Heart Jewelry Choices, Heart Jewellery Allure

Are you having trouble deciding on the best way to store your heart locket necklace (and other pieces of jewelry!) to ensure that they remain in sparkling condition for the next time you wear them?  You could choose to keep them in the box they originally came in but then you are left not knowing what is in each box, unless you only have a small number of items.  Alternatively you could choose one of the many jewelry boxes, jewelry armoires, jewelry organizers or creative jewelry stands that are on the market.

Before deciding which jewelry storage system to buy, you need to consider all the items in your jewelry collection.  Do you have more pairs of earrings than rings?  Does your collection consist of mostly necklaces?  Is it mostly gold or silver with precious gemstones or does the majority of pieces that you have consist of fashion jewelry?  Thinking about these things will help you choose the right size and kind that will best take care of your pieces.

If you mostly collect gold, silver or pieces made from other precious metals and with gemstones set into them then you will need to ensure you pick the right sort of container for them.  To prevent pieces getting scratched or dented each piece should be stored alone.  Necklaces will become tangled if stored together and the ideal way to store them is in the original box they came in or hung from a hook in a special compartment of a jewelry box.  Rings with stones in them should be stored with the stone uppermost, not only will this help in identifying which ring is which but it will also protect the stones from damage.

The traditional jewelry box, made of wood or metal with velvet lined interior compartments, has been what most women would choose to keep their jewelry in when they are not wearing it.  They may have drawers sectioned off to hold bracelets and necklaces, there may be a section in which you can slot rings, and an earring section for stud earrings.  Depending on the price you want to pay and the size you need, some of these can be a beautiful ornament as well as a useful container.  Along similar lines are the jewelry armoires which can be plain or ornately carved, modern or antique to fit in with most decors.

When it comes to choosing the right container for your more valuable and sentimental pieces of jewelry, be it the heart locket your children bought you for Mother’s Day or the heart bracelet your husband bought you on your anniversary or indeed any type of heart jewelry, it is worth considering choosing a jewelry box that doesn’t necessarily resemble one.  For instance, there are ones that look like a mirror but they have a locked jewelry compartment behind the glass.  There are others that look like picture frames which again have a secret compartment at the back.  If these don’t appeal, consider storing your jewelry box somewhere other than the bedroom as that is the first place a thief will look for valuables if, God forbid, your home gets broken into.

A fun way to display your fashion jewelry is to buy one of the many artistic display stands that are now readily available from a wide range of suppliers.  These are especially good for your less valuable pieces and they can display them to their best advantage.  A porcelain hand makes an ideal ring holder or a harp shaped earring holder will make a colorful display.  From classy to rustic there is bound to be a stand to suit your taste and items of jewelry.

When traveling, always carry your jewelry in your carry on bags to ensure it stays with you.  Soft fabric pouches are ideal to protect your heart earrings, bracelets and pendants.  If you plan on taking lots of jewelry with you, a canvas organizing pouch with multiple compartments would be the best solution as it is less bulky and heavy than a travel jewelry case.

These are just some tips on how best to care for and store your heart jewelry (including your heart locket necklace) to keep it in tip top condition and retain its value.

Without a doubt, what is considered beautiful is very much a subjective matter and it probably always has been.  For example, the concept is referred to as far back as the Ancient Greeks and in 1588 Shakespeare wrote:

“Beauty is bought by judgement of the eye”

And it was actually Margaret Wolfe Hungerford under the pseudonym of ‘The Duchess’ who wrote in 1878:

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”

What does all of this have to do with a ruby heart pendant?  Simple, really – when you see someone wearing one, it is hard to know which the true beauty is, the bewitching smile on the face of the girl or the woman or the beautiful ruby heart pendant on a glimmering gold chain so proudly displayed.  A shimmering ruby heart pendant worn proudly around the neck enhances the beauty of any lady. Her winsome smile is directed outward to the world around her and backward for the person who gave her this treasure. This heart jewelry brings good luck and health to both the person who wears it and the person who gave it for whatever occasion.

These special pieces of jewelry are so much more than precious gems and metal; they surround the person who owns one with love, energy and self-confidence.  They represent fine examples of heart necklaces and readily complement other heart jewelry pieces such as heart bracelets, heart earrings and heart brooches. There are three perfect occasions that immediately spring to mind as the ideal time to give a ruby heart pendant necklace: these are to commemorate a special event, a gift to oneself as a symbol and a bequest. Choosing the right ruby to accentuate that special heart jewelry is easier than you might think.

In general, fine gems and jewelry have been given for centuries on momentous occasions. These could be a congratulation of a job well done, graduation, birth of the child or grandchild, wedding, anniversary, birthday or divorce. Whatever the occasion, it will be a milestone in the life of the receiver. Forever after, that piece of exquisite jewelry, the ruby heart pendant, will be a reminder of the event, the person who thought enough to give the gift and the feelings that went with it. Each time it is used to adorn the chest of the lucky woman, the ruby heart shaped pendant will caress the skin or blouse like the physical supporting touch of the giver.

One does not need to wait for someone else to purchase an exquisite piece of jewelry. It is simply a matter of going to a jewelry store and buying the ruby heart pendant that makes the eyes glisten. Folklore has ruby as the stone of prophecy and loved by gamblers, whether these are gamblers of life or gamblers of chance. This stone fetches wisdom, happiness and health to the wearer and symbolizes success and integrity.

