Vintage Sterling Silver Puffed Heart Charm with Sailboat Motif

This vintage sterling silver puffed heart charm features a delicately embossed sailboat gliding across textured waves beneath a shining sun—an ode to freedom, summer, and open horizons. The heart is softly rounded on both sides, giving it a classic “puffed” silhouette, and it hangs from a stainless steel ball chain for a clean, timeless look. The reverse is stamped “STERLING,” and a small tag marked “R.E.D.” adds a modern maker's touch.

Puffed heart charms—also known as "puffy hearts"—first gained popularity in America during the late Victorian era, around the 1880s, and remained a beloved jewelry form through the 1940s. These charms were often exchanged as tokens of affection and became especially iconic during World War II, when soldiers would send them home as sweetheart gifts. Sailboat designs in particular evoke themes of travel, longing, and hope, making this piece especially poignant within that tradition.

This charm is part of the Vintage R.E.D. Found Jewelry collection. Shown on a staleness steel ball chain, but you can select your desired necklace option from the dropdown menu in the listing.

A beautiful keepsake for anyone drawn to the sea, American vintage design, or heartfelt symbolism.