The Heart of Viana is Portugal’s most emblematic jewel, a symbol of love, faith and identity that transcends generations. Born in the late 18th century under the influence of the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, this icon of Portuguese filigree became the hallmark of the city of Viana do Castelo and one of the most recognized pieces of European goldsmithing. Each Heart of Viana we create at Portugal Jewels honors this centuries-old heritage, combining the artisanal expertise of master goldsmiths with exceptional materials such as 925 sterling silver and Portuguese 19.2kt gold.
In our collection, you will find Hearts of Viana in 925 sterling silver, gold-plated silver and 19.2kt gold, available in different forms such as necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings. Each piece is handcrafted in Portugal, respecting the centuries-old tradition of Portuguese master goldsmiths.
HISTORY OF THE HEART OF VIANA
The history of the Heart of Viana dates back to the reign of Queen Maria I (1777–1816), who is believed to have been one of the first to promote the use of this devotional jewel. Throughout the 19th century, the pendant gained popularity among the bourgeois women of Viana do Castelo, who proudly wore it over their traditional gold-adorned costumes, transforming a religious piece into a symbol of status and elegance.
Interestingly, the name can be misleading: the Heart of Viana was not produced exclusively in Viana do Castelo. Major goldsmithing centers such as Gondomar, considered the capital of Portuguese jewelry, and the village of Póvoa do Lanhoso were, and continue to be, the heartlands of its artisanal production. It is in these traditional workshops that master goldsmiths shape fine threads of gold and silver using the ancestral filigree technique.
Viana do Castelo lends its name to the jewel which, over the centuries, became inseparable from the famous Festas de Nossa Senhora da Agonia. During the festivities, women parade wearing impressive gold necklaces where the Heart of Viana holds a place of prominence, a spectacle of tradition and goldsmithing that attracts visitors from all over the world and which, since 2010, inspired the official brand of the municipality: a stylized heart with the word “Viana”.
HEARTS OF VIANA IN FILIGREE: THE MEANING
In its origin, the Heart of Viana was conceived as a representation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a symbol of universal love and religious devotion. It was worn close to the chest, near the heart, as a form of spiritual protection and demonstration of faith. This deep connection between the jewel and the sacred gives each piece a meaning that transcends the purely decorative.
Over generations, the symbolism of the Heart of Viana expanded beyond the religious sphere. It came to represent romantic love between two people, becoming a meaningful gift of commitment and affection among Portuguese couples. This natural evolution allowed the jewel to adapt into new forms such as necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings and even brooches, each preserving its original essence while reinventing itself for the contemporary woman.
The earliest versions of the Heart of Viana did not present the delicate filigree we recognize today. They were pieces made from hammered gold sheets, worked and decorated with simple motifs. Only later did Portuguese goldsmiths begin applying the art of filigree, the technique of intertwining fine threads of gold or silver to create lace-like patterns of extraordinary complexity. A single piece can require dozens of hours of manual work, making each Heart of Viana truly unique and one of a kind.
WHAT DOES THE HEART OF VIANA SYMBOLIZE
The Heart of Viana holds multiple layers of meaning, which makes it one of the jewels with the greatest symbolic weight in European culture.
Love and passion. As a jewel offered between couples, the Heart of Viana is a declaration of deep love and commitment. In many Portuguese families, it is a tradition to offer a Heart of Viana as a symbol of an eternal feeling, passing it down from generation to generation.
Faith and devotion. Its roots in the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus make this piece a spiritual amulet of protection. The flames that crown the heart represent living faith and a connection to the divine.
Portuguese identity and pride. More than jewelry, the Heart of Viana is an emblem of national identity. For those who live far from Portugal, wearing a Heart of Viana means carrying a piece of home, from the pilgrimages of Minho to the golden brilliance of Gondomar.
Heritage and family tradition. Many pieces are passed from mothers to daughters and from grandmothers to granddaughters, carrying memories and affection that enrich their sentimental value far beyond the material.
THE ART OF DETAILS
The classic form of the Heart of Viana is a harmonious composition of four distinct elements, each with its own symbolism:
The heart, the central and most expressive element, with its characteristic curved pointed tip leaning to one side. It represents love, passion and devotion that give soul to this jewel.
The flames at the top, shaped like cornucopias and usually four in number, symbolize burning faith and the spiritual connection to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The central flower, a decorative element that joins the heart to the flames, subtly crafted in filigree. In more elaborate versions, this flower may be the place where gemstones or enamel are applied, adding a touch of color and distinction.
Finally, the loop, the functional element that allows the pendant to be placed on a cord, chain or traditional necklace, completing this centuries-old piece of Portuguese goldsmithing.
HEART OF VIANA 19.2KT GOLD
Our Heart of Viana collection in 19.2kt gold represents the highest expression of traditional Portuguese goldsmithing. Portuguese 19.2kt gold, with a purity level of 80 percent, higher than the 18kt gold used in most European countries, is certified by the Portuguese Assay Office of the Casa da Moeda, guaranteeing authenticity and exceptional quality.
Each piece unites the richness of one of Europe’s purest gold standards with the mastery of handcrafted filigree.