Mature women often gaze upon their treasure trove of jewelry and gems and picture their lovely young daughters, granddaughters and great granddaughters wearing proudly each precious piece, including these heart necklaces. These women of wisdom can take their time in matching each gem to the temperament of the receivers. Which lovely woman deserves the flash and fire of the blood red stone set in the ruby heart pendant? There will be one that is perfect for this ornament and will receive it in a personal bequest at the right time.

There are only a few things the purchaser needs to know about these precious gems. Many gemstones are called genuine and are treated by enhancing the stone’s color usually by heating them creating a deeper, richer hue. This is part of the normal process of polishing and finishing these stones. Natural gemstones have no human interference except for the cutting and polishing.

The ruby’s value is determined by the 4 C‘s. These are cut, color, clarity and carat. The cut is the most important as it brings the life to the stone. The color is made up of three components, which are hue, tone and purity. Clarity has to do with the clearness of the stone; almost all stones have some natural imperfections. Carat is used to determine the size; larger stones are usually more valuable. A few minutes spent reviewing these 4 C’s with a professional jeweler will complete the necessary education required to make a wise selection.

Maybe you want a simple pendant or you prefer something even more elaborate, such as a heart locket with rubies encrusted.  Why not take a look at some examples the next time you are buying for yourself or for someone special and imagine how even more wonderful such an addition would make the lucky wearer?

Making jewelry pieces using pure silver is not feasible, because pure silver is not hard and sturdy enough. Therefore, to make silver jewelry, a small quantity of copper is mixed with silver. The silver so produced is called sterling silver. In technical terms, sterling silver has 92.5% silver and the rest 7.5% copper. All kinds of jewelry items like bracelets, rings and necklaces are made using sterling silver, but a sterling silver heart necklace requires a special mention because of it’s irresistible appeal.

Why choose a sterling silver heart necklace?  There are many reasons why one should choose a sterling silver heart necklace over other options in necklaces. To begin with, these necklaces are less expensive than other necklaces such as those made from gold. The heart shaped pendant is ideal to be given to one’s beloved since women have been found to fall in love at first sight with a sterling silver heart pendant necklace. If maintained properly, sterling silver retains its charm and beauty for years. In addition, even if the silver is tarnished after years of wear, one can easily get it polished and make it appear as new as it was in the beginning.

There are many designs available within these heart necklaces. For example, there are double heart pendant designs in which two intertwined hearts, symbolizing the love between two souls, are asymmetrically interconnected. Now, with a sterling silver heart charm necklace, one can also personalize the pendant by getting one’s own and one’s beloved’s name engraved on each of the hearts along with birthstones. Another beautiful design is the one where a solid heart dangles through a hollow heart. With this pendant, one can easily adjust how deep the solid heart drops on one’s neck.

In addition to these popular designs, one can also find a number of sterling silver necklaces of different lengths with a pendant decorated with different stones. Though depending on the stone used, these necklace pendants will cost you more; they are worth considering because of their sheer timeless beauty.

Whom would these necklaces suit?  Heart sterling silver necklaces are meant for both adult women and teenage girls. Since sterling silver has an elegant white shine, these necklaces would suit females of all skin colors, whether white, dusky or dark. These necklaces are perfect for not only big parties and events, they can even be worn to casual dates and parties and even to office as well. These pendant necklaces go well with all kinds of dresses as well, be it an expensive evening gown or a casual party dress.

If you are a male and are looking for a beautiful piece of jewelry to give to any woman in your life, be it your mother, wife, girlfriend or daughter, then you need not look further than these sophisticated heart shaped silver necklaces and pendants. Not only will the woman you give the necklace to be pleasantly surprised and genuinely grateful for your gift, even you would feel a sense of satisfaction seeing the heart shaped mark of your love and affection adorning her beautiful neck and bringing a smile to her face.

Where should you buy these necklaces?  You can easily buy a beautiful heart pendant and sterling silver necklace as well as other types of heart jewelry from a jewelry store. However, a better place to look for it is the web, because it will allow you to check out the available products at different sites and compare prices. Many companies will offer you a 30-day money back guarantee on your purchase, so it is also safe to buy a pendant necklace online. Buying online will also avoid you moving away from the comfort of your own home, as the necklace would be delivered at your doorstep in a couple of days.

So take a look at the sterling silver heart necklace choices you have the next time you decide to buy and do yourself a favor!

When it comes to romantic styles of jewelry, there is nothing as timeless as the heart locket. This style is not only romantic, it is also feminine and can come in some very dainty and delicate designs. This makes this particular piece of jewelry a good item to give a young girl as her first real piece of good jewelry. A heart locket necklace is available in several different types of metal so it is easy to select the design you want to purchase. The necklaces created from gold can vary in the weight of the gold used. You may find some items that are 10 karats and others made of 24-karat gold. The difference in weight dictates how much actual gold was used in making the locket.

You will see the weight variations in the silver lockets as well. This also refers to how much silver was used in making the final piece, although the weight increments may be different from those used for gold. This weight will only apply to the locket itself and not to the chain to which it is attached. The chain will often be the same material and weight as the heart locket is, but it can also be different. Most silver hearts are placed on sterling silver chains to create a coordinated and flowing design and a sterling silver heart locket is a favorite too . A silver heart locket can come as a highly polished item with only the silver used as the outer surface or it can have some accent items on it.

