Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

What makes this Blue Willow china love birds heart necklace so perfect for an anniversary gift?

The heart shape symbolizes love, and the love birds symbolize devotion, so the pendant carries two layers of meaning in one piece — reinforced by the Blue Willow legend, where two lovers were transformed into birds so they could stay together forever. That combination makes this necklace the perfect anniversary gift for her 9th (pottery in the US, willow in the UK), 18th (porcelain), or 20th (china) anniversary.

Where does the Love Birds motif on this Blue Willow heart necklace come from?

This well-known motif comes from a legend behind the Blue Willow pattern: Kwang-se, a merchant's daughter promised to a wealthy suitor, fell in love with Chang, her father's humble clerk instead. When her father discovered the romance, he locked her away, and the two escaped across the sea, only to be pursued by her father's boat. Just before they were caught, the gods turned them into a pair of turtle doves so they could remain together always — the same pair of love birds featured on this pendant. Read the Story of Blue Willow China on the eclectiQuas blog.

What's the difference between this heart necklace and your other Blue Willow Love Birds necklace?

The oval and teardrop pendant shapes are slightly larger, giving them a more statement look, while this heart-shaped setting adds a doubly romantic element by pairing the heart's own symbolism of love with the birds' symbolism of devotion. The round pendant version adds a new decorative element, with a freshwater pearl dangle. All three are derived from the same romantic symbolism of the Blue Willow story and are cut from the top section of a vintage Blue Willow china plate, each just styled to fit different tastes. See the Love Birds China Necklace, Vintage Blue Willow China and Sterling Silver.