A locket is a piece of jewelry unlike any other – a tiny “treasure chest” that holds personal meaning for the wearer, keeping memories and stories close to the heart. Rooted in centuries of history, lockets blend sentimentality and style, offering an old-fashioned charm that feels truly timeless. From antique heirlooms to modern reinterpretations, these cherished keepsakes continue to hold a special place in jewelry collections. In this guide, discover what makes a locket special, its history and symbolism, styles to consider, ideas for what to place inside, and tips on wearing and caring for this enduring piece of jewelry.
What is a locket?
A locket is a small hinged case, typically crafted from precious metals like gold, silver or brass, designed to hold a memento like a photograph or lock of hair. Most lockets are pendants worn on a chain, although they can also appear as rings, bracelets or brooches for a unique style twist.
History of the locket
The locket has a storied past, first appearing in ancient civilizations as a protective talisman believed to ward off evil and illness. Created with gold, silver or bronze, these early pieces often contained religious relics, sacred wax or herbs, valued as much for their spiritual significance as for their artistry. By the 16th century, lockets had become prized possessions among Europe’s elite. Gold or silver filigree lockets held scented cloths or herb pouches to mask the odors of crowded cities. Some displayed miniature painted portraits of loved ones or monarchs, often behind glass and accented with enamel or gemstones. Queen Elizabeth I famously owned a locket ring featuring portraits of herself and her mother, Ann Boleyn, set on a mother-of-pearl band and adorned with rubies, diamonds and pearls.
In the 17th century, lockets evolved into cherished jewelry worn to honor lost loved ones. Made of gold, silver and sometimes jet stone, they often held braided or woven locks of hair, inscriptions or miniature portraits. By the 18th century, locket designs grew more elaborate, engraved with heart or floral motifs and set with precious and semi-precious stones. The Industrial Revolution made lockets easier to produce and inspired new designs in gold-filled brass and other metals. By the Victorian era, lockets had reached peak popularity, valued as symbolic expressions of love, loss and friendship. Designs featured filigree metalwork, gemstone accents, and photographs, which replaced painted miniatures. “Mourning lockets” became especially popular, inspired by Queen Victoria, who wore a gold locket containing a portrait of her late husband, Prince Albert, and a lock of his hair.
In the 20th century, advances in photography made locket portraits more accessible and detailed. During World Wars I and II, lockets were given to sweethearts and loved ones before battle or carried as comforting reminders of home. Today, lockets remain personal expressions of style and sentiment, serving as thoughtful gifts, lasting heirlooms and meaningful self-purchases.
Locket meaning and significance
Beyond their rich history, lockets carry profound emotional meaning. More than jewelry, they are wearable keepsakes that represent a tangible connection to people, moments or memories. Often worn as tokens of romantic love, remembrance, friendship or family bonds, lockets may be heirlooms passed down through generations or chosen to mark milestones like weddings, births, anniversaries, graduations or personal achievements. For some, a locket is a statement of individuality, a reminder of a personal journey or triumph. And sometimes, it’s simply worn for style, even without something inside.
What to put in a locket
A locket can hold anything meaningful to you. You can also combine items, such as a photograph on one side and an engraving or charm on the other, to create a one-of-a-kind keepsake.
Photograph
A picture of someone special is a timeless choice. Open it whenever you like to steal a glance or simply enjoy knowing they are close to your heart. Prints can be tailored to fit your locket’s size.
Lock of hair
A strand of hair of a loved one or cherished pet, whether they’re near, far or departed, serves as a sweet reminder of your bond. It can be braided, tied or arranged in a decorative way.
Pressed flowers
Pressed flowers bring a natural, delicate beauty to your locket. They might come from a meaningful place or moment, such as a wedding bouquet, a favorite garden, a memorable trip, or simply a bloom you love.
Handwritten note
A small handwritten note can make your locket even more intimate, whether it’s a line from a love letter, wedding vows, a personal affirmation or a few words of encouragement.
Charm or symbolic token
A miniature charm can represent a milestone, belief or passion, whether it’s a crystal, birthstone, personal emblem or family crest. Floating lockets with clear glass panels let these tokens remain beautifully visible.
Meaningful engraving
An engraving can feature a quote, lyric, affirmation, initials, date or symbol with personal significance.
Different types of lockets
Lockets come in many forms, each offering a unique way to tell your story. You can choose one based on shape, material or design style.
By material
- Gold: A timeless and luxurious option, available in yellow gold, white gold or rose gold tones
- Sterling silver: A versatile favorite with beautiful luster, great for everyday wear
- Platinum: Elegant and durable, often chosen for heirloom pieces
- Brass or mixed metals: A warm, vintage-inspired option with character
- Enamel, gemstones and metal designs: Many lockets feature decorative details such as filigree, enamel work or gemstones for extra sparkle
By shape
- Heart-shaped: A classic symbol of love and sentiment
- Oval: Elegant and timeless, perfect for photos
- Round: Sleek and simple for a modern, minimalist look
- Whimsical: Express your personality with a playful design like a book, flower, key and lock, seashell, animal, fortune cookie
By design style
- Standard locket: Opens to hold one or two photos, ideal for everyday wear.
- Multiple-photo locket: A mini photo album that carries several photos at once to
- Vintage locket: Inspired by bygone eras, often detailed with filigree, enamel, or engravings reminiscent of Victorian and Edwardian designs.
- Glass or shaker locket: Another vintage-inspired choice with clear panels so you can see the contents inside, perfect for charms, gems or tiny keepsakes.
How to wear a locket
Lockets are versatile accessories that can elevate a range of outfits and occasions. It pairs beautifully with many necklines, with short chains suiting high necklines and collars while longer styles rest elegantly against a blouse, dress or sweater. Layer it with other necklaces for a modern twist or let it stand alone as the focal point of your outfit. Consider mixing metals or chain styles to add a subtle contrast that keeps your look fresh. Beyond the classic locket necklace, lockets come in other forms. Rings, brooches and cuff links can be designed with secret compartments, while lockets also appear on charm bracelets. The key is to wear it in a way that feels meaningful to you — whether as a subtle memento tucked under clothing or an outward expression of your story.
How to clean a locket
Lockets are delicate treasures that deserve gentle care. To clean your locket, gather the following supplies: a soft lint-free cloth, mild dish soap, warm water, a drying cloth, and a soft toothbrush.
Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe away dirt and oils. For a deeper clean, mix mild dish soap with warm water and use a soft cloth or toothbrush to clean the surface. Avoid soaking your locket, especially if it contains a photo, hair or other keepsake. Rinse lightly and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.
Note: Lockets are made from a variety of metals and gemstones, each requiring slightly different care. Check for specific cleaning recommendations for the materials your locket is made from to avoid damage.
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