Accenting items can be gemstones. You will find several styles of hearts with various birthstones placed as a single accent on the heart’s surface. The gems are usually positioned in the center of the heart and may have etched designs around them such as radiating lines or curved filigree. The etched styles are also available without gems placed in the surface. These can have delicate etchings of flowers, scrolling leaves or even the person’s name. Some designs are reminiscent of Renaissance styles, while others can have a more baroque appearance. Some heart designs will have a mother of pearl inlay on the surface area that creates a very distinctive and elegant style.

The heart lockets available for young girls can also come in a few unique designs. If your child is an animal lover, you could select one of the styles with paw prints on the heart’s surface. A dainty flower etching is also appropriate for this age as is a birthstone setting. These themed styles also make great Mother’s Day gifts and can be found with the word “Mom” engraved in the surface or set in with an alternate type of metal. The two-toned hearts can be made with a silver surface that has gold inlays around the edges or used as a special ornamental design such as a flower in the center.

Both the gold heart locket and silver locket are available with assorted diamond accents. A diamond can be a single stone accent or several stones created as a band across the front of the piece. Several styles have the entire front section covered with tiny diamonds. This style makes a great bridal necklace as well as a nice anniversary gift. The various lockets will come with one or two inner compartments. The basic design has the locket open to reveal two interior sections into which you can place small photos. The two-compartment style will have an additional divider so the locket opens into four segments to hold four separate photos.

You can find all of these magnificent heart jewelry items available at various department and jewelry stores as well as online.  Whichever one you use, make sure that the retailer is happy to offer a refund ir at the very least an exchange (most are) and you will have a new jewelry item to be proud of – whether it is a gift for a loved one or a treasured item that you have bought for yourself.

A heart bracelet today symbolizes friendship and love. Even little children enjoy making these excellent examples of heart jewelry for one another, but what they do not know is the history they are taking part in while they do so. These heart charm bracelets have a richer symbolization than may at first be apparent. Let us take one bead at a time and look at where the use of bracelets originated.

Understanding what a “charm” bracelet is helps in tracking down its origins and putting a heart charm bracelet into context. A charm is a personalized pendant that signifies an important event, person, or relationship. Generally, charms take the form of what they are representing. Some are obvious with animals, hearts, or names and others hide the true meaning with special symbols. These charms, however, did not originally start on people’s wrists.

In ancient times, charms were worn to signify “higher” beings or processes like pleasing the gods, warding off evil, and gaining entrance into the afterlife. Charms at this time were usually worn as pendants, amulets, and rings. As time went on, eventually these charms changed their meaning and their positioning. The bracelet was born around the middle ages and was worn by nobles and knights to signify rank and family. One of the best know “pioneers” of wearing bracelets was Queen Victoria. She would wear things like silver heart bracelets, not for symbolism, but because she liked the look. Typically, only members of royalty or the extremely wealthy had the money or desire to wear such a decoration, but for a few commoners, these bracelets were “to die for”.

The average Joe on the street saw and adored the charms worn by the upper class men and women of society. This adornment turned led to innovation, as they then fashioned their own jewelry from what they had seen. Out of simple string and beads, they would construct their own bracelets. These rickety poor man’s bracelets helped change the meaning and use of the charm bracelets. After no time at all there were artisans who specialized in constructing these bracelets and beads and this is the origin of today’s bracelets.

Today’s charm bracelets can be used for anything from casual jewelry through to fine pieces fit for formal occasions. Especially among teen girls, these bracelets have been taken to a completely new level of meaning. Friendship heart bracelets come with a heart divided into two halves of a whole. They can be put together to form a full bracelet, or worn in parts to show the connection of friendship. Another favorite type of bracelet that is popular in the same way as a heart bracelet is the initials bracelet, where you can wear your own initials or the initials of a special boyfriend or girlfriend.

These bracelets also make very good gifts for adults as well. Signifying a milestone in ones life, bracelets can mean the world to a person. This truly meets the definition of “It’s the thought that counts”.  Many people will hold dear a little bracelet, over and above anything else in their house, just because of what it means to them. For example, in World War Two, soldiers would bring back charms for their wives to show them where they had been. These bracelets meant the world to the wives, by showing that their husbands not only served their country, but also made it back. For the wife who lost her loved one, a heart charm bracelet would also serve as a reminder of her husband’s sacrifice to keep his family and country safe.

No matter what the size, shape or color, bracelets have a huge emotional impact, and especially a heart charm bracelet. They truly mean the world to people. Thinking about these charms brings our personal world to the center. Everything we hold near and dear to us represented in this small package – memories, people, events, milestones, you name it.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, a heart charm bracelet is forever.

What if you had to buy a gift for a lady near and dear to you and you just couldn’t think of the ideal surprise for her?  What if heart jewelry could be the answer?

