It’s always been said that wearing your heart on your sleeve is important. It shows that you’re comfortable exposing your true emotions, making yourself vulnerable and empathetic to others. But what does it mean if you wear your heart around your neck?

Pendants are the most sentimental, personal, and individualized pieces of jewelry you can wear. While pendants can take many shapes and sizes, the heart pendant is quite possibly the most iconic.

If you’re looking to get a stunning heart pendant for yourself or for someone you love, it’s useful to know what exactly it represents so you can wear it during the perfect occasion. 

Here’s everything you need to know:

Heart History

The heart symbol that we know and recognize today looks nothing like the one that’s beating inside of your chest. The first known example of the heart shape dates back to the Ice Age, and it continued to be used through the Middle Ages.

Around the year 1000, the heart symbol that you usually see in art or jewelry was first used to represent the love of Jesus Christ. In its first usage, it was often depicted as emitting a sacred light to reinforce its importance in religious doctrine.

The heart symbol continued to become popular in art, replacing the more realistic version of the organ in many pieces. In the 18th and 19th centuries,, it became the epitome of a romantic symbol, quickly becoming the icon for Valentine’s Day.

Where Did the Heart Shape Come From?

If you know anything about human anatomy, you know that the heart symbol looks completely different from an actual heart. While it’s not entirely known how it got its shape, there are a few theories.

One of the most unusual is related to a plant species called silphium. It was used by Ancient Greeks and Romans as food flavoring and medicine, but it was also used as a form of birth control.

Its association with sex and romance, as well as its striking resemblance to the heart symbol you know today, makes many people speculate that this plant is the true origin of the iconic shape.

Another theory suggests that artists and scientists in the Middle Ages were trying to draw representations of ancient medical texts in a more simplistic format.

Regardless of where this iconic symbol came from, it’s a recognizable symbol across the entire globe. Even more of a reason for you to get a pendant that lets you show it off wherever you go.

What Does a Heart Pendant Represent?

Pretty much everyone knows that a heart represents love, romance, and intimacy. And a heart pendant can definitely represent all of these things in ways that other types of art just can’t match. However, wearing a heart can have significantly different meanings than just putting one on paper.

When gifted, a heart pendant can be synonymous with affection and lifelong love. Giving your romantic partner a heart pendant can be a symbol of how much they mean to you, solidifying your relationship until the end of time. When someone asks you what the heart pendant means, you can brag about the amazing person it represents.

But if you’re still looking for that special someone, getting a heart pendant for yourself might be a great way to start finding one. Heart pendants show that you’re sensitive, empathetic, and vulnerable. It shows that you’ve got a lot of love to give, and it might be a great way to gain the attention of a future partner or lifelong best friend. 

Types of Heart Pendants

Heart pendants are the epitome of love and romance, but different variations can take on different connotations. Picking the right one is important, as they can drastically change the way you’re perceived.

Dripping Heart Pendant w/ Purple Stones

When most people think of a heart pendant, they might think of a small, golden medallion in a heart shape. While these are great, it’s time to make a bit of a bolder statement. This Dripping Heart Pendant takes the classic style and amplifies it with handset CZ diamonds and unique purple stones. It’s a modern style that is sure to make waves at the next function.

Additionally, a Heart Locket is one of the most sentimental and individualized pieces of jewelry you can ever own. It lets you wear your heart outside your chest while simultaneously keeping a photo of a special person close to your real heart at all times. This is a perfect romantic gesture to make your next anniversary or Valentine’s Day a memorable one.

Heart Locket Custom Picture Pendant

But maybe you’ve been wronged by romance one too many times. If finding true love just isn’t what you’re looking for, the Broken Heart Pendant shows that you’re vulnerable, soft, and scarred from a past relationship. With its red interior and large surface area, it’s the type of piece that’s so easy to throw on that you’ll never want to take it off.

Broken Heart Pendant

Who Should Get a Heart Pendant?

There really isn’t an example of a person who shouldn’t get a heart pendant, but there are some circumstances where it’s more of a necessity.

If you want to impress a significant other with a gift that means the world, getting them a heart pendant is a surefire way to make them love you even more. We think getting a heart pendant for anniversaries, birthdays, or other special occasions can help solidify your love for one another without actually tying the knot.

While getting a heart pendant for yourself might feel a little unusual, we think there is always a time and a place to treat yourself. You should get yourself your very own heart pendant to show people that you’re sensitive and full of love. Not to mention, they can amplify any outfit with ease, helping to make you stand out in a crowd of potential partners.

Have a Heart

The heart symbol is an iconic shape that’s recognizable around the world. But if you know anything about human anatomy, you know that it looks nothing like the organ beating inside our chest. But that doesn’t mean it can’t represent love, dedication, and romance all the same.

Heart pendants are one of the best ways to show your significant other that you think the world of them. And even if you don’t have a partner to share a stunning pendant with, wearing one for yourself can show that you’re vulnerable and willing to show off your emotions.

Regardless, heart pendants are a classic piece of jewelry that can be worn with pride. Since they go with pretty much any type of outfit, you won’t need to think twice about putting one on. The only wrong way to wear one is to not do it.

 

Sources:

Why Does the Heart Shape Symbolize Love? | History

The Mysterious Origins of the Enduring Heart Symbol | The Wall Street Journal

Sacred Heart | History & Devotion | Britannica 

The mystery of the lost Roman herb | BBC