Heart Jewelry Choices, Heart Jewellery Allure

Previously I have concentrated on manufactured heart jewelry and some other types of jewelry that are readily available: there are some beautiful pieces and they are easy to find in the stores and from online retailers. A gold or sterling silver charm bracelet is a popular choice. But, while looking around the craft store recently for items that I needed for a project I was doing, and checking out craft magazines too, I realized that there are a lot of people out there who enjoy making crafts of all types including jewelry.

There is a great deal of satisfaction in producing your own jewelry and hand made jewelry is truly unique, because no two products turn out exactly alike. So if you like to undertake craft projects, either to give as presents or just for the fun of it, then here is an idea for you.  I’ve focused on heart bracelets as a starting point but it is simple to take this idea and then to use it to produce differently-themed charm bracelets or other items, for example.

First of all, here’s what you will need:

I already had some of the items below (for example, tin foil and the regular oven) but I  shopped at Wal Mart and Michaels (the latter has many outlets in Florida, where I live – you may find different suppliers close to where you are, of course) to collect the remainder:

• 1 chain bracelet large enough to fit the wrist of the wearer (about 7″ or 8″ usually)
• Bakeable modeling clay (I used Sculpey Pluffey white)
• Small rolling pin
• Wax paper, glass board or tin foil to work the clay on
• Small heart shaped cookie cutter
• Picture nail to make hole in clay
• Oven
• Acrylic Paint (I used Folk Art Apple Red and Folk Art Extreme Glitter Rose)
• Small paint brushes
• Clear glaze
• 7 or 8 Small crystal beads to intersperse with the hearts
• 3mm round acrylic rhinestones – 2 for each heart
• Jump rings to attach the charms and beads to the bracelet
• Pair of needle nosed pliers

And here are instructions on how do it:

1. Work the clay and roll out to desired thickness
2. Cut out 8 – 10 heart shapes using cookie cutter
3. Make hole near the top of heart shape for the jump ring to fit through
4. Follow the instructions on the clay packet for baking the heart shapes
5. When cool, paint with your chosen colors. I found it easier to hold them flat with the picture nail while I painted the edges and one side of heart then allow it to dry thoroughly before turning it over and painting the other side.
6. Allow each coat of paint to dry before applying the next coat. (If you don’t want to add the rhinestones you can add your own painted design at this stage.)
7. When the paint is completely dry finish the hearts off with a clear glaze
8. Glue a rhinestone jewel to one side of the heart charms. Allow to dry thoroughly before gluing one on the other side.
9. Attach the charms and beads to the chain starting with one colored heart shape, then a crystal bead, then the other colored heart. Carry this pattern through until you have completed your bracelet.

Your heart bracelet is now ready to wear or place in a suitable gift box to give as a present.

Although this bracelet is filled with heart charms (we’re biased!!!) there are lots of other shapes you can use to make more bracelets. Just let your creativity take over – use your ideas to make charm bracelets or something even more unique – and have fun!

14k White Gold Diamond Heart Ring (1/10 cttw, H-I Color, I2 Clarity), Size 7

Have you ever been stuck for a unique gift idea for those special days such as an anniversary, birthday, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day for the special woman in your life?  So why not give her a beautiful piece of  heart jewelry?  Because heart jewelry is so versatile, it can be worn everyday for any situation, whether that is popping to the grocery store, going to work, attending a swanky party or meeting friends for lunch, so it makes the ideal present.

On your next wedding anniversary a heart pendant necklace would make a perfect gift for your wife.  Gold and sterling silver are both fine choices.  Not only will it show her how much she still means to you but she will be able to wear it every day and it will remind her of the special relationship you two share.  If you get it engraved with a special message personal to you both, that will be  a demonstration to her of all the time and thought you have put into choosing a special gift for her – and, although you don’t perhaps tell her as often as she would like, how much you love her.  Every time she catches a glimpse of herself in the mirror or touches her neck it will bring a smile to her face as she thinks of you and remembers special times you have shared and continue to share.

There are many occasions on which to give a piece of heart jewelry to your daughter and a delicate heart bracelet would be appropriate for any of them.  The first one that springs to mind is her birth and a heart bracelet with her date of birth and her birthstone on it is something she can treasure forever.  Or how about a silver charm bracelet for her “sweet sixteen” birthday?  When she is all dressed up to go to her prom a gold heart bracelet to complement the gorgeous dress she is wearing will make her truly feel like a princess.  Or giving her a heart bracelet on her graduation day will show her how proud you are of her achievements.