What if you had been spending a long time trying to come up with an original idea for a present for your significant other for Valentine’s Day (whether she’s your wife or girlfriend) and you are drawing a blank?  You’ve already bought her all of the routine gifts that guys buy, such as flowers and chocolates and champagne.  You’ve been together for a few years so you’ve also bought her the other stuff that men buy for their ladies – clothes, DVDs and CDs, underwear (nervously because you didn’t want to appear stupid in front of the sales assistants!) and perfume.  In fact, you’ve bought each of those more than once, taking into account birthdays and Christmas presents and “just because” gifts.  So it’s becoming a little routine and casual. She’s a smart, professional lady running her own business, so she has to look good and elegant and presentable at all times.  She has some jewelry that she wears on business occasions but some of is is a little too “over the top” for day to day affairs.  Well, how about a white gold heart necklace?  It will express your love and affection for her and it will also be a pretty and effective piece that she can co-ordinate with other items in her jewelry box.  You can buy other heart jewelry pieces for gift buying occasions in the future.

But what if Christmas was approaching and you just couldn’t think what to buy for your Mom?  She’s not only a mom but a Grandma also.  She has three children of her own and five grandchildren, so she’s had a lot of presents bought for her over the years.  She doesn’t have a very active social life because of her age but she does have all of the clothes she could ever wear – her wardrobe it bulging – so clothes are out.  She’s not a great movie or television fan, preferring just a few tried and tested programs such as Frasier that she watches repeatedly, so there’s not too much mileage there.  And book-wise, she is quite religiously minded so you’re always worried about buying the modern tomes with lavish amounts of sex scenes in them  that you know will offend her.  She enjoys reminiscing about her past life and the joys of being with her family.  Ok, how about a heart locket?  You can add in a photo of her husband or her favorite grandchildren and she can remember them every time she looks in the mirror and sees the locket hanging there.

So what if you then need to find a gift for your daughter’s birthday that’s just around the corner?  She’s a typical early teenage years girl.  She loves pop music, boys and chatting with her girl friends.  She has all of the music and movies that she wants – and in any event, how can you possibly figure out what’s currently in and what’s currently out?  The same applies to clothes – whatever Mom and Dad like, she doesn’t.  Everything revolves around IPods, text messaging and romance.  Maybe you can buy her a sterling silver heart charm bracelet.  Include a traditional locked heart charm to symbolize romance.  Buy her more charms for subsequent birthdays and gift buying occasions.  She can wear it for social outings and casual times with her friends and she will come to treasure it as more charms are added over the years.

Do you have any more “what if” moments like these?  Give some thought to heart bracelets, heart brooches and heart necklaces and you may be able to solve some gift buying problems of your own.

When you think of “collecting” as a hobby or pastime your first thoughts are often of subjects such as baseball cards, stamps, coins, porcelain figurines or any of the numerous other items that people choose to collect.  One category that doesn’t readily spring to mind though is collecting heart jewelry, especially heart lockets.  Yes, most women have a selection of different jewelry (some have far more than others!) but they would hardly see it as a hobby of actively collecting different pieces.  After all, jewelry is an accessory used to complement the different outfits in a woman’s closet.

People collect things for various reasons – for some it is purely a hobby and because they like the specific subject while for others they hope that they will discover something rare and valuable related to their collection.  Choosing to collect heart lockets can actually fulfill both of these reasons and at the same time provide you with a fashion accessory to wear for any occasion.

The heart locket was popularized during the reign of Queen Victoria and often contained portraits (this was before the age of the photograph) of a departed loved one and/or a lock of their hair.  During the American Civil War many of the soldiers gave these to their betrothed or wives as a keepsake to keep them close in spirit while they were apart physically.  If you truly want an authentic collection of lockets then you may be lucky enough to find some beautiful and valuable examples at yard sales, flea markets or antique shops.   Web auctions are another good place to look for second hand jewelry and you can sometimes find items for a less expensive price than from other sources.

On the other hand you may just decide to collect modern heart jewelry, which is very popular once more and which is suitable for wearing for any event.  There are lots of different designs to choose from so you are not limited in style. For instance, why just have one pair of simple heart stud earrings which you wear every day to work?  Why not have a selection of styles like a pair of gold chandelier heart earrings or diamond heart earrings for that formal ball?  These could be teamed up with a matching heart bracelet, necklace and ring.  One of the great advantages of heart jewelry is that you can mix and match pieces from different suppliers and different styles and yet you still have a result that looks effective and beautiful.

Heart jewelry is available in lots of different metals, such as gold, rose gold, white gold, platinum and sterling silver, and most of these can be set with precious and semi-precious gemstones, so this is why it makes a great collectible genre and at the same time it allows you to make a fashion statement.   A sterling silver heart locket necklace and silver earrings will add the required amount of chic to your outfit, whether you are meeting friends for lunch or a drink after work or going out to a formal dinner engagement.

Another great thing about collecting heart lockets and other pieces of heart jewelry is that you can get friends and loved ones to help you build up your collection.  A heart shaped ring would make an ideal anniversary present and a silver heart bracelet would be great as a gift for your birthday.  If you know a girl who has a charm bracelet, buying her an additional heart charm can be a great addition.  Even if she already has one heart charm, there are many alternatives that can complement what she already owns.

With the value of gold and silver at an all time high, collecting heart jewelry seems like a good investment and, unlike coins or stamps, you don’t have to put it in an album or special display cabinet to enjoy it.  Wearing your heart lockets and other pieces of heart jewelry will give you much more pleasure than just taking them out now and again to look at.

