The Language of Symbols: What Circles, Stars and Hearts Mean in Jewellery

Jewellery has always been more than decoration. From ancient amulets to modern statement designs, it carries meanings that go deeper than beauty. The shapes we wear often tell stories of love, hope, strength and unity. Think of the friend who never takes off her small signet ring, or the woman who treasures a heart pendant passed down from her grandmother. These pieces are more than accessories — they’re symbols that hold memory, identity and emotion.

Throughout history, certain shapes have carried special meaning. Circles, stars and hearts have appeared again and again in jewellery, across cultures and centuries, each with their own story to tell. But what is it about these simple forms that makes them so timeless and why do we still reach for them today?

The Circle: Unity, Wholeness and Eternity

The circle has no beginning and no end. Since ancient times, it has represented eternity, connection, and the cycles of life. In Ancient Egypt, circular jewellery was linked to the sun god Ra, reflecting the eternal rhythm of sunrise and sunset. The Romans exchanged rings as tokens of everlasting love, a tradition still alive in our wedding rings today. When we wear circular shapes now — whether elegant hoops or a delicate round pendant — they remind us of balance, harmony, and bonds that are unbroken.

The Star: Guidance, Hope and Light

For centuries, people have looked up at the night sky for direction and reassurance. In Mesopotamia, the star was a sacred symbol tied to the goddess Ishtar, embodying love and fertility. Centuries later, sailors carried star charms for protection on long journeys, trusting in their light to guide them home. In jewellery today, stars still sparkle with meaning — they stand for dreams, resilience and the hope to follow your own path. A star-shaped pendant or pair of earrings is like carrying a little piece of light with you wherever you go.

The Heart: Love, Emotion and Connection

The heart is perhaps the most universal symbol of all. It began appearing in medieval art as a sign of devotion and by the 15th century had become a beloved motif in jewellery exchanged between lovers. Even in Ancient Rome, the heart was seen as the centre of courage and emotion. Today, a heart-shaped necklace might represent romance, but it can just as easily be a reminder of family, friendship, or self-love. When worn close, it feels like carrying affection and tenderness wherever life takes you.

More Than Shapes

What makes these symbols truly timeless is not only their beauty, but the personal meaning they hold. A circle may remind one woman of her lifelong friendships, a star of her ability to overcome challenges, a heart of the love she carries for herself or others. That is why these shapes never lose their relevance, they evolve with us, yet remain deeply familiar.