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR HEART OF VIANA
Choosing the perfect Heart of Viana depends on personal style, the occasion and the meaning you wish to assign to the piece.
For everyday wear, our Hearts of Viana in 925 sterling silver or gold-plated silver offer the elegance of Portuguese filigree with the versatility required for daily use. Available in 2.5 cm and 3.5 cm sizes, they adapt to different preferences.
For special occasions such as a proposal, a milestone birthday or a family celebration, the 19.2 kt gold collection is the ultimate choice. The purity of Portuguese gold combined with handcrafted filigree gives these pieces exceptional value.
As a meaningful gift, the Heart of Viana is ideal for those who wish to offer something truly special and timeless. Whether as a declaration of love, as a memory of Portugal or as a jewel to mark an important moment, each piece carries centuries of tradition and emotion.
All our jewelry is delivered in premium packaging, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and with secure worldwide shipping.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE HEART OF VIANA
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The Heart of Viana is a centuries-old symbol of Portuguese culture that represents love, faith and identity. Originally linked to the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, it evolved over time to become an emblem of romantic love and national pride. Today, it is the most iconic jewel of Portuguese goldsmithing.
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Traditionally, the Heart of Viana is produced in gold through the filigree technique. At Portugal Jewels, we offer pieces in three materials: 925 sterling silver, gold-plated silver and Portuguese 19.2 kt gold certified by the Portuguese Assay Office of the Casa da Moeda.
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Filigree is a handcrafted goldsmithing technique that consists of intertwining fine threads of gold or silver to create delicate lace-like patterns. It is one of Portugal’s oldest arts, with particular expression in the workshops of Gondomar and Póvoa do Lanhoso, where master goldsmiths preserve this ancestral expertise.
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Portugal has a unique tradition in Europe of using 19.2 kt gold with 80 percent purity, higher than the 18kt standard used in most countries. This level of purity gives the pieces a richer color and higher intrinsic value and is certified by the Portuguese Assay Office.
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Yes, it is one of the most meaningful gifts that can be offered. It represents love, tradition and Portuguese cultural heritage. It is ideal for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, weddings or simply to express affection. Many Portuguese families maintain the tradition of passing Hearts of Viana down through generations.
Necklace Heart of Viana in Gold Plated Silver
Earrings Heart of Viana 2,5cm in Gold Plated Silver
Bracelet Heart of Viana in Gold Plated Silver with Pearls
Earrings Heart of Viana 3,5cm in Gold Plated Silver
Necklace Heart of Viana 2,5cm in Gold Plated Silver
Bracelet Heart of Viana in Gold Plated Silver with Cord
Necklace Heart of Viana 3,5cm in Gold Plated Silver
Earrings Heart of Viana 2,5cm in Silver
Ring Heart of Viana in Gold Plated Silver
Earrings Heart of Viana Azulejo in Gold Plated Silver
Earrings Heart of Viana Green in Gold Plated Silver
Necklace Heart of Viana Green in Gold Plated Silver
Earrings Heart of Viana Blue in Gold Plated Silver
Ring Heart of Viana XL in Gold Plated Silver
Necklace Heart of Viana Blue in Gold Plated Silver
Necklace Heart of Viana Azulejo in Gold Plated Silver
Necklace Heart of Viana 4,0 cm in Gold Plated Silver
Earrings Heart of Viana 4,0cm in Gold Plated Silver
Earrings Heart of Viana XS in Gold Plated Silver
Necklace Heart of Viana Red in Gold Plated Silver
Earrings Heart of Viana 3,5cm in Silver
Necklace Heart of Viana 4,5 cm in Gold Plated Silver
Necklace Heart of Viana 2,5cm in Silver
Bracelet Heart of Viana in Gold Plated Silver
Bracelet Heart of Viana in Silver with Cord
Necklace Heart of Viana 5,5cm in Gold Plated Silver
Bracelet Heart of Viana in Silver with Pearls
Necklace Heart of Viana with Fatima in Gold Plated Silver
Earrings Heart of Viana Red in Gold Plated Silver
Necklace Heart of Viana 3,5cm in Silver
Earrings Heart of Viana 4,5cm in Gold Plated Silver
Earrings Heart of Viana Azulejo in Silver
Bracelet Five Hearts of Viana in Gold Plated Silver
Necklace Heart of Viana 3,5cm in Gold Plated Silver with Pearl
Necklace Heart of Viana Azulejo in Silver
Earrings Heart of Viana 4,0cm in Silver
Earrings Heart of Viana 3,5cm in Gold Plated Silver with Pearl
Necklace Heart of Viana 4,0 cm in Silver
Bracelet Heart of Viana XL in Gold Plated Silver
Necklace Heart of Viana XS in 19,2Kt Gold
Necklace Heart of Viana XXS in 19,2Kt Gold
Earrings Heart of Viana XXS in 19,2Kt Gold
Ring Heart of Viana Blue in Gold Plated Silver
Bracelet Bangle Heart of Viana in Gold Plated Silver
Earrings Heart of Viana 4,5cm in Silver
