The Heart ShapeThe heart-shaped diamond is one of the most romantic and rare of diamond shapes. Similar to the pear shape, it has a cleft in the rounded end to form the lobes of the heart. This requires particularly skilled cutting to ensure proper brilliance. Symmetry is important, as the outline needs to have a pleasing, obvious heart outline apparent in the setting. The lobes should be rounded (not pointed) and clearly defined. Heart-shaped diamonds should be mounted in special five prong settings: two at the lobes, two on the sides, and a V-shaped prong to protect the point of the heart, the most vulnerable place on the diamond.

How did the heart get its shape?

There are many theories about how the heart shape came to be accepted.

The now extinct silphium plant seedwas commonly used in Egypt, Rome andGreece for seasoning and for its estrogenicproperties.

The body has various aspects that are heartshaped, particularly the female anatomy.

But, the most likely is that it was a crude modelafter the human heart.

Cyrene silver coin depicting a seed/fruit of silphium

The traditional heart shape only slightly

resembles the human heart. Historically,

dissecting humans for scientific study was

illegal, so only a daring few ancients ever

saw an actual human heart.

Botched copies and poor quality drawings

of the human heart by medieval scientists

is likely responsible for the shape.

The medieval tradition of courtly love

may have reinforced the shape's

association with romance. Heart shapes

appear on playing cards, tapestries, and

paintings from ancient Egypt, Greece, and

Rome.

Human Heart

Simple Valentines

• Send an email or text message with a emoticon heart or create a heart on your website with the code: &hearts

• Make a bouquet of heart shaped balloons

• Make a puzzle heart card.• Have a little fun together

solving an online heart puzzle.

Looking for a simple way to include some romance in your daily interactions?

Delicious ways to say “I love you!”

• Make dinner with heart shaped pasta

• Buy a heart shaped ice cube tray and put your 'heart' into their drink with pink or red juices

• Get a heart shaped cookie cutter and use it for cookies or sandwiches

• Make heart shaped pancakes • Or Try baking a

heart-shaped cake

Gift ideas

• Heart shaped chocolates

• Heart-shaped measuring spoons

• Heart-shaped ice cream scoop.

Lasting expressions of love

• Don't compare them to anyone.• Be courteous at all times.• Embrace the present moments without fear or guilt.• Live by the Golden Rule (Do unto others….).• Give them your full attention when talking.• Show your joy when they come home.• Forget about past mistakes.• Show your gratitude for them.• Be a good sounding board.• Show your pride. Compliment them in front of

others.• Listen to them.• Ask for hugs and kisses.• Use pet names.• Be interested in their interests.• Ditch work or responsibilities to play with them.• Recall memories.• Encourage healthy choices.• Be lavish in praise.• Pray or meditate together.• Leave notes or send letters.

• Buy a "for no reason" gift.• Give space or silent support.• Learn something new together.• Dance. Laugh. Talk.• Hide a treat in their lunch.• Tell them how they bring love to

your life..• Read books aloud together.• Say you're sorry.

• David Pierson Designs

Here are some ideas to keep the love evident in your life!