Have you ever considered buying second hand jewelry, especially to get a more individual piece than those sold in the modern stores?  For a more authentic item of jewelry, such as a sterling silver heart locket either for yourself or as a gift for someone, it is well worth the effort of seeking out retailers who specialize in used jewelry whether in the Mall, Flea Market or on the Internet.  If you can find an outlet that carries Victorian jewelry you are sure to find some beautiful, intricate detailed heart lockets as it was during this era that these became very popular.

Classic jewelry is an exceptional investment and a piece of antique heart design jewelry is a superb gift for that special person in your life. Currently, the value of gold is at an all-time high and this has generated a great deal of interest in vintage and antique gold jewelry as it can certainly provide much better value. The price of used gold jewelry is likely to be up to one third less expensive than a similar piece bought new today. Plus an additional benefit is that the quality of a vintage jewelry piece can often be substantially superior to it’s modern day counterpart. However, the same does not always apply to gemstone jewelry: diamond cutting techniques are now a long way superior from what was available a century in the past.

If the thought of buying or wearing jewelry pieces that were once worn by someone else does not appeal to you but you want something that looks like the original, there are a plethora of merchants on the Web that sell replica jewelry designs at affordable prices.

Silver heart jewelry is experiencing new interest for a variety of reasons. Sterling silver’s natural traits allow it to be made into an incredible assortment of designs from the tiniest sterling silver heart earring to heavy bracelets and chains. The color and sheen of silver gives it the appearance of ultra-fashionable platinum or white gold at a small fraction of the cost. Sterling silver makes a superb setting for almost any type of gems, making it an ideal choice for reasonably priced heart rings, pendants and earrings with either precious or semi-precious gemstones. A variety of birthstones such as garnet, topaz and amethyst often feature in beautiful silver heart jewelry pieces. With the manufacturing skills that are available today, synthetic and created jewels look so good that once set in silver they can look as though they cost a fortune.

Diamonds are the most prestigious of gemstones and diamond pendants are second only to diamond heart engagement rings in the popularity stakes. The heart design diamond pendant is definitely an extremely “in vogue” design today. In this style, the diamonds are not themselves heart shaped (as this is a particularly difficult and expensive cut) but the gold, silver or platinum heart pendant is set with a few larger sized or numerous small gems. If price is a problem, you could attain an equally impressive look with a silver heart shaped locket embellished with synthetic gemstones or cubic zirconia.

Sterling silver heart jewelry is suitable for every situation as it’s color flatters every outfit, from the little black dress to shorts and T-shirt, with designs that can be subtle and elegant or bold and daring. Lovely pieces of heart jewelry suit everyone and in addition they do not have to have high price tags. Individual, made by hand pieces of sterling silver jewelry with heart shaped symbols can be an inexpensive alternative to precious metal and precious gems. Attractive heart shaped rings or traditional Claddagh rings in silver can be purchased for an often amazingly inexpensive price, particularly if you are happy to purchase pre-owned items. Internet auction sites are a great place to look for fantastic jewelry buys and you can have the heart bracelet, earrings or pendant of your dreams!

One of the frequent reasons for buying a gift, almost any sort of gift, is because it represents the positive feelings you have for that person.  Of course, some gifts are simply a matter of routine (be honest now, I bet that you have bought gifts for relatives you just don’t really like but that you had to for the sake of family harmony, or you’ve contributed to a leaving present for a colleague that you’re pleased to see the back of).

But let’s focus for a few minutes on those gifts that you buy because you want to express your love for someone.  You have many choices – too many, really, in this day and age and often so many that it becomes confusing.  However, one tried and true way to express your love for a lady (and maybe even a man, depending on your relationship and his particular style!) is to give a piece of heart jewelry.

Even if you haven’t given much thought to it before, it is easy to see why a piece of heart shaped jewelry can make the right gift for your loved one. However, there is an enormous variety of pieces and it can be so extensive that you simply must give some thought to what specific piece of jewelry you should buy. So should you buy a gold heart necklace, a silver heart bracelet or a simple heart brooch?

In fact, the answer is really obvious, isn’t it?  For the maximum impact and to deliver the message you really want to send, you need to match the gift to the lucky recipient.  For example:

• If your woman favors silver or white gold, then a white gold heart necklace or a sterling silver heart locket could be a perfect option.

• Or what about a vintage heart locket that contains your photo as an ultimate depiction of your feelings for her?

• Practically all ladies like earrings and heart design earrings can easily be bought in silver or gold and can also be encrusted with gems if you want to be extravagant.

Naturally you need to think about the individual taste of the woman who will receive the surprise. Take notice of the kind of jewelry she already wears as this can provide an idea of the colors and styles she favors.  Here are some further thoughts to help you along:

• One major trend that many observers have commented on is the increasing popularity of silver heart jewelry.  Sterling silver’s physical qualities allow it to be made into an almost limitless range of jewelry designs, ranging from delicate silver heart earrings to big bracelets and chains. One big advantage that silver has is that it’s color gives the appearance of white gold or platinum at a fraction of the cost. Silver creates a superb setting for nearly any color of gem, making it an ideal choice for moderately priced heart pendants, rings and earrings with either precious or semi-precious stones. A range of birthstones such as amethyst, garnet and topaz regularly appear in stunning silver heart jewelry designs. Nowadays, synthetic and created jewels look so good that once set in silver they can look as if they cost an absolute fortune.

