3/4 Carat Heart Shaped Diamond Ring is a simply stunning selection. This unique ring provides a creative twist on the classic solitaire engagement ring by replacing the usual round or princess-cut gem with a ¾ carat heart-shaped diamond. This specially-shaped stone is held by a polished band of 14K white gold for a look that’s shining, sweet and sparkling.

If you’d prefer a more elaborately-styled diamond heart ring, consider the 1/2 Carat Diamond Heart Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold. A round glittering half-carat diamond presides over this feminine piece, overlooking a band that’s adorned with symbols of love. Numerous hearts are nestled side by side in the band of this gleaming piece, creating a look that makes no mistake about your affection. This lovely engagement ring pairs perfectly with the aforementioned heart wedding band. In addition to this cool 14K white gold style, this design comes in a two-tone variation that places yellow gold hearts against a white gold backdrop; you can also choose from a number of differently-sized diamonds for just the right amount of sparkle.

Whether you choose hearts in a wedding band, an engagement ring or both, these symbols of love are the perfect way to show your affection. Try one of these heart-laden pieces for a lasting reminder of love.

From simple heart-shaped studs to delicate dangling earrings to gemstone-studded pairs, there are heart earrings to fit a wide range of tastes, allowing you to find the perfect pair to symbolize your affection. Apples of Gold caries over 70 different pairs of heart earrings, and there’s an excellent chance that at least one is  right for the one you adore.

Gold heart earrings provide both timelessly beautiful looks and symbols of the precious nature of your love. By giving hearts that are crafted from a precious metal, you declare that the one you adore is a treasure, worthy of your best.

The Heart Dangle Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold are a lovely example of the timeless beauty and symbolism of gold. The fluidly-curving outline of a ¾”-high heart hangs simply and gorgeously from each of these gleaming pieces, showcasing the beauty of top-quality 14K yellow gold. This pair slips on in an instant thanks to fishhook-style posts, but its appeal and its message are far from fleeting.

If you’re in search of a meaningful pair with timeless elegance and a touch of fun, consider the Double Heart Earrings in 14K White Gold. These earrings allow a pair of interlocking white gold hearts to dangle from each of the wearer’s ears, creating a playful, graceful symbol of two hearts that are inextricably intertwined, never to be separated. A highly polished finished adds to the class of these pieces as they hang effortlessly from fishhook-style posts.

Gemstones of many colors can give heart earrings a touch of sparkle, as well as an extra shade of meaning. These glittering stones serves as emblems of the way that the one you love makes your heart light up. For instance, the Heart Shape Blue Topaz and Diamond Earrings in 10K White Gold combines a brilliantly-colored gem with a classic diamond to create eye-catching symbols of your affection. A 2.10-carat heart-shaped blue topaz is the star of each of these colorful pieces, serving as a glittering reminder of a love that’s true-blue. Two diamond-studded hearts are stacked atop of each of these glittering indigo gems, adding classic beauty, while 10K white gold makes this pair a relatively affordable pick.

Silver heart earrings are also affordable choices, and pairs like the Soulmate Sterling Silver Heart Earrings are excellent picks when you’re on a budget. Each piece in this cool, gleaming pair features a shining .925 sterling silver heart, accented with a swirl of glittering stones.

Any of these pairs of heart earrings could instantly communicate your affection and serve as a lasting reminder of your love. Choose one of these affectionate pairs to add a sparkle to the eyes of your special someone.

My heart to you is given:

Oh, do give yours to me;

We’ll lock them up together,

And throw away the key.

True love means giving your heart to someone for keeps and heart rings that are adorned with diamonds are stunning pictures of the way that you and the one you love give yourselves to each other. As they sparkle with the most brilliant and resilient of gemstones, they declare that the bond that the two of you share is lasting and beautiful.

The 3/4 Carat Heart Shaped Diamond Ring is a unique twist on the classic solitaire that instantly communicates a message of affection. Instead of a classic round stone or a princess-cut diamond, this single-stone style features a dazzling ¾ carat heart-shaped diamond that rises simply and beautifully from the gleaming 14K white gold band that holds it. This ring is a sweet and feminine declaration of love that’s perfect for popping the question. It’s also available in 14K yellow gold, 14K rose gold and in combination with a matching wedding band, as part of a lovely bridal ring set.

