You want a piece of jewelry that actually means something. But with hundreds of styles online, finding the right locket necklace feels overwhelming. A locket holds more than a photo — it holds a memory, a person, a feeling. This guide cuts through the noise. You will learn exactly what to look for, which styles last, and how to choose a locket that you will wear every single day.
What Is a Locket Necklace and Why Do People Love Them?
A locket necklace is a small pendant that opens to reveal a hidden compartment. Most lockets hold tiny photographs, a lock of hair, or a folded note. People wear them because they carry personal meaning that ordinary jewelry simply cannot match.
The tradition dates back to the 16th century, when European royalty exchanged miniature portrait lockets as tokens of love. Today, the concept has not changed — only the styles and materials have evolved. A locket still says: I carry you with me.
Unlike a standard pendant, a locket necklace works as both jewelry and a private keepsake. That dual role is exactly why it remains one of the most gifted pieces of jewelry in the world.
What Are the Different Types of Locket Necklaces?
Not every locket necklace looks the same, and choosing the right shape matters. Here are the most popular styles you will find today.
Heart Locket
The heart locket is the most recognized style globally. Its shape immediately communicates love and affection. A heart locket necklace suits romantic gifting, anniversaries, and Valentine’s Day perfectly. You will find them in silver, rose gold, and yellow gold finishes.
Gold Locket
A gold locket necklace signals luxury and longevity. Yellow gold suits warm skin tones, while white gold or rose gold flatters cooler complexions. A solid gold locket, typically 10K, 14K, or 18K, holds its value and resists tarnishing better than plated alternatives.
Oval Locket
Oval lockets are the traditional choice for portrait photos. Their proportions frame a face naturally. Victorian-era jewelry heavily favored this shape, which is why oval lockets feel elegant and timeless.
Round and Rectangular Lockets
Round lockets suit minimalist styling. Rectangular lockets fit two photos side by side — ideal for parents, grandparents, or anyone who wants to carry two faces close to them.
How to Choose the Right Gold Locket Necklace
Selecting a gold locket necklace comes down to four decisions: karat, finish, size, and chain length. Get these right and you end up with a piece that looks good and lasts decades.
- Karat: 14K gold hits the sweet spot between durability and purity. 18K is richer in color but slightly softer. The least expensive solid gold choice is 10K. Brands like Tiffany & Co., Pandora, and Kay Jewelers produce locket necklaces at different price points.
- Finish: High-polish gold looks glamorous. Brushed or matte finishes lean modern and understated.
- Size: A small locket (under 20mm) suits delicate chains and minimalist wearers. A larger locket (25mm–35mm) makes a bolder statement and fits more photo detail.
- Chain length: 16-inch chains sit at the collarbone. 18-inch chains fall at the base of the neck. 20-inch chains rest on the chest, closer to the heart.
According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), hallmarks stamped inside a gold locket confirm its metal purity. Always look for stamps like 585 (14K) or 750 (18K) before purchasing.
What Makes a Heart Locket Necklace Special?
A heart locket necklace carries symbolism that other shapes do not. The heart shape is universally understood as a sign of deep affection. That is why it outsells every other locket style for gifting occasions.
Modern heart lockets come in layered gold, filigree cutouts, and pave diamond borders. Some designs open to reveal two separate photo wells, one on each inner face. Others feature an engraved exterior for a name, date, or short message.
When you give someone a heart locket, you give them something to open privately. That intimacy — knowing there is a secret inside — is what sets this style apart from every other necklace on the market.
How Much Does a Locket Necklace Cost?
Price depends heavily on material, brand, and craftsmanship. Here is a realistic breakdown:
- Under $50 — Gold-plated or silver-tone: Lightweight, fashion-focused, short lifespan.
- $50 to $150 — Sterling silver or gold fill: Good quality, moderate durability.
- $150 to $500 — 10K to 14K solid gold: Heirloom potential, strong craftsmanship.
- $500 to $2,000 and above — 18K gold with diamonds: Fine jewelry, long-term investment.