• As mentioned before, the beauty of heart jewelry is that you are not limited to just one type of metal or just one style of jewelry – and this variety results in jewelry products that can match almost any budget.  Despite the likelihood that a diamond heart pendant would be perfect for the lady in your life, there are a huge selection of other heart jewelry items which can be much easier on the finances. Heart shaped necklaces can be found in various precious metals, such as white and yellow gold or sterling silver and can be set with real or artificial gemstones. As the selection is so diverse, you’re certain to manage to discover the perfect heart jewelry gift for a loved one.

• A particular celebration to which a piece of heart jewelry is best suited is a wedding anniversary. It’s a gift which will demonstrate to your wife how much you really care. Take note of whether she usually wears silver or white gold or if perhaps she prefers classic yellow gold. A little detective work in advance will ensure you opt for the ultimate heart shaped jewelry gift.

• A timeless silver or gold charm bracelet makes a fantastic gift for a girl that she’ll treasure forever. These vintage jewelry items are experiencing great demand because they have become the favorites of celebrities. The traditional heart design lock is the essential accent to the vintage form of charm bracelet where the charms are usually added gradually over time. That type makes it easy to buy gifts for the young lady later on as she would want to acquire new charms to increase her bracelet. Although, the modern epoch of designer heart charm bracelets come with several charms actually in position and it is a top selection for the designer conscious female.

So as you can see – whether it’s a gold heart necklace, a pair of silver heart earrings or a diamond heart pendant, heart jewelry can indeed solve your problems when you need a special gift for that special person!

Why is it that so many men have difficulty finding that perfect present for their significant other?  Often they spend hours trying to think of what to give her for that special day such as a birthday, Valentine’s Day, anniversary or Christmas – only to settle on flowers or chocolates or something totally inappropriate like a kitchen gadget.  While women love receiving these gifts, especially as they know they are given with love, nothing will make them happier than receiving a specially selected piece of jewelry, especially a piece of heart jewelry such as an open heart necklace or a beautiful pair of heart earrings.

It is not hard to choose the right gift for that special lady – all you need is a little thought and some utilization of your listening skills.  Women are very good at dropping subtle (and sometimes not so subtle!) hints on things they would like.   While some men are very good at picking up the nuances, far too many tune out when they are trailing round the Mall with their lady love unless they are looking at “guy” stuff.  When she drags you to look in a jewelry store window and “oohs” and “ahs” over the pieces she sees there, that’s exactly the time to make a mental note of what she is particularly interested in.  This will give you a list of things to choose from when the next special occasion comes round.

So now the big day has arrived, you’ve bought her the open heart necklace or heart bracelet she was admiring in the store, wrapped it carefully and chosen the perfect card to go with it.  She is going to love it, and love you too, so why not take it a step further and make the day even more special for both of you?  You could take her to her favorite restaurant for a lovely romantic meal followed by a movie or nightclub.  Or, and this is one of my favorite romantic dates with my husband, you could cook her a special meal at home with a nice bottle of wine and with the benefit of candle light in the background, then watch a “chick flick” together.  And to round off the evening, run a relaxing bath for you both to share using her favorite bath oil and lighting aromatic candles.  Not only will she think you are the most romantic man on the face of this earth she will also see how caring and how much you love her even if you don’t tell her as much as she would like.

Of course there are other gifts you can give her like clothes or sexy underwear but you had better be sure you know her size and what she really likes in the clothes and lingerie department or it could be an unmitigated disaster.  Obviously, if you are buying your significant other something as intimate as underwear, you must know your loved one very well and know that she is as excited by it as you are.  If this is not the case then steer clear of Victoria’s Secrets or you could end up in the dog house for days instead of enjoying a romantic evening together.

Another no no for gifts for your wife is anything that smacks of housework, unless she has specifically asked for a new set of saucepans or vacuum cleaner – and even then think twice about presenting her with these on that special day, no matter how long you have been together. Although she may say, when asked, that this really is all she can think that she needs, giving her a piece of heart jewelry instead will show her that you see her as more than someone who does the household chores and it will confirm that it is her who you truly love.

Not only will buying your lady an open heart necklace help spice up your marriage on that one particular occasion, you can keep the magic going by adding different heart jewelry pieces to her collection over time.  Perhaps you could buy an open heart shaped ring for your anniversary or a heart brooch for her birthday – the possibilities are endless and she will appreciate the sentiment behind them far more than a last minute dash to the store for chocolates and flowers.  Although rest assured, she would probably appreciate some of those as well!

A sterling silver heart charm bracelet might be just the solution you’re looking for if  you are ever invited to a little girl’s christening or other such naming ceremony and you are wondering what would be an appropriate gift.  If you are fortunate enough to have been chosen as one of the little girl’s godparents then you want a gift that is going to last and one that will remind her of that special day as she gets older.  For this reason you need to think about something more long lasting than simply buying a beautiful outfit of clothes which she will outgrow in a matter of weeks.

