By Åse Anderson
Lips and hearts are inevitably associated with Valentine's Day, but they are also enduring motifs that feature prominently in the world of design. An indelible part of mainstream culture, artist Salvador Dali modelled his famous plump red lips sofa on the lips of actress Mae West, while Pop-Art trailblazers Andy Warhol and Roy Lichenstein also immortalised the intimate lips motif in their work.
American artist Jeff Koons' Hanging Heart artwork is recognised the world over, with one 9ft tall pink metal heart selling for a record breaking $23 million. Iconic symbols of a modern age, lips and hearts represent love and desire in its purest form.
This February, there is no shortage of Valentine's Day jewellery that puts a cool spin on these romantic motifs. Veering just on the right side of naughtiness, the sexy but sweet Oh My God! gold ring from Raphaele Canot's Skinny Deco collection will envelope her finger in red enamel and diamonds.
Or why not pucker up for a Valentine's Day kiss with the red-hot lips on this flirty Alison Lou ruby ring in yellow gold? A more subtle take on the theme is the yellow gold bracelet by Rosa de la Cruz, which features an outline of lips decorated with brown diamonds.
The ultimate symbol of romance, the heart has been incorporated into a myriad of new jewellery designs. The Love ring by Sabine G walks the tricky line between romantic and contemporary, while the heart jewels in Elena Votsi's Eros fine jewellery collection have an edginess that keeps them firmly out of cutesy territory.
American jewellery designer Wilfredo Rosado creates fine jewellery that brings together street style and high fashion. His Burnt Offerings heart pendant contrasts the rustic look of burnt, blackened wood with coloured gemstones.
If you want to go all out on Valentine's Day, Sophie Harley's aquamarine ring is a real showstopper. Created to celebrate the London-based designer's 25th anniversary, it features her signature winged heart motif and is set with a 2.5ct heart-shaped aquamarine flanked by pavé diamond wings.
Read about original emoji jewellery for Valentine's Day here