Locket necklaces are produced at various price points by companies such as Tiffany & Co., Pandora, and Kay Jewelers. . Independent jewelers on platforms like Etsy often offer fully custom gold locket options at competitive prices.
How to Put a Photo Inside a Locket Necklace
Getting a photo to fit a locket perfectly takes a few simple steps. Follow this process to do it right the first time.
- Measure the inner compartment with a ruler. Most lockets range from 14mm to 30mm across.
- Print your photo at the exact size, or trim it carefully with scissors. Use a coin as a cutting guide for round lockets.
- Use thin card stock for stiffness. Photo paper can curl inside the locket and stick to the glass face.
- A small drop of craft glue on the back of the photo helps it sit flat. Let it dry fully before closing the locket.
- For digital printing, tools like Canva or Photoshop let you resize photos to precise millimeter dimensions before printing.
Many online retailers now sell pre-cut locket photo inserts sized to fit common locket models. This removes the guesswork entirely.
How to Care for Your Locket Necklace
A locket necklace lasts a lifetime when you care for it properly. Here is what jewelry professionals recommend.
- Wipe your locket with a soft, lint-free cloth after each wear to remove skin oils and moisture.
- To avoid scratches, keep it in a lined jewelry box or a soft purse.
- Remove your locket before swimming, showering, or applying perfume. Chemicals and moisture accelerate tarnishing.
- Clean sterling silver lockets with a silver polishing cloth every few weeks. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on lockets that contain photos or fragile inserts.
- Take your gold locket to a jeweler for professional cleaning once a year. They will check the hinge and clasp for wear.
The American Gem Society recommends storing different metals separately to avoid contact scratching, particularly between silver and gold pieces.
Best Occasions to Give a Locket Necklace as a Gift
A locket necklace works for almost any meaningful occasion. Its personal nature makes it feel far more thoughtful than standard jewelry gifts. The most popular gifting moments include:
- Mother’s Day: A heart locket necklace with children’s photos inside is one of the most cherished gifts a mother can receive.
- Valentine’s Day: A gold locket engraved with a date or initial speaks louder than flowers.
- Graduation: Use a locket containing a graduation picture to commemorate a significant occasion. . It becomes a permanent memory of that achievement.
- Weddings: Bridesmaids lockets engraved with the wedding date have become a popular alternative to traditional gifts.
- Memorial keepsakes: Families often gift memory lockets after losing a loved one. A photo locket provides comfort during grief.
- Birthdays: A personalized locket necklace with a birthstone accent transforms a standard gift into something deeply individual.
How to Personalize a Locket Necklace
Personalization is what separates a beautiful locket from a meaningful one. Most jewelers offer several customization options.
Engraving
Engrave the locket exterior with initials, a name, a date, or a short phrase. Laser engraving produces crisp, precise lettering. Hand engraving feels more artisan and slightly irregular in a charming way.
Birthstones
Adding a birthstone to the front of a gold locket makes it immediately personal. Common choices include garnet for January, amethyst for February, and sapphire for September.
Custom Photo Inserts
Some jewelers offer professionally printed, pre-cut photo inserts fitted to your specific locket model. This produces a cleaner, more polished result than home-printed photos.
Chain Choices
Swap a standard cable chain for a rolo chain, a box chain, or a herringbone chain to change the entire feel of the piece. The chain length and style affect how a locket necklace sits on the body.
Locket Necklace Styling Tips: How to Wear One Every Day
A locket necklace pairs well with almost any outfit, but a few styling principles help it shine.
- Layer a small gold locket with two other chains at different lengths for a modern, editorial look.
- Wear a heart locket necklace alone on a delicate chain for a clean, feminine style.
- Pair a large gold locket necklace with a V-neck top or open collar to keep the pendant visible.
- For workwear, choose a smaller locket in a matte finish. It looks polished without being distracting.
- Mix metals intentionally — a silver locket on a gold chain creates contrast that reads as stylish, not accidental.
Fashion stylists note that locket necklaces photograph especially well because they catch light and add visual interest at the neckline. This makes them popular for portrait photography and social content.
