About theheartshapedbox.com
Diane Skeer (then Diane Howard) had a successful career as a model in the 1980s and early 1990s working with clients such as Monty Don, Monsoon, Warehouse, Liberty of London and Whistles as well as appearing in numerous magazines and TV commercials worldwide.
- Copyright Vogue Australia / Photography Graham Shearer
Having maintained an interest in the fashion world she was inspired to launch theheartshapedbox.com after noticing how many women wore heart-shaped jewellery and the realisation that she also possessed many heart-shaped pieces. The idea was reinforced after seeing an antiques programme where a heart pendant was being valued. Whilst the pendant was not made from valuable materials as such, it was deemed eminently saleable due to its shape - people have always loved heart-shaped jewellery.
There are artefacts bearing stylized fig leaves and later ivy leaves resembling the heart shape as we know it dating from as early as the 3rd millennium BC. The metamorphosis from leaf into the current heart-shape began during the middle ages when the concept of courtly love came to the fore. In Buddhism the symbol developed from the leaf of the bodhi tree as the symbol of enlightenment. In western culture today we recognise the heart as a representation of physical and romantic love, compassion and devotion.
Leaving its connotations aside, the heart is a simple, enduring and ever-contemporary design which lends itself to endless variations of beautiful jewellery.
With our combination of UK designed, handmade jewellery and collections sourced from farther afield we offer a unique selection of gorgeous pieces - gifts for every occasion and of course, straight from the heart.