Heart-shaped diamonds aren’t the only way to work the symbol of love into a diamond ring. If you’d rather a piece that works hearts into the band, don’t miss the 1 Carat Diamond Heart Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold. The band of this romantic ring is adorned with smooth, three-dimensional carved hearts that are nestled side by side as if to trying the squeeze the maximum amount of affection into a small space. Clean lines of 14K white gold frame these hearts, while a stunning round 1 carat diamond presides over this style with dazzling glamour.

If you’d prefer similar style that contrasts two colors of gold, try the Diamond Heart 1 Carat Engagement Ring in 14K Two-Tone Gold. This striking piece coordinates with any jewelry collection as its yellow gold hearts stand out against a white gold backdrop.

Of course, diamond heart rings aren’t just for popping the question. They can also serve as striking statements of both style and affection, and Apples of Gold carries designs ranging from demure to daring. If your tastes run more to the daring side, consider the 0.75 Carat Diamond Pave Heart Ring! This can’t-miss-it piece is adorned with dozens of small diamonds that encrust a white gold heart, just over a half inch high. With its multi-faceted glitter, this ring creates a picture of the way that the one you love sets your heart on fire.

Diamond rings that utilize hearts leave no question about how you feel about your one special someone. When you use one to pop the question or simply to show your affection, you demonstrate that your heart is spoken for.

The Apostle Paul knew that understanding Christ’s love makes all the difference and he prayed for the members of the church in Ephesus, asking that they would personally understand it:

“that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”

White gold crosses are timeless emblems of faith, and their lasting beauty makes them jewelry staples for anyone who believes. When these pieces are accented with hearts, they bring a reminder of the ultimate act of love to any outfit, from the most casual to the most formal attire.

The 14K White Gold Diamond Heart Cross Pendant is a versatile and graceful style. This cross presents its message plainly, but doesn’t shout, allowing the beauty of Christ’s gift to take the spotlight. Drawing attention to the nature of this gift is a simply-crafted heart that’s placed in the center of this cross, serving as a symbol of the motivation behind this life-changing act of love. A diamond in the center of this heart adds sparkle and represents that precious nature of Christ’s gift.

The Two Hearts Cross Pendant in 14K Rose and Yellow Gold has a subtle two-tone look that gently draws the eye to the message of love it contains. This pendant utilizes a 1 3/16″-high 14K yellow gold cross with a stylized yet simple look that is always in good taste. In the center of this cross are two intertwining hearts crafted from 14K rose gold, adding a slightly softer touch of warmth and creating gentle contrast. This pendant is a fitting reminder that nothing can separate you from God’s love, and could also serve as a symbol of the connection between two people who are joined in Christ. If you’d prefer a more noticeable two-tone look, try the Intertwined Hearts Cross Pendant in 14K Two-Tone Gold, a similarly-styled piece that places two interlocking 14K yellow gold hearts on top of a cross of shining 14K white gold.

The Cross and Heart Diamond Pendant in 14K White Gold is another graceful piece that calls to mind the endless love of God. A shining 14K white gold cross is surrounded by a graceful heart that sweeps around it like the arms of a warm embrace. Eight round diamonds stud this heart, giving it a sparkling look that draws eyes to its design and its message.

Christian pendants that feature crosses and hearts are enduring emblems of the love that’s changed your life. They serve as reminders that this love has made all the difference.

Two-tone wedding jewelry that features hearts offer eye-catching messages of love as the contrast between two metals gives them extra pop. For instance, the Diamond Heart 1/2 Carat Engagement Ring in 14K Two-Tone Gold is wrapped with a gleaming arc of 14K yellow gold hearts, offset by a solid 14K white gold band. These shining, three-dimensional symbols of love are overlooked by a sparkling, round half-carat diamond that reflects their golden hue.

The hearts on the Three Stone Heart-Accent Diamond Engagement Ring aren’t quite as obvious, but they’re just as meaningful. This charming ring might resemble a classic three-stone style at first, but it’s so much more. A 0.70-carat round diamond is hugged by two smaller, similarly-shaped stones and upheld by a series of elegant hearts. These symbols become visible only when this lovely ring is viewed from the side, allowing it to communicate a message of affection that’s just between you and the one you love.

