Heart motif jewellery is the 90s throwback we are on board with for Valentine’s Day
Whether it’s colourful chubby heart earrings, molten gold and silver heart bracelets and necklaces, contemporary and timeless hoops and studs or of-the-moment cord pendant necklaces, heart motifs are having a major moment. Here’s our edit of the unapologetically playful and nostalgic styles that are trending now.
Playful jewellery is having a moment, from colourful beaded necklaces to charm bracelets – and the motif of the moment is the heart. The heart is a timely hero in our jewellery wardrobe, and with Valentine’s Day approaching it has had a major makeover. Just check out the abundance of nostalgic enamel hearts adorning bracelets at Abbott Lyon, oversized heart-shaped lab-grown diamonds at Anabela Chan as well as contemporary gold and silver hearts from brands including Otiumberg and Missoma.
At Pandora there are both elegant, Regency-inspired pieces as well more modern, organic heart-shaped pieces, while Missoma’s Molten Hearts collection is a bold, sculptural evolution of the brand’s cult heart designs – think tactile pendants, statement hoops and everyday charms to be worn and loved, all year round.
The Ottoman Hands Hearts collection is a romantic and playful range that is great for minimalists looking for something to make a special outfit stand out. The pieces are made from recycled brass, with an 18ct gold plating, and include everything from hammered and textural heart motifs to curved designs. In short, the collection is bold, organic and encourages you to layer and stack pieces too.
We asked Rosanna and Christie Wollenberg, the founders of Otiumberg, about the influence of the heart motif on jewellery right now: “The heart motif has always been there,” they say, “but what we’re seeing is a shift towards more considered, design-led interpretations that feel grown-up rather than sentimental. Pieces like our Roscida Heart Hoops are popular because they strike that balance – recognisably a heart, but sculptural and understated, so it feels timeless rather than twee. There’s joy and nostalgia found in familiar symbols, and the heart offers that sense of connection and meaning while still allowing for personal style.”
Credit: Otiumberg
Oversized hearts are having a moment on the red carpet too with Margot Robbie stepping out at the Wuthering Heights premiere wearing Elizabeth Taylor’s iconic heart necklace and London-based jeweller Tilly Sveaas’ chunky heart motif necklaces offer a perfect high-impact alternative.
Whether you want something minimal and timeless or something playful that sparks joy, there’s plenty to choose from. From simple silver pieces that look effortless with elevated essentials, like an oversized shirt and indigo denim, to more statement pieces that look great with coloured knits, sculptural tops or high-impact eveningwear.
Maddy Sangster, creative director at Heavenly London, says: “Heart jewellery works because it’s unapologetically emotional at a time when fashion has felt quite detached. There’s nostalgia in the heart motif – it reminds people of first loves, heirlooms and jewellery that you never quite forget but what’s driving its return now is how it’s being reclaimed. Today’s heart jewellery is bolder, cleaner and more intentional. It’s less about sweetness and more about self-expression, which is why we’re seeing women buy hearts for themselves rather than waiting to be given one.”
Read on for our edit of the best everyday and evening jewellery pieces to wear as a nod to Valentine’s Day this year.
Credit: Heavenly London
18 of the best heart motif jewellery pieces available to shop now
Otiumberg Sterling Silver Roscida Heart Hoops
Inspired by sculptural, modernist jewellery, these smooth, heart-shaped hoops are sculpted from 100% recycled sterling silver and are a perfect example of the brand’s contemporary yet timeless aesthetic. Wear them with tailoring and simple separates for day or night.
Tish Lyon Nectar 9ct Solid Gold Heart Necklace
A romantic twist on a classic, this solid white gold necklace features a bezel-set heart-cut gem pendant on a fine chain and is a great everyday piece that can be worn with everything from casual weekendwear to elevated work pieces for the office and elegant evening looks.
Tilly Sveaas Gold Heart On Trace Chain
Statement, romantic heart necklaces are an important part of this trend and Tilly Sveaas’ chunky heart motif necklaces come in varying sizes and make a stylish statement.
Pandora Organically Shaped Heart Ring
This stylish 14k gold-plated imperfectly-shaped heart ring is the perfect partner to oversized silhouettes – think roomy wide-leg tailored trousers and poplin shirts.
Astrid & Miyu Heart Signet Ring
Astrid & Miyu’s current jewellery collection is perfect for Valentine’s gifting, spanning everything from chunky signet rings to huggie hoop earrings with heart drops to hyper-delicate chains with tiny heart motifs.
