Thomas Glover

The heart-shaped locket is a classic design and was popular from the 1870s through to the turn of the century. In Victorian society, the opal symbolised love and faithfulness, and, when paired with engraved forget-me-not motifs, would have meant enduring love and remembrance.

Before thinking about stones or settings, start with the person who will wear the ring. Consider how your partner dresses day-to-day, the jewellery they already own and how practical the ring needs to be. Someone with an active lifestyle may prefer a lower-set ring, while someone drawn to statement jewellery might enjoy a more sculptural design. An engagement ring should feel natural to wear, not something that needs to be 'saved' for special occasions.

In this article we explore the history of sweetheart brooches. Sweetheart brooches emerged during the First World War, worn as reminders of loved ones serving away from home. Intended to bridge the physical and emotional distance between soldiers at the front and those waiting for them, they would be worn until a man’s return and carried a sense of hope and expectation. One that was, heartbreakingly, not always fulfilled.