Heart-shaped diamonds provide an unexpected but welcome twist to a number of the solitaire engagement rings in Apples of Gold’s collection. When the symbol of love is crafted from the stone that’s known for being more resilient than all others, the result is a dazzling picture of the fortitude and lasting nature of your commitment and affection. These gems exhibit both feminine charm and a stunning ability to capture the brilliance of the love that you share.

Diamond bridal sets like the Heart Shaped 0.75 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Set in 14K Rose Gold beautifully showcase heart-shaped diamonds. This pair of rings features a single, striking heart-shaped diamond that proudly stands alone in a declaration of love and commitment. The smooth, glowing band that holds it is crafted from solid 14K rose gold, as is the matching wedding band. This engagement ring and wedding band set isn’t complicated, and its beauty lies in its ability to clearly and gorgeously express what’s in your heart.  In addition, it’s crafted from 100 percent recycled gold, making it an environmentally-friendly choice.

If you’d prefer, Apples of Gold also carries solitaire bridal ring sets with heart-shaped diamonds in 14K white gold, 14K yellow gold, 18K gold and platinum by request. You can also request a larger diamond or opt to purchase the engagement ring on its own.

Whether you choose an engagement ring adorned with hearts, incorporate hearts into your wedding band or select a bridal ring set that displays a dazzling heart-shaped stone, wedding jewelry that features this timeless symbol of affection is sure to make your feelings clear. In the words of Austrian playwright Friedrich Halm, these pieces are a reminder of “Two souls with but a single thought, Two hearts that beat as one.”

Heart-shaped gemstones are an unmistakable and beautiful way to express what’s in your heart, and Apples of Gold offers a range of rings that feature these creatively-cut gems. For instance, the Heart Shaped Amethyst and Diamond Ring in 14K White Gold puts a 10mm heart-shaped amethyst on display and accents it with five small round diamonds. The sweeping setting that holds these stones gives this asymmetrically-designed ring a sense of elegance and modern class. In addition to this lovely amethyst ring, this style is available with a number of other gemstones, including pink topaz, garnet and peridot, as well as your choice of 14K white gold or 14K yellow gold.

Diamonds add extra romance to any gemstone ring as their enduring and matchless brilliance represents the resilience and beauty of love. They partner well with any stone, adding sophisticated contrast to richly-color gems and extra sparkle to whatever they adorn.

If your budget is tight but you’d still like to give a piece of diamond and gemstone jewelry that symbolizes your affection, consider a ring crafted from sterling silver or 10K gold. These metals are affordable options that don’t sacrifice good looks as they give your wallet a break. The Heart Shaped Pink Topaz and Diamond Ring in 10K White Gold is an excellent example. This brightly-colored ring surrounds a 5mm heart-shaped pink topaz with 10 small round diamonds and places it on top of a shining 10K white gold band that splits as it approaches this cluster of stones. The daring but feminine hue of pink topaz, paired with the dazzle of diamonds, make this a ring that calls to mind both the fairytale princesses of girlhood dreams and the hopes of modern women.

While gemstones in any color can represent love (for instance, a green emerald or peridot can symbolize love that fills your heart with life, while a sunny citrine can be an emblem of affection that floods your life with light), red gemstones such as the ruby and the garnet communicate your feelings for the one you adore in an instant. Crimson stones are readily associated with love, and this association is only magnified when these stones are cut into the shape of a heart. The Heart-Shaped Garnet and Baguette Ring in 14K White Gold is a classy example. This chic, contemporary ring pairs a 5mm heart-shaped garnet with a baguette-cut cubic zirconia stone on either side. While this 14K white gold version is lovely, this striking ring is also available in yellow gold and rose gold.

Gemstone rings with heart-shaped stones are a great way to say “I love you” all year long. These pieces make any day Valentine’s Day.

St. Valentine was a priest during the time of Emperor Claudius—a time when the church was persecuted. The emperor passed an edit that prohibited young men from marrying due to the belief that unmarried men made better soldiers; however, St. Valentine saw the injustice of this decree and continued to marry young couples in secret. He saw that marriage was sacred and ­­­­was willing to put himself at risk to promote it.

St. Valentine was eventually captured, imprisoned, tortured and put to death as a result of his stand for marriage. Legend holds that his last words were written in letter to a young woman, which he signed “from your Valentine.”