Lines & Current Heart in the Clouds Cord Necklace
This 90s-style cord choker features an abstract hollow heart handcrafted in a smooth matte finish. Playful and experimental, the heart cloud pendant is on an adjustable wax cord that can be worn as choker or extends up to 28 inches.
Shop Lines & Current ‘Heart in the Clouds’ Cord Necklace, £50
Loveness Lee Red Heart Ruby Pendant
Loveness Lee takes inspiration from abstract shapes and textures found in nature to hand-craft pieces all from the brand’s London workship. This little heart pendant will add a bit of interest to your everyday wardrobe and looks great layered with other gold chains too.
Anabela Chan Rose Heart Earrings
An investment purchase steeped in nostalgia and joy, these chubby heart earrings feature the brand’s signature gemstones synthesised from fruits and vegetables with bio-resin, set in anodised aluminium, with 14k gold earring posts.
Shop Anabela Chan Anodized Recycled Aluminum Rose Heart Earrings with Regenerative Rose Quartz, £990
Missoma Molton Hearts Red Jasper Cord Necklace
Missoma’s heart collection is a pick-n-mix of delicate chain bracelets and necklaces, statement heart earrings and contemporary cord necklaces that make a stylish statement with shirting and tailoring.
Heavenly London Les Formes Gold Heart Drop Necklace
Worn alone this minimal, versatile necklace is effortless and stylish in a very understated way, and is the perfect everyday chain. Add the heart drop pendant for a playful touch that nods to Valentine’s and makes a statement with eveningwear.
Shop Heavenly London Recycled Sterling Silver Plated with 18ct Gold Les Formes Gold Necklace, £160, and Heart Drop Pendant, £70
Ottoman Hands Curved Double Heart Drop Stud Earrings
Effortless and understated, this 18ct gold-plated pair of earrings made from recycled sterling silver, feature two fluid, interlinked hearts – a symbol of love in all its beautiful forms. With soft curves and striking simplicity, they are the perfect evening earrings for minimalists.
Shop Ottoman Hands Curved Double Heart Drop Stud Earrings, £79
Abbott Lyon Fuchsia & Pale Pink Multi Quartz Heart Bracelet
Perfect for layering, this multi-stone bracelet features pale pink opal stones which symbolise love, self-compassion and kindness, while the dyed fuchsia quartz stones promote emotional healing.
Shop Abbott Lyon Fuchsia & Pale Pink Multi Quartz Heart Bracelet, £69
Maya Brenner Pavé Charm Stud
Loved by fashion insiders thanks to her effortless, considered and sentimental collections, Maya Brenner’s pavé heart stud earrings would make a failsafe addition to your jewellery collection.
Daisy Jewellery Scribble Heart Earrings
Daisy is known for its brilliant collaborations, effortless jewellery and pretty, personalisable jewellery boxes. Inspired by scribbles, the newest collection from the brand nods to both nostalgia and Valentine’s with a collection of statement earrings and more subtle necklaces and bracelets that make you feel good.
Wave Antiques 4-stone diamond heart-shaped ring
Nestled in the heart of Hatton Garden, London’s jewellery quarter, Wave Antiques is a family-run vintage jewellery business. This four-stone diamond heart ring is delicate and subtle enough to wear everyday and would make a beautiful Valentines gift.
Bear Brooksbank Gold Hoops with Detachable Heart Drops
Elegant and timeless these beautiful heart drop earrings are ideal for special occasions - big birthday celebrations or weddings - plus they’d make a perfect heirloom.
Shop Bear Brooksbank 9ct gold hoops with detachable ruby, silver and 9ct gold heart drops, £1,450 at thefallbride.com and bearbrooksbank.com
Bijoux de Mimi Lucinda Gold Crystal Chunky Heart Hoop Earrings
These heart earrings make a serious statement and come with the option of differently coloured stones, as well as in silver. An accessible, high-impact way to channel the trend.
Shop Lucinda Gold Crystal Chunky Heart Hoop Earrings, £30.50
Joma Jewellery Mini Charms Hearts Necklace
Delicate and minimal, this mini heart necklace looks best with classic wardrobe essentials – think a crisp white poplin shirt or white T-shirt and indigo jeans.
Main image: Missoma
Additonal imagery: courtesy of brands
