Heart Necklace

A heart necklace says one thing and doesn't hedge. These are kept small — open outlines, double hearts, clover-hearts, and hearts hung beside an initial or a birthstone. All 18K gold vermeil over solid sterling silver, or gold plated, in gold, silver and rose gold, on chains from 14 to 20 inches, from $46.

Heart Necklace Questions

Are heart necklaces tacky?

Scale is what decides it, not the symbol. A large glossy heart on a fine chain reads young; a small open outline in brushed gold doesn't. If you want the meaning without the sweetness, choose an open heart under about 12mm and skip anything with an inscription on the front.

Are heart necklaces still in style?

They never really leave, because they aren't a trend — they're a message. What has changed is size and finish: the oversized enamel hearts of a decade ago have given way to fine outlines and pavé edges. Two small hearts on one chain is the version selling now.

Do men wear heart necklaces?

Some do, usually a plain solid heart on a heavier chain at 20 inches rather than a dainty outline at 16. It's less common than a cross or a plain pendant, and that's a taste question rather than a rule.

Do heart necklaces tarnish?

Ours is 3.0 microns of gold over solid sterling silver, which is what vermeil means. The plated version is 0.5 microns over brass, against a 0.2 micron industry standard. Industry standard vermeil is 0.2 microns and typical gold plating is 0.5. Perfume and hairspray dull it faster than time, so put it on last and wipe it with a dry cloth when you take it off.

How much should a heart necklace cost?

Ours are $46 to $110. The spread elsewhere runs from $15 plated brass to four figures for solid gold with diamonds. The number worth checking isn't the price — it's what's under the gold, because that determines whether you still have it in three years.

Is a heart necklace a good gift for a girlfriend?

It's the safest romantic pendant, which also makes it the most expected. The version with her initial or birthstone beside the heart does more work than the heart alone. If a heart feels like a big statement at this point in the relationship, it probably is one.

See also heart jewelry, gold heart necklaces and heart earrings. For a heart beside a name, see name necklaces.