The Symbolism Behind Valentine’s Day Jewelry
Discover the meanings behind popular Valentine’s Day motifs and colorful gemstones—and find gifts for everyone you adore.
Jan 15, 2026
why symbolic jewelry Makes a Timeless Valentine’s Day Gift
Jewelry has always been a timeless gift that symbolizes love and devotion. Long before Valentine’s Day, jewels were often given as extraordinary tokens of love and appreciation—from Cleopatra’s treasure trove of emeralds to the diamond-and-sapphire tiara romantically bestowed to Queen Victoria.
David Yurman designs are deeply meaningful and personal gifts, thoughtfully crafted to last a lifetime and transcend generations. In fact, the very first Cable bracelet was a gift from David Yurman to his wife Sybil.
When you give David Yurman jewelry to a loved one, it becomes an enduring reminder of your deep emotion for the wearer, creating a memorable moment—and an instant heirloom—that they’ll carry forever.
When choosing a Valentine’s Day gift that symbolizes your affection for a loved one, ask yourself the following questions:
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What types of jewelry does my loved one wear?
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Have they mentioned a particular jewelry design that they would like to add to their collection?
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Is there a symbolic message that I want to express through my jewelry gift?
Once you have a better understanding of their personal preferences—and the sentiments you hope to convey—explore the symbolic meanings behind popular Valentine’s Day motifs for gifting inspiration.
Meaning Behind Popular Valentine’s Day Symbols
Heart Motifs: Eternal Affection
The heart motif is a universal symbol that represents romantic love, affection, and friendship. From modern greeting cards to the iconic “I ❤️ New York” logo, the heart is a powerful emblem that denotes love in every expression.
Historically, ancient philosophers believed the heart to be the center of emotion—a potent, cultural belief that has resonated across generations. The heart shape was first popularized as a symbol of courtly love in Roman de la Poire, a French manuscript that depicts a lover offering his heart on bended knee. This Medieval illustration firmly established the romantic roots of the ubiquitous symbol—and influenced the modern-day tradition of gifting heart necklaces to a loved one.
Today, David Yurman maintains this rich symbolism through beautifully crafted jewelry that celebrates intimate bonds and deep connections. Whether it’s a diamond heart pendant to adorn your significant other or a symbolic charm bracelet to honor your best friend, David Yurman offers a range of meaningful jewelry gifts for Valentine’s Day and beyond.
Infinity Symbols: Forever Connection
The infinity symbol signifies everlasting love, endless possibilities, and new beginnings. This ancient emblem can be used to express one’s devotion to a partner, or to represent the eternal bond between a parent and child.
David Yurman’s Infinity collection transfigures the timeless, elliptical form into a modern signature. Sculptural links of smooth and Cabled metals are intertwined in perfect harmony, serving as a beautiful reminder to nurture—and cherish—the relationships we hold dear. From unique band rings bearing the powerful sign to elegant infinity necklaces, Valentine’s Day jewelry for her or him is available in a variety of options at David Yurman.
Celestial Symbols: Boundless Love
Celestial motifs such as the moon, sun, and stars can symbolize one’s vast and infinite love for a romantic partner, family member, or long-time friend.
Inspired by a magical night watching fireworks together over the night sky in Paris, David Yurman created the very first Starburst design as a gift for his wife Sybil—a brilliant star motif that captured their experience, transforming it into a celebration of light. Whether you choose the Starburst ring set in 18K gold with sparkling diamonds, or the Cable Collectibles® Moon and Stars Necklace, celestial jewelry is a beautiful way to honor a constellation of memories and tender moments.
Gemstones and Their Love Meanings
For centuries, gemstones have symbolized various elements of love, including commitment, passion, and loyalty. No matter the relationship, these symbolic jewels make especially meaningful gifts for lovers, family members, and close friends.
Diamonds: Everlasting Love and Resilience
Diamonds symbolize love, strength, and longevity. The most popular gemstone for engagement and anniversary rings, the diamond is a timeless paragon of commitment.
Derived from the Greek word adamas, which means “invincible,” the diamond is treasured for its remarkable durability and sparkling brilliance. Formed hundreds of millions years ago—and forged under extreme pressure—the diamond is a perfect symbol of the strength, beauty, and resilience that we find in an unwavering partnership.
Rubies: Passion and Desire
The ruby, meaning “red” in Latin, is an ancient symbol of passion, protection, and courage.
Beloved for its bold, fiery red glow, rubies make romantic gifts, representing an intense passion and deep emotional bond. Ruby-accented bracelets or a pavé-set ruby necklace is an excellent Valentine’s Day gift that expresses your genuine desire for your significant other.
