Valentine’s Day Gift Guide: The Best Cupid Jewelry

Cupid is a motif that speaks to romance and passion and is available in a variety of jewels perfect for Valentine’s Day. Throughout history, Cupid has been known as the god of desire, attraction, and affection. He is portrayed in different cultures as the son of Venus. In Roman times, he was known as Amor (love); in Greek mythology, he was Eros, the son of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and fertility. Whatever ancient lore or legend you believe or imagery that reveals him in different lights: mischievous, whimsical or profoundly serious, he has come to represent affairs of the heart in all its stages. And whether modern, antique or vintage, a Cupid jewel celebrates the sentiment of the day and can be worn well into the future.

Here are antique and modern suggestions:

Cupid in Full Form can appear in three-dimensional figural gold, intaglios, cameos or enamel.

Fred Leighton’s antique, circa 1870 earrings of hand-painted plaques depict Cupids with dragonflies tied with ribbon. They are set within decorative frames of 14K rose and white gold and are exquisite examples of how the god of love and desire was rendered during that period.

Seal & Scribe’s contemporary custom ring design with ruby accents frames an antique glass intaglio seal. Designer Shari Cohen says, “This is a cheeky ring featuring Cupid kicking the world while tossing his love arrows at random points. The motto reads, ‘Je Le Bouleverse’, which with the imagery is interpreted to mean love creates a bit of craziness around the globe.”

Gabriella Kiss’ three-dimensional sterling silver earrings feature a right and left Cupid, each holding a bow and arrow. These would be the perfect gift to tell the person whose heart you want to pierce with love how you feel about them.

Elizabeth Locke’s 19K gold Cupid on Dolphin Ring with bezel set diamonds. Throughout history, this imagery had many meanings in mythology, but those most apropos to Valentine’s Day symbolize how swiftly love moves or the wild ride of love.

Stephanie Windsor Vintage Oval Cupid’s Lovers Locket is a 19th-century piece, circa 1880 and is crafted in sterling silver and 9K gold with a carved Cupid holding a bow and arrow with sentimental floral motifs that speak to happiness and sweet memories. It can hold a secret memento or a photo of the loved one who gifts it to you.

Jewels that allude to Cupid are portrayed in different takes on heart, bow and arrow motifs. The following modern, antique and vintage pieces all refer to his ability to render someone lovestruck:

Anita Ko’s 18K rose gold and pave diamond Single Point Arrow cuff represents Cupid’s arrow. The diamonds refer to enduring love; the shape of the cuff signifies half a circle that needs to be completed once the arrow has pierced the heart of the object of affection.

Wartski’s antique gold brooch in the form of a quiver contains two removable arrow pins and is mounted with old brilliant cut diamonds and rubies. The jewel is English, circa 1890 and is a love token that speaks to the uncontrollable desire one feels when struck by Cupid’s arrows. Additionally, the language of the gemstones adds to the sentiment: diamonds represent constancy and rubies for passion.

Rachel Quinn’s 14K yellow gold Cupid Arrow earrings are playful in design and subtle in color. The heart is pierced by an arrow, suggesting that Cupid has hit his mark. One lab grown, smooth red ruby drop dangles below each earring for a hint of subtle movement and to add to the meaning of passion.

Arman Sarkisyan’s 18K yellow gold and oxidized silver Cupid’s Arrow bracelet signifies the continuity of love in the shape of the bangle when it is on the wrist; the diamond arrow represents constancy and the pink sapphire heart, true romance.

Cece Jewellery’s 18K yellow gold and diamond Love Me Forever Pendant features a vitreous glass enameled arrow going through a heart which suggests that the receiver or wearer of the pendant will fall head over heels.

Sorellina’s 18K pave diamond Cupid’s Bow and Arrow necklace indicates a surrender to love.

Harwell Godfrey’s 18K gold chandelier earrings with arrows and multiple hearts in spinel and diamonds are a subtle reference to Cupid. These are a testament to everlasting love and are a great gift for Valentine’s Day from your soulmate.

Robinson Pelham’s Cupid Heart 14K EarWish and Orb (sold separately): represents the traditional piercing of the heart and the diamonds and pink sapphires, everlasting commitment. The separate orb hoop is the circle of love that cannot be broken.