Top Brands That Make the Best Locket Necklaces
Not all locket necklaces are built equally. These brands consistently produce quality pieces across different price ranges.
- Tiffany & Co.: Premium gold locket necklaces with classic, minimalist design. Built to last generations.
- Pandora: Offers charm-compatible lockets in silver and gold at accessible prices.
- Kay Jewelers: A reliable mid-range option for heart locket and gold locket styles in 10K and 14K gold.
- Mejuri: Modern, minimalist locket designs in solid 14K gold. Popular for everyday wear.
- Etsy Independent Jewelers: The best source for fully custom locket necklaces. Artisans worldwide create unique pieces on commission.
- Alex Monroe: British fine jewelry brand known for botanical-inspired locket designs in gold and silver.
Frequently Asked Questions About Locket Necklaces
What is the best metal for a locket necklace?
14K gold is the best all-around choice for a locket necklace. It offers the right balance of purity, durability, and price. 18K gold is richer in color but slightly softer. Sterling silver is an excellent budget-friendly alternative, though it requires more regular cleaning to prevent tarnishing.
How do I know what size locket I need?
Measure the inner photo compartment before ordering a photo. Most lockets range from 14mm to 30mm in diameter. Small lockets (under 20mm) hold a single passport-style photo. Larger lockets (25mm and above) accommodate two photos or a more detailed portrait. When in doubt, choose the larger size — you can always trim a photo smaller.
Can I wear a locket necklace every day?
Yes, a solid gold locket necklace or stainless steel locket handles daily wear well. Avoid wearing any locket while swimming or showering, as water and chemicals weaken clasps and dull finishes over time. Remove it before applying perfume or hairspray to prevent chemical buildup on the metal surface.
What is the difference between a gold-plated locket and a solid gold locket?
A gold-plated locket has a thin layer of gold applied over a base metal, usually brass or copper. It costs less but the plating wears off within months to years depending on how often you wear it. A solid gold locket is made entirely of gold alloy throughout, holds its appearance indefinitely, and retains material value. For a long-lasting gift, always choose solid gold.
How do I open a locket necklace without breaking it?
Most lockets have a small ridge, notch, or button clasp on the side. Press this point gently with your fingernail rather than a sharp tool. Never force a locket open. If the hinge feels stiff, a tiny amount of jewelry lubricant applied with a toothpick loosens it safely. If the clasp is stuck, take it to a jeweler — forcing it can snap the hinge permanently.
Can kids wear a necklace with a love locket?
Yes, a heart locket necklace makes a wonderful gift for children, particularly for birthdays or as a keepsake from a parent or grandparent. For small youngsters, pick a lightweight sterling silver or gold-plated model. Make sure there is a safety clasp on the chain. For children under five, skip the necklace entirely due to choking hazards from chains and small pendants.
Final Thoughts: Choose a Locket Necklace That Carries Real Meaning
A locket necklace is not just a piece of metal on a chain. It is a small, wearable archive of the moments and people that matter most to you. Whether you choose a classic gold locket for an heirloom, a delicate heart locket necklace for a romantic gift, or a personalized photo locket to mark a milestone — the right choice is the one that carries genuine feeling behind it.
Take your time with this decision. Think about the person wearing it, the occasion behind it, and the memory you want it to hold. A well-chosen locket necklace becomes the piece someone reaches for every morning without thinking — because it already feels like part of them.
Ready to find your perfect locket? Share this guide with someone who needs help choosing, or drop your questions in the comments. We read every one.
About This Article
Written by the Essentra Living editorial team, with input from certified jewelers and gemology resources including the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS). All buying guidance reflects hands-on research and current market pricing as of 2025.
Primary Sources
- Gemological Institute of America (GIA) — gia.edu: Gold hallmarking and metal purity standards
- American Gem Society (AGS) — americangemsociety.org: Jewelry care and storage best practices
- Victoria and Albert Museum — vam.ac.uk: History of portrait lockets and mourning jewelry
- Jewelers of America — jewelers.org: Consumer guidance on fine jewelry purchases
- Smithsonian Magazine — smithsonianmag.com: Cultural significance of keepsake jewelry across history