Garrard’s Heart-Shaped Jewels
The heart is a symbol that needs no introduction. For centuries, heart-shaped jewellery has been a powerful symbol of love and strength, given as a sign of devotion and passion. Today, it returns to the forefront of jewellery design reflecting creativity, independence and love in all its forms. As this romantic shape finds renewed appreciation, we explore its lasting meaning and the part Garrard has played in its evolution.
There is something quietly assured about a heart-shaped jewel. The shape is simple, yet strong. Recognisable at a glance, it carries meaning without excess. When worn, it feels personal. It does not compete– it simply belongs. Hearts have appeared in Garrard’s creations for centuries and remain an important motif within the House.
AN EXTRAORDINARY CREATION
At the centre of Garrard’s history with the Crown stands one of the most extraordinary commissions in British royal history; the remodelling of the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross in 1910. From this historic moment, the Sovereign motif was formed – a remarkable open, heart-like setting.
Garrard’s master craftsmen were entrusted with setting the historic 530.20 carat Cullinan I diamond, cut in a magnificent pear shape, within a heart-shaped mount of enamel and diamonds at its pinnacle. Originally created in 1661 for King Charles II, the sceptre was carefully adapted to house the great stone while preserving its historic form.
In the Aloria collection, the heart is expressed openly and with clarity. Elsewhere, it appears more discreetly. Within Fanfare, delicate diamond hearts are hidden at the base of each fan-inspired design. Inverted hearts, offering a subtle twist on tradition, can be seen in Garrard’s modern tiaras and in earrings such as the Regal Cascade Pearl design.
The heart endures because its meaning continues to grow. At Garrard, it remains a symbol of love, strength and individuality, shaped with care and intention.
Today, the Sovereign motif lives on through Aloria, a collection defined by clarity of line and strength of form. Its clean outline reveals the precision of Garrard’s craftsmanship. Faceted gold surfaces catch the light, while an outline of diamonds creates depth and presence. Calibré-cut pink and yellow sapphires, aquamarines and amethysts bring vibrant colour and intensity to the silhouette.
Not widely known, it was Garrard who created the original Heart of the Ocean necklace for the filming of Titanic in 1996. Inspired by the Hope Diamond, the 45.52 carat blue diamond once owned by King Louis XIV, the jewel became central to the film’s enduring love story. Garrard designed an Edwardian-style necklace in white gold, set with cubic zirconia, capturing the drama and romance of the period.
Following the film’s release in 1997 and its extraordinary success, Garrard was commissioned to create an authentic Heart of the Ocean necklace based on the original design. The finished piece featured a 171 carat pear-shaped Ceylon sapphire set in platinum, surrounded by 103 diamonds. The chain was composed of round, pear and marquise-cut white diamonds, while the intricate bail incorporated a heart-cut diamond alongside brilliant and pear-shaped stones, echoing the romance of the design.
The necklace was later sold at Sotheby’s in Beverly Hills in support of The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund and Aid For AIDS. Two nights later, Céline Dion wore it to the 1998 Academy Awards with a navy gown by Michael Kors, where she performed My Heart Will Go On and accepted the Oscar for Best Original Song.