At the end of the 5^th century the Pope declared February 14^th St. Valentine’s Day, and the day eventually became associated with love. By the 15th century, written Valentines came into being, inspired by St. Valentine’s last words. Today the holiday is a time for both married and dating couples to express their love and garnet Rings that feature hearts are gorgeous ways to do just that.

If you’d like to express your love in a way that’s bold, time-honored and sure to remain beautiful for years to come, don’t miss the Vintage Filigree Garnet Heart Ring in 14K White Gold! This Victorian design features a striking heart-shaped garnet, 10mm square, and places it within an elegantly-carved filigree-like motif. Engraved flowers and ribbons adorn the band of this perpetually beautiful ring, giving it timeless, feminine appeal.

If you’d prefer a more modern look with a heart-shaped garnet, consider the Heart Shaped Garnet and Diamond Ring in 14K Yellow Gold.  This graceful contemporary piece places a 10mm garnet heart within a shining setting of 14K yellow gold that elegantly sweeps to form an eye-catching asymmetrical look. Five small diamonds accent this setting and provide extra sparkle.

Heart-shaped stones aren’t the only way to feature the classic symbol of love in a garnet ring. For instance, the Garnet and Diamond Heart Ring in 14K White Gold incorporates carved hearts into a vintage-style motif. This charming ring showcases a 5mm round garnet and is accented by two diamonds, each held on one side of the center stone by a finely-detailed heart. The strong lines of this 14K white gold ring create a slightly architectural look that speaks of the strength of your love.

While Valentine’s Day has changed quite a bit since St. Valentine took a stand, this holiday remains a time to focus on love. Try a piece of garnet jewelry, such as these garnet heart rings, when you want to take a stand for the one you adore.

C. S. Lewis had a bit to say about love and in Mere Christianity he wrote:

‘Love as distinct from “being in love” is not merely a feeling. It is a deep unity, maintained by the will and deliberately strengthened by habit; reinforced by the grace which both partners ask, and receive from God. They can have this love for each other even at those moments when they do not like each other; as you love yourself even when you do not like yourself.”

Love is far stronger than surface attraction, and it’s strong enough to endure through those times when you’re not exactly overflowing with affection. It’s not just a feeling; it’s a choice and a commitment—one that’s perfectly symbolized in heart wedding jewelry.

The Eternal Heart Wedding Band Ring in 14K White Gold creates a heartwarming reminder that your love and commitment never ends. Smoothing, shining three-dimensional hearts snuggle up next to one another to create a continual ring that wraps all the way around this 14K white gold band. This look is contemporary, sweet and always meaningful.  In addition to this cool white gold version, this lovely ring is also available in a number of two-tone combinations, including the Eternal Heart Wedding Band Ring in 14K Two-Tone Gold, which allows a ring of 14K white gold hearts to pop from atop a 14K yellow gold backdrop.

The 3/4 Carat Diamond Heart Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold would pair nicely with the aforementioned wedding band, but it’s a gorgeous statement of lifetime love all on its own. A round ¾-carat diamond rises from this unique ring creating a dazzling focal point, while hearts wrap around the wearer’s finger as a symbol of enduring love. This variation of a timeless solitaire will never fail to speak of the joy of finding your one special someone. Or, for a chic, modern twist on this style, try replacing the traditional white diamond with a sophisticated black diamond in the 1/2 Carat Black Diamond Heart Ring in 14K White Gold.

The 1 Carat Heart Shaped Diamond Ring also puts a twist on the classic diamond solitaire, but instead of surrounding a timeless round stone with a heart-laden band, this piece features an eye-catching heart-shaped diamond. This small detail allows this ring to have major impact while retaining a sense of perpetual class. And, the fact that this heart is crafted from the most resilient of gemstones allows it to communicate the lasting nature of your love.

Hearts rings are popular picks for engagement rings and wedding bands for their feminine charm and for their ability to communicate endless commitment and affection. Try one to pop the question or to say “I do.”

i carry your heart with me (i carry it in

my heart) i am never without it (anywhere

i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done

by only me is your doing, my darling)

Cummings perfectly captured the connection that holds two people together no matter how far apart they are. In the last line, he calls it “the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart,” and this wonder is gorgeously captured in by the sparkling beauty of diamond heart pendants.