One excellent gift to consider is a sterling silver heart charm bracelet, because this is a gift that she will treasure for years to come and one which can be added to over and over again throughout her lifetime.  In case you need some help in deciding:

1. There are lots of different styles of heart charm bracelets on the market, whether you are searching in the Mall jewelry stores or clicking from one to another of the many retailers found on the Internet.  Because of the wide variety available it might be that there are a number of things you might like to consider before making your final choice.  Although your gift is for a baby it might be as well to buy a bracelet that is slightly larger or that can have links added so that it grows with her.

2. Choose a heart charm that can be personalized, perhaps one with her birthstone set into it so that it can be engraved with either her birthday or her Christening date on it. You might even want to choose a heart locket so that a photograph of her on her special day can be put inside.

3. Make sure that other charms can be added to the links. By giving this gift you can add a charm to it for memorable occasions throughout her life making it into a history of her growing up.  For instance, on her first birthday you could add a birthday charm or in December of the year she is born, buy her one for her first Christmas.  Memorable events during her school days could be commemorated with a charm.  Maybe even her first boyfriend could add to it by giving her a heart charm on their first Valentine’s Day.

4. Other special days that spring to mind are of course her Graduation Day when you could present her with a charm depicting a graduation cap and the year she achieved her diploma or even a diploma charm.  Another special day would perhaps be to get her a car charm for when she gets her driving license or yet another, buying a number charm for when she reaches the age of majority.

5. Then of course as she gets to the stage in life when she is contemplating marriage, a charm depicting a wedding would be very appropriate.  And as her family grows, charms can be added to mark these happy events.

6. Another reason for choosing a sterling silver heart charm bracelet is that it complements other heart jewelry such as heart earrings or a heart pendant that she may well receive as gifts as she grows up.

Of course there are other Christening gifts that you could choose for that special little girl, such as a personalized brush and comb set or a first tooth and first curl gift set or even a silver cup with her name on.  But giving a silver heart charm bracelet is a gift that will keep on giving in memories throughout the years and one which she can pass on to her own children as a part of family history.  You can be sure that your Goddaughter or niece or even friends baby girl will remember you every time she wears that special piece of jewelry.

Since ancient times the heart symbol has been associated with love.  Many of the ancient cultures used it as a design on jewelry pieces but perhaps the most romantic era when heart jewelry came into its own was Victorian times.  One of the most romantic pieces of jewelry of this period was the silver heart locket. Although lockets had been used for centuries as good luck charms, or to carry poison or even to carry curative powders, their use as a symbol of love or condolence increased a great deal during the reign of Queen Victoria in the 19th century.

At first lockets were given to women who had lost a loved one so that they had a keepsake in which they could put a photograph or a lock of hair of their loved one.  Often these lockets would be worn on a pin close to the heart as a sign that although the person was no longer with them they were still in their heart and would not be forgotten.  They were also worn on chains round the neck or on charm bracelet.

As is the case today, Victorian lockets came in many different shapes: some were book shaped, some were round and of course the heart shape was popular.  They were made of different metals such as gold, silver, brass and copper.  Silver was a more common choice compared to gold due to the lower cost of that metal, a situation that remains valid today.  But is was favored more than brass and copper because the look and feel was superior.

Many of these lockets had intricate designs engraved into them and most often they had the  initials of the owner or the loved one or perhaps both of these (see left for an example of a modern engraved silver heart locket and click on the picture for more details).  Some even had precious and semi-precious stones set in them.  These lockets were often passed down in families as heirlooms and I’m sure that if you go to some of the second hand jewelry stores or antique shops, especially in England, you will be able to find some of these beautiful pieces of history.

Heart lockets soon became a favorite gift to give to a loved one as the ultimate romantic symbol of love. And what could be nicer than one that has a personalized message on it, like this one on the right (click on the picture for more information)? The photograph, lock of hair or other piece of personal memorabilia contained in the locket would serve as a reminder of the loved one even if they were far apart.  From the time of the American Civil War and the Boer War in the nineteenth century, the two world wars of the twentieth century to the conflicts that are raging today, wives, sweethearts, moms and sisters have worn heart lockets with pictures of their loved one inside as a means of keeping them close at all times.

But why the heart shape?  Jewelry designs come and go but heart charms (and jewelry with heart designs on them) have never been out of fashion since they were introduced by the ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians.  The heart shape is thought to have originated from the shape of the seed pod of the now extinct Silphium plant.  The Greeks and Romans believed that the plant was a gift from Apollo and it that it contained many magical properties.  Not only was it used as a seasoning in many of the Mediterranean dishes of the time, it was also used for medicinal purposes to cure anything from a cold to more serious illnesses.  But one of its main uses was as a contraceptive and this is perhaps why the shape of its seed pods (very much like a human heart) led to it becoming the symbol of love.

Nowadays a locket (whether it’s a gold heart locket, silver heart locket or some other kind) makes a great gift for women of all ages and for all occasions and it would be nice if they once again became family heirlooms.  What could tell a family’s history more than a bracelet filled with heart lockets?  It could start with one with pictures of the bride and groom on their wedding day and then as each momentous milestone in that couple’s relationship is reached a new heart charm locket could be added.  One for each child with perhaps a photograph, their first curl or even a first tooth, ones commemorating each momentous anniversary, others carrying pictures of their children’s wedding days and then of course one to welcome each grandchild.  In this age of technology it would be nice to leave a solid memento of a previous generation for the next generation.

And a silver heart locket is a great compromise that gives you a valuable and long lasting piece of jewelry yet it comes at a price that is lower than the more expensive gold option.

