The heart symbol was born sometime around in the 14th century. Those first hearts were little more than decorative doodles — likely cribbed from nature — on the edges of manuscripts. Medieval Europe, with a mostly illiterate population, was all about symbols, and during the 13th and 14th centuries, this random shape began to signify love. That association in the Middle Ages of the heart shape = love has remained connected ever since. Fast forward to the 19th century, and the heart shape is often paired with other symbols (turquoise = friendship, the forget-me-not flower = remember me). This is a classic Victorian combo in jewelry, with two lockets positioned to be worn against the skin.
MATERIALS: 14k gold (tests), turquoise cabochons, glass lenses
AGE: c. 1860
CONDITION: Very good
SIZE: 7 1/2" length, 3/4" x 1/2" locket