Heart pendants are timeless ways to say “I love you,” and when they’re accented with dazzling diamonds, their message is magnified. On Valentine’s Day—or any day—these pieces are gorgeous ways to tell that special someone that you always carry a piece of their heart with you.

The Double Heart Pendant in 14K Yellow Gold is a striking way to celebrate that your heart is inextricably connected with the heart of that special someone. This dazzling pendant uses an illusion setting to multiply sparkle, making it appear that it contains a wealth of stones, and allowing it to serve as a dazzling reminder of your love. A diamond-covered heart interlocks with a smaller, highly-polished 14K gold heart, providing a beautiful picture of the connection you share.

Love involves embracing your differences and the ways that the things that make each of you unique can work together to allow you to complement one another. The 14K Two-Tone Gold Diamond Heart Pendant is a striking picture of the way that two different elements can work in harmony to create a unified object of beauty. A diamond-accented 14K white gold heart is hugged by half of a gleaming 14K yellow gold heart to create the perfect pairing of warm and cool, sparkle and shine. These two elements curve in unison, creating a look that emulates grace.

The 7 Stone Diamond Heart Pendant in 14K White Gold provides yet another graceful symbol of two hearts beating as one. This lighthearted contemporary piece accents an asymmetrical, curling outline of a heart with 0.12 carats of diamonds. While this pendant is petite at a half-inch high, its combination of sparkling stones and shining 14K white gold is sure to communicate your love. An 18” 14K white gold chain is included, making this piece perfect for giving the instant you receive it. And, if you prefer, this pretty pendant is also available as part of a four-piece jewelry set that includes a matching ring and pair of earrings.

Heart jewelry such as these diamond heart pendants are surefire ways to express your love on Valentine’s Day or any day. Try one of these sparkling, meaningful pieces to tell that special someone that you always carry a piece of their heart with you.

Smokey quartz may seem like a strange choice for expressing love, at least at first, but its subdued, always-perfect good looks prove to be the perfect way to celebrate a relationship that’s steadfast and that brings out the best in you. This gemstone lives up to its name as it sparkles with a brownish-gray hue that brings to mind a soothing, smoldering campfire and adds a hint of mystery to your jewelry collection.

The Crown Heart Smokey Quartz and Diamond Pendant is a lovely example of this gem’s understated intrigue. A 10mm heart-shaped smokey topaz is placed in the center of a unique, airy, 14K white gold crown, celebrating the one who rules your heart. Filigree-like heart shapes constitute the points of this crown, while three small diamonds serve as accents.

Pink topaz is bold yet feminine, providing unexpected, dazzling color with a touch of a sweet yet outgoing personality. It’s simultaneously girly and grown up, with a sophisticated sparkle, and pieces that feature it are perfect ways to demonstrate that your unabashed love. For instance, the 4.75 Carat Heart-Shaped Pink Topaz Pendant in 14K White Gold features a sizeable heart of pink topaz that will leave no question about how you feel. Accented with diamonds placed in a graceful, asymmetrical setting, this pendant includes an 18” chain so that it’s ready to slip around that special someone’s neck.

Opal has an iridescence that makes it unique among gemstones. Pliny, the Roman philosopher, raved about the beauty of this gem:

“Made up of the glories of the most precious gems, to describe them is a matter of inexpressible difficulty. For there is amongst them the gentler fire of the ruby, there is the rich purple of the amethyst, there is the sea-green of the emerald, and all shining together in an indescribable union. Others, by an excessive heightening of their hues equal all the colors of the painter, others the flame of burning brimstone, or of a fire quickened by oil.”

Pliny wasn’t too far off when he described the opal as having a multicolored allure. This stone appears to change color depending on the angle at which it’s viewed. The Opal and Diamond Heart Pendant in 14K White Gold pairs this gem with three classic diamonds, creating an expression of love that’s always fitting. A 0.48-carat pear-shaped opal is suspended from the top of a gleaming 14K white gold heart, held by a twist of white gold and diamonds. The highly-polished finish and sweeping lines of this piece will sweep her off her feet.

Heart pendants with unexpected gemstones are perfect for Valentine’s Day or any time that you want to celebrate your unique love. Give one to show that the one you love stands apart from the rest.