Special events in one’s life are made even more memorable when commemorated with a personalized gift to mark the occasion.  And for that very special lady in your life nothing would say how much she means to you on such a momentous day than presenting her with a heart pendant.  Just like many other kinds of heart jewelry, the great thing about heart pendants is the fact that they are a fabulous gift no matter what age you’re buying for.  A heart pendant can also cater for many different tastes as well as ages: if, for example, the person you’re buying for likes diamond jewelry or pearl jewelry, you can find heart shaped pieces that include these gems – so there’s something for everyone!

Take a look at some of the many heart pendants that you can choose from in jewelry stores in the mall or on-line to see what I mean.  We’re obviously biased on this web site because our focus is about all kinds of heart jewelry: whether it’s heart charms, heart bracelets or heart earrings we’re great fans.  But there is something extra special about a heart pendant and maybe that’s because it stays the closest to your own heart when you’re wearing it.

I suppose the first special day in every couple’s life is when they celebrate their first Valentines Day together.  Although there are lots of gifts you could choose to shower her with like flowers, chocolates and soft toys, picking out a specially selected heart shaped pendant would really let her know that she has your heart.  Because there are is such a large variety of designs made from many different kinds of precious and semi precious metals finding one that will fit your budget should not be difficult.

What a lovely gift a gold heart pendant would make from the parents of a daughter to their loved one on her wedding day.  It would serve to remind her that although someone else now has her heart she is still in their heart and always will be.  It a real and explicit message that parental love lasts forever.

Another special day that will always live in your memory is that of the birth of your children.  Clearly the days leading up to and immediately after the birth are a whirlwind of emotion and activity, but if the prospective Dad can take some time out to buy a heart pendant for his new arrival, that action will highlight the day even more for the lifetime to come.  Buying a heart locket personalized with date, name and picture of the proud parents and their new addition will be a lasting memento of this happy event.   I particularly like the Sterling Silver Family Heart Locket from Things Remembered (see left) as you can add more photographs as your family grows.

Heart pendants also make the perfect anniversary gift no matter how many years you are celebrating.  Presenting your loved one with a silver or gold heart necklace engraved with a personalized message, on your 25th wedding anniversary or your Golden anniversary, will show her that she’s still loved even though you’ve been together a long time.  It’s a wonderful way to recognize the times you’ve shared throughout the years.

Although heart pendants make a superb gift for a man to give to his loved one on special celebratory days to show how much she means to him, they are suitable for anyone to give as a present to show someone they are loved.  A child giving a heart shaped necklace to Mom on Mother’s Day will show her that she is loved even if she is not told this as often as she would like.  Giving a heart pendant to Grandma, whether she’s 50 or 90, as a birthday present will bring a smile to her face every time she wears it and she will show it off with pride letting everyone know she is loved.

So whatever the occasion to be celebrated or for a “just because” present heart pendants make the ideal gift and tell the recipient they are truly loved.

Like the majority of women, I love jewelry of all kinds and over the years have bought pieces for myself or had them bought for me as a gift. Even if they don’t wear other kinds of jewelry such as earrings, rings or bracelets, most women have at least one necklace or pendant. I have several designs and the most recent of them was bought for me by my husband from the selection of open heart pendants designed by Jane Seymour (currently one of the leading brands of heart jewelry as you may discern from the sheer volume of advertsing for these products that you see) .

I especially like to have heart jewelry in my necklace box ready to wear because of its versatility. Whether it’s heart charms, heart bracelets or heart earrings, they all seem to match with a great variety of clothing styles and are suitable for every type of social event. While something like diamond earrings or a pearl necklace can be somewhat formal and may well be too high-class for a quick dash to the Mall or a trip to the local family restaurant, heart shaped jewelry is almost universally appropriate.

But let’s get back to heart pendants in particular (such as the one on the left – click on the picture for more details). The ones I treasure the most are the ones that have been given to me by my husband, family members or friends as each time I wear one of them I am reminded of that special person. Although I tend to wear my heart pendant everyday no matter what I am wearing, I do swap it for one of my other ones depending on the occasion. For instance I have a beautiful silver snowflake pendant that a very dear friend of mine bought for me and I usually wear this at Christmas time. The blue snowflake box that it came in has an inscription inside the lid that reads ” every snowflake is unique it’s true, each one is special just like you”. It brings a smile to my face and reminds me of her every time I open the box.

When I worked with children I liked to wear fun jewelry. I am a big fan of A. A. Milne’s “Winnie The Pooh Stories” and so I love the fact that you can get pendants with all the different characters on them, my personal favorite is Eyore. But there are lots of other fun pendants to choose from. The same friend who bought me the snowflake pendant has lots of different “themed” sets of jewelry such as one set with a holiday motif consisting of a flip flop pendant, flip flop ring and flip flop bracelet. They look great with shorts and tops or even with swimwear.

Pendants are a very versatile item of jewelry and can dress up any outfit. I find them especially good for taking away that bare neck look of a “v” or scoop necked top or dress. For formal occasions matching items of jewelry will really set your outfit off. I like to wear my white gold heart pendant with my white gold heart earrings as they go with any color but look especially good when wearing black. Who knows, the next item of jewelry my husband buys for me may well be a heart ring to complete my set.