Heart Necklace Meaning: History, Open vs Closed Hearts and Heart Keys

A heart necklace is the most direct symbol of love you can wear: it says "you are loved" or "I love you" without a word. Depending on its style, an open heart, a closed heart, a puffed heart or a heart key, it can also carry softer shades of meaning, from openness to a new chapter to a bond that is kept safe.

Below we look at how the heart shape came to mean love, what the different styles are often taken to say, and how to choose a heart piece for a partner, a daughter or a friend.

A short history of the heart symbol

For thousands of years, people thought of the physical heart as the seat of feeling, courage and memory. That idea is older than the shape we now draw, which looks very little like the real organ.

Where the familiar shape came from is still debated. Similar outlines appear in ancient decoration as leaves, such as ivy and fig, and some historians point to other plant shapes as well. What is clearer is that by the late Middle Ages, European artists were using the shape to stand for the human heart and for love. Manuscripts and paintings from the 13th and 14th centuries show lovers offering a heart, and by the 15th century it was one of the suits on playing cards.

From there it moved into jewelry: lockets, rings and pendants exchanged as tokens of affection. By the 19th century, heart charms and lockets were everyday sentimental gifts, and they have never really left.

Open vs closed vs puffed hearts

Jewelers and wearers often give each style its own meaning. These are modern conventions rather than strict rules, but they are a helpful way to choose.

Open hearts

The open outline is one of the most popular modern styles. Our Open Heart Necklace has a tilted pave CZ outline and is often chosen for new mothers.

14K Solid Gold Open Heart Necklace View Open Heart Necklace on Etsy 14K Solid Gold Pave Heart Necklace View Pave Heart Necklace on Etsy

Closed hearts

A closed heart is a clear, simple statement of love. Our Pave Heart Necklace is set with cubic zirconia (CZ) on a cable chain.

Puffed hearts

Puffed hearts are rounded and solid-looking, and they are often worn as charms. We currently offer puffed hearts on bracelets rather than as a necklace pendant; a charm bracelet with a puffed heart is a lovely way to start a collection that grows with each birthday.

14K Solid Gold Charm Bracelet View Charm Bracelet on Etsy 14K Solid Gold Rolo Chain Bracelet View Rolo Chain Bracelet on Etsy

The heart key

A heart with a key, or a key with a heart-shaped bow, plays on the phrase "the key to my heart". Given to a partner, it says "you have it". Given to a daughter or a graduate, it can mean "you hold the key to your future" or "you are always welcome home".

We make two heart key pendants in solid 14K gold with pave CZ, one designed as a daughter gift.

14K Solid Gold Heart Key Necklace View Heart Key Necklace on Etsy 14K Solid Gold Heart Key Necklace View Heart Key Necklace on Etsy

Choosing a heart necklace for different people

For a partner

A closed heart, an interlocking hearts pendant or a heart key all say "I love you" clearly. For more anniversary and Valentine's ideas, see our Valentine's Day gold jewelry gifts. If you like the idea of love that lasts, an infinity heart combines both symbols.

For a daughter

A heart key or a small open heart makes a meaningful first piece of real gold. Our Double Heart Necklace is designed with mothers and daughters in mind. Our guide to gold jewelry gifts for a daughter has age-by-age ideas.

For a friend

A dainty heart is warm without being too romantic. Friends often choose an open heart, or a multi-heart lariat for layering. Matching pieces for two best friends, one each, turn a simple heart into a shared keepsake.

For yourself

Many people buy a heart for themselves after a milestone, a hard year or simply because they love the shape. Self-love is as good a reason as any, and a small heart is easy to wear every day with everything else you own.

For a mother

Hearts are a classic gift for mothers, especially double hearts that represent two generations. See gold jewelry gifts for mom.

14K Solid Gold Double Heart Necklace with Cubic Zirconia View Double Heart Necklace with Cubic Zirconia on Etsy 14K Solid Gold Interlocking Hearts Necklace View Interlocking Hearts Necklace on Etsy 14K Solid Gold Multi Heart Lariat Necklace View Multi Heart Lariat Necklace on Etsy

Wearing and layering hearts

• A small heart pendant sits well at the collarbone, where it lies flat and stays visible.
• Pair a heart with a different shape, such as a four-leaf clover or a star, rather than two hearts of the same size.
• Matching heart stud earrings complete the look without being too much.

Personalizing a heart

A heart becomes even more personal with a name or initial. We make an Initial Heart Bracelet with a custom letter on an adjustable chain, and our personalized pieces include engraved pendants. A heart necklace and an initial necklace worn together is another easy way to say "this is for you".

A note on stones

Our heart pendants are set with cubic zirconia, not diamonds. CZ gives a bright sparkle at a level that suits everyday wear, and we always name the stone plainly on each listing so you know exactly what you are giving.

Made to last

A heart necklace is often the piece someone wears for years. Every heart we make is solid 14K gold stamped 585, never plated, and comes with a lifetime guarantee on craftsmanship. It arrives in our illuminated jewelry box, so it is ready to give. Browse more on our necklaces page.

Frequently asked questions

What does a heart necklace mean?

It is a symbol of love and affection. Depending on the giver, it can mean romantic love, family love or close friendship.

What is the difference between an open heart and a closed heart?

An open heart is often read as being open to love or a new beginning, while a closed heart represents complete, secure love. These are modern conventions, so choose the style you like.

What does a heart key necklace mean?

It plays on "the key to my heart". It can also mean "you hold the key to your future" when given to a daughter or graduate.

Is it okay to give a heart necklace to a friend?

Yes. Hearts are widely given between friends and family, and a small, dainty heart keeps the message warm rather than romantic.

Are your heart necklaces solid gold?

Yes. Every heart necklace is solid 14K gold stamped 585. Stones are cubic zirconia.