Morganite: Romance and Compassion
Morganite symbolizes romance, compassion, and innocence. A pink variety of the beryl family, morganite is related to the emerald and aquamarine. Cherished for its remarkable transparency, David Yurman’s high-quality morganite is masterfully faceted to highlight its natural beauty and brilliance.
Whether set in 18K rose gold to complement its blush pink hue or paired with sterling silver for a striking, visual contrast, morganite jewelry makes a charming and romantic gift to honor your flourishing love.
Emeralds: Growth and New Beginnings
Derived from the Sanskrit word marakata, meaning “the green of growing things,” the emerald signifies growth, vitality, and renewal. During the Renaissance period, emeralds were often portrayed in art and literature as tokens of burgeoning love and affection.
Whether it’s a classic David Yurman Renaissance® ring in 18K yellow gold with emeralds or an evil eye amulet indicating your desire for their protection, David Yurman’s emerald jewelry holds sentimental value long after it’s unboxed.
Sapphires: Trust and Faithfulness
Historically revered as an emblem of royalty and power, the blue sapphire signifies loyalty, wisdom, and clarity, while the pink sapphire is associated with love and compassion.
Consider a vibrant pink sapphire ring or a blue sapphire bracelet as meaningful Valentine’s Day jewelry gifts to show your fidelity devotion.
Gift Ideas for Every Connection
New Romance
A Valentine’s Day gift from David Yurman celebrates the promise—and preciousness of new beginnings. When choosing a gift for a new romantic partner, consider jewelry designs that are understated yet thoughtful. Delicate designs such as an elegant heart pendant necklace or a sterling silver bracelet for men are perfect pieces to convey your growing affection and optimism for the future. Whatever you decide, opt for a symbolic design that expresses your growing affection.
Deep and Lasting Partnerships
A meaningful jewelry gift is one of the most romantic ways to celebrate a long-term partnership or marriage on Valentine’s Day. Choose timeless pieces that symbolize everlasting love and an unwavering commitment to your partner, such as a classic diamond tennis bracelet or a distinguished sapphire signet ring. You might also consider personalized jewelry, such as a dove pendant, or a symbolic piece with an intricately carved motif that pays tribute to your deep connection and shared journey.
Milestone Moments
Valentine’s Day is the perfect holiday to celebrate milestones such as engagements and anniversaries. For those planning a proposal, David Yurman engagement rings are everlasting symbols of love—and the quintessential Valentine’s Day gift. David Yurman’s bespoke design service pairs clients with a DY Diamond Specialist to ensure a seamless and personal experience. From selecting the center stone for diamond engagement rings to the right setting, no detail is too small. Master artisans bring these one-of-a-kind designs to life with meticulous craft—from wax models to hand-setting each GIA-certified diamond—each one featuring iconic David Yurman motifs.
Meaningful Friendship Gifts
A genuine friendship is a one-of-a-kind gift to behold. From childhood to college and beyond, close friends are our chosen family, trusted confidantes, and reliable sources of support in times of joy and need.
A personalized charm bracelet is an excellent Valentine’s Day gift for a close friend. It can be gifted as a luxe, grown-up version of the nostalgic friendship bracelet, symbolically worn as a token of camaraderie. You could also gift your favorite pal a symbolic friendship necklace that celebrates your unbreakable bond.
Luxurious Expressions of Love
David Yurman blends artistry, time-honored craftsmanship, and high-quality gems and materials to create exceptional heirloom jewelry. These exquisite designs are the perfect luxury gifts to make this a Valentine’s Day they’ll always remember.
Symbolic Gifts under $500
Meaningful gifts are ultimately defined by the thought behind them. These powerful, symbolic designs are the perfect Valentine’s Day gifts to make a lasting impression—extending far beyond size and material value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Gemstone is Best for Valentine’s Day?
There is no one particular gemstone that is best for Valentine’s Day. While rubies, diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds are excellent options, the decision is ultimately a personal choice that’s based on your instincts, budget, and sentiments toward the wearer.
What does gifting jewelry mean?
Gifting jewelry is a sentimental gesture that can have many different meanings. Depending on the recipient, a jewelry gift can symbolize your love, affection, or genuine appreciation for the wearer.
What is a meaningful Valentine’s Day gift for a best friend?
A David Yurman design is one of the most meaningful gifts that you can give your best friend. To figure out the perfect gift, take some time to reflect on their personal style, unique personality, and specific aspects that you cherish about your friendship.
Is jewelry a romantic gift?
Jewelry is one of the most romantic gifts that one can give to their partner. A jewelry gift captures personal meaning, making it the perfect gift for relationships at all stages, from new romances to long-term partnerships.
