Classic Heart Rhinestone Necklace (Approx. 16 inches) Acquired from an Antique Shop in the USA [Graduation Gift] Christmas Gift Box

Classic Heart Rhinestone Necklace (Approx. 16 inches), acquired from an antique shop in the USA. The Origins of the Heart Symbol The heart shape is widely recognized as a symbol of love, though its exact origins are lost to time. The earliest known heart-shaped motif was discovered in the Indus Valley Civilization, appearing on a fig leaf pendant. Additionally, the shape bears a striking resemblance to the leaves of the water lily, which in ancient Indian culture symbolized fertility. The seed pods of the silphium plant also closely resemble the heart shape. In ancient Rome, this plant was used as an aphrodisiac, suggesting it might be another source for the modern heart symbol. The earliest known artwork to represent the heart with a heart shape dates back to the 13th-century French romance, "Le Roman de la Poire" (The Romance of the Pear). Later, with the rise in popularity of playing cards, the heart symbol representing the suit of hearts gained further traction. By the 17th century, the heart shape had become firmly established as a representation of the heart and, concurrently, a symbol of love. Perhaps due to its recognizability, ease of reproduction, and universally appealing meaning, the heart shape has remained a constant in women's fashion since the 18th century. Court ladies of the 18th century would cut silk into heart shapes and apply them to their faces to accentuate their features. Following the promotion of Valentine's Day cards by printers in the 19th century, the heart immediately became synonymous with the holiday. Marilyn Yalom, former director of the Institute for Research on Women and Gender at Stanford University, noted that the heart shape, as a relatively abstract symbol, can sometimes convey inner feelings more effectively than concrete words. "The heart may just be a symbol, but it's a useful one, especially since love itself is such a difficult concept to define," Yalom stated. "In every era, men and women have tried to find words to describe their experiences: affection, emotion, infatuation, dependence, intimacy, romance, desire, or true love. When words fall short, we look for symbols."