For as long as people have loved, they have yearned for ways to harness their devotion in physical form. The term “token of affection” dates to Medieval Europe, wherein suitors would gift gold coins to signify romantic interest. With time, this practice grew beyond simple currency to encompass items of precious importance—with jewelry symbolizing a love that lasts generations.

Designers such as Greig Porter honor this significance in their work—his chromatic collection is often our first pick for sweet gestures. Special attention is paid to the interplay of shape and color, with timeless stones presented in compositions that dazzle both the eye and the heart. The gems he chooses have a life of their own, fire and soul radiating from within their facets.

In selecting your own token of affection, we recommend keeping a close eye on materiality—things intended to last a lifetime should be as impervious as the commitments they represent. With a hard crystalline structure, garnets, rubies, sapphires and diamonds are best for this venture, and can be worn any and every time the heart calls.