Romantic Heart Pendants For Valentine's Day

Romance is in the air, and what could be more romantic than a shining, golden token of your love - a heart-shaped, diamond pendant. Whether your Valentine's Day tribute to your "one and only" takes the form of an elegant, diamond-crusted coeur-sangant (weeping heart), or you choose a lovely floating heart on a simple chain, she is sure to appreciate the thoughtful reminder of your love.

My son's wife adores hearts - especially in yellow gold and set with gemstones. Last St. Valentine's Day, he bought her a lovely pair of heart-shaped drop earrings styled with three shades of gold: yellow, white, and pink. The earrings are dainty, delicate, and perfect - they are heart-shaped, so how could they not be perfect - at least according to my daughter-in-law.

Red hearts are particularly appropriate for St. Valentine's Day. Whether the heart is a beautifully cut and faceted garnet, or an exquisite ruby, it is sure to be appreciated.

A simple gold heart can be the perfect expression of devotion for some, but adding an accent of pave diamonds can only enhance the presentation.

A synthetic gem can be far less expensive than the real thing, but every bit as beautiful - and really, how many of us can afford a Pigeon's Blood ruby of any size?

Pink tourmaline, or a pink sapphire are also lovely choices for a gift of jewelry. Some prefer the softer pink tones to a red stone.

This beautiful Marcasite and garnet glass pendant is set in sterling silver, and is a sure-fire St. Valentine's Day pleaser.

If your lady-love has long hair, perhaps a lovely, crystal-encrusted hair clip might be more appropriate. This openheartdesign set with clear and iridescent Swarovski crystals might be one of the top choices on your list.

Perhaps a more modern tribute would be appreciated. This Murano Glass pendant features red, blue, and gold foiling, and is reasonable enough for any budget. It would make an excellent gift for any young lady on your gift list.

Amethyst is also a lovely stone, whether set in gold or silver. Its soft purplish hues are more delicate than the traditional red of St. Valentine's Day, but certainly flattering to most complexions.

Victorian style jewelry often featured amethysts, especially in jewelry intended for young girls.

Often, a girl's first piece of "grown-up" jewelry would contain such semi-precious stones as amethyst, peridot, and seed pearls.

Many of the settings would feature delicate filigree, and fluid, arching scrolls, or flower shapes. As well, such pieces would often include Marcasite or jet.

I have always adored amber from the first piece I ever saw. There are so many lovely shades of this, from the highly-valued, dark, clear Baltic amber to the opaque, buttery yellow and almost cream tone of some Chinese amber. I have an amber and Indian silver necklace in cherry amber, a dark, rich shade somewhere between mahogany and wine.

Amber and amethyst are both lovely choices for fine jewelry. Whether faceted or in a smooth cabochon shape, these two stones would be an elegant addition to anyone's jewelry box.

Black pearls used to be a thing of legend, because they occurred so rarely in nature. Freshwater and cultured pearls, though, are often dyed to achieve a specific color.

All pearls should be handled with care. Only clean your pearls with warm, soapy water, and dry them carefully with a soft cloth. Never use a harsh chemical cleaner or expose them to vinegar or solvents, as this will dissolve your pearls.

Simple pearl studs and a single strand of pearls are traditionally given by the groom to his bride, sometimes as an engagement gift.

Pearls make a lovely St. Valentine's gift as well, and freshwater pearls, particularly, come in a wide variety of beautiful shades, from pinks and golds to a soft chocolate, and many iridescent tones.

Cultured pearls are also a welcome gift, though they usually only are sold in the more traditional pearl shades of white, pink, and ivory.

Though all of these lovely heart pendants feature "created" opals, they are still sure to be well-received on St. Valentine's Day.

Opals were once thought to be unlucky if worn by any who were not October born.

They were, however, reported to be very lucky for those whose birthstone was the opal.

Nowadays, the opal is more popular as a gemstone, than as a talisman, though some still appreciate the reputed spiritual or healing properties of this beautiful and delicate stone.

Opals come from several different parts of the world, but one of the most popular colors currently is the Brazilian or Mexican fire opal, renown for its dazzling red and gold hues.

The crushed lava and marble pendants below are definitely for a Modern Miss. The striking, sophisticated contrast of black and taupe are not for everyone, but fr the lady with a liking for contemporary designs, they would make a perfect St. Valentine's Day offering.

The sterling silver and crystal birthstone locket pendant is more traditional in styling. The lovely silver family pendant again reflects a contemporary fell in silver jewelry.

Turquoise is not one of the first gemstones that will come to mind for a Valentin's Day gift, but these adorable yellow turquoise hearts might be exactly what you are seeking.

If your special someone has a taste for the unique, she will love these dainty heart beads. Set singly on a simple chain, or strung as part of a beaded necklace, this heart trio is sure to please.

Cinnabar is as old as recorded time. Mentioned in the ancient texts, this easily workable stone has long been used to create intricately carved objets d'art, and personal adornments.

The only thing better than a beautiful cinnabar heart would be a set of carved cinnabar heart earrings to go with the pendant.

Available in many colors, from the traditional red, to a lovely soft turquoise-green shade, and a delicate ivory tint, cinnabar is as versatile as it is a great addition to any jewel case.

Murano glass or Murano-style glass is available in such a wide variety of styles and color combinations, it would be nearly impossible not to find something appropriate.

This lovely material is sometimes created with ribbons of different colored, metallic foil embedded in the glass. Sometimes alternating colors swirl together to create intricate patterns and designs.

One of my favorites is the millefiori style. The Italian term for this particular use of floral patterning in mosaic glass was first used in the 1800s, and translates into English as thousand (mille) flowers (fiori).

Coiled, rainbow colored, swirled, and braided, glass remains one of the most versatile and lovely media for the jewelers' art.

The term "gold standard" doesn't only refer to currency. Gold is the standard for romantic gifts, and what could be more romantic than a lovely gold heart as a token of your affection.

Whether the heart you choose is of hammered gold or filigree, it is hard to go wrong with such a thoughtful gift.

A simple gold heart on a golden chain is, perhaps, the single most identifiable symbol of a St. Valentine;s Day gift. If tradition is something you and your special lady appreciate, a simple golden heart will be near the top of your list.

Perhaps a dainty birthstone heart pendant would be more to the liking of your special someone? With the selection below, you can easily find the correct month.

Birthstone heart pendants also make lovely gifts for young girls, just beginning their jewelry collections, though they would also make wonderful Christmas and birthday gifts.

If she has more modern leanings, the strikingly contemporary pierced heart pendant and earrings could be your best choice. Available in both hammered gold and gold filigree, as well as set with a single perfect pearl, these pendants are beautiful examples of gold-smithing.

Chocolate diamonds are becoming increasingly popular in recent years.

Where only pure, brilliant white diamonds would do as a token of love, both chocolate and yellow diamonds are now considered both beautiful and attainable.

Some diamonds are color-changed by irradiation, but the naturally occurring pink, yellow and chocolate diamonds are both rare and expensive.

Irradiated diamonds can be costly as well, if the quality of the diamond is high.

White diamonds, of a lesser brilliance, but still of good quality, can take on added luster and value when irradiated.

Color-changed diamonds are usually sold as such, but care should still be taken to ensure you are receiving value for the price.

Whatever style of heart pendant you choose to give as a token of your love this St. Valentine's Day, you will be able to find exactly what you need with a little searching and perseverance.

Your diligence in searching out the perfect pendant to compliment your lady's style and individuality will be greatly appreciated, and, hopefully, well-rewarded.

© 2010, Text by Elle Fredine, All rights reserved