Valentine’s Day is traditionally the time that lovers want to express their feelings for their significant other, obviously with a gift that symbolizes love – whether that is red roses, heart shaped candy or perhaps a cute soft toy.  Giving your loved one an open heart ring would convey in a very clear way exactly how much you love her.  For the guy who wants to let his girlfriend know he is committed to her but not yet ready to get engaged, a heart shaped ring given as a promise ring would leave her in no doubt of his fidelity.

On Mother’s Day we all sometimes struggle to think of that special something for the best Mom in the world.  If you ask her what she wants she will frequently say that there is nothing she needs so, often, we search the stores for a sweater or top or purse that we think she might like.  Getting her a piece of heart jewelry will surely put a smile on her face and show her just how much you love her.  A silver heart locket engraved with a special message and containing a family photograph is something she will not only treasure forever but will proudly show off to her friends.

For birthdays and Christmas you can’t go wrong if you choose to give heart jewelry, especially for a close friend.  There are lots of different pieces in the stores but a pair of silver heart earrings will show your feelings for her as a friend and you can be sure they will complement the other jewelry in her collection.  Whether she prefers stud earrings, hoops or dangly styles there are lots of designs to choose from.

So no matter what the occasion or the age of the recipient, if you choose a piece of heart jewelry it will show your wife, daughter, girlfriend, Mom or close friend how much they mean to you.

Sterling Silver Heart Charm Rolo Link Bracelet – 8″

Multi-Gemstone Heart Charm Bracelet in Sterling Silver 7″

Sterling Silver “Mom” Engraved Heart Charm On Heart Link Bracelet

Pugster Row Of Hearts Charm Bead

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, and that is true whether it is a gold or a sterling silver charm bracelet or some other precious metal that it is made out of. Let us take one bead at a time and look at where the popularity of heart 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 teenage 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” and even the least expensive sterling silver example delivers a powerful message.

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.

For centuries the heart shape has been the universal symbol of love – so it is no surprise that giving a piece of heart jewelry is the most popular way of showing someone that you love them. And nothing could be more romantic than a heart ring, especially if it is an engagement ring.

Ok, heart charms, heart bracelets and heart earrings are beautiful and wearable and special – but let’s be honest, what could be a bigger demonstration of love than the time that your Prince Charming tells you just how much he loves you and then produces a beautiful diamond heart shaped engagement ring? It’s the stuff of fairy tales that every girl dreams of! And how about the “couples” ring that is shown on the left (click on the picture for more details)?

As with fashion, hairstyles and make up, styles change over time and the same can be said for jewelry styles with a few exceptions. For example, heart jewelry in general is one style that has survived no matter what the latest fad, associated as it is with romantic feelings and declarations. But perhaps the most obvious exception to changes in popularity over a long period of time is the solitaire diamond ring which has always been in fashion, not just as an engagement ring but also as a dress ring.  Although there may be changes in the settings and choice of precious metal such as yellow gold, white gold, rose gold and platinum, diamonds still remain the number one choice of most for those getting married.

When my husband and I got engaged in the late sixties, although the largest selection of engagement rings on offer were solitaires or diamond clusters, a very fashionable alternative was to choose a ring with diamonds and other precious stones such as rubies, emeralds and sapphires. In some ways, this very wide choice was confusing because so many of the rings on offer were so wonderful to look at. And just like the times that you go out for a meal at your favorite restaurant and after the main course they bring you the dessert selections – you see the hot fudge sundae, the apple pie and that large slice of cheesecake and you want to try all of them, even though you know you can’t have them – well, that’s how I was when I started to look at engagement rings. (But to digress for a moment: the last time I went out for a meal, the restaurant offered a “dessert selection” with small portions of three different desserts in one serving – so perhaps you can have them all, or three of them at least!).

Anyhow, let’s get back to jewelry and the engagement ring anecdote. I remember going shopping with my girlfriend and stopping to look in the jewelry stores and picking out the engagement rings we wanted. My friend’s choice was for an oval ruby surrounded by diamonds whereas I decided that I wanted a central diamond surrounded by deep blue sapphires in the shape of a flower. Having lost touch with my friend before she got married I don’t know if she got the ring of her dreams but I certainly did and I still wear it every day.

Just writing this reminded me of Princess Diana’s engagement ring which was a large dark blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds. Very similar in design to the one my friend wanted but I am sure far more expensive than either of us would expect.

My husband has bought me lots of beautiful jewelry since we have been together and I treasure every piece. But the one item I would really like to receive is a heart ring to add to the heart jewelry collection which he has bought for me over all of these years to show how much he still loves me. So if your significant other is looking to find something that will last a long time and will be a constant reminder of how much you mean to each other, you might subtly suggest (or maybe not so subtly) a piece of jewelry such as a heart ring.