Lockets have firmly stood the test of time. The pendants conceal messages or images of loved ones within their metallic confines, teasingly allowing only the wearer to know what lies within.
There’s a timeless allure to lockets that sets them apart from more trend-led pieces. The classic design typically involves a heart or oval silhouette, making the jewels easy to style and even easier to gift to loved ones. As a result of both their highly sentimental nature and their foolproof design, they have endured in the jewellery space.
As popular today as they were in the Noughties - adorned by the likes of Taylor Swift, Jennifer Garner and Sarah Jessica Parker - the stats speak for themselves. Online jewellery retailer Abbott Lyon has recently seen a 91 per increase in searches for locket jewellery over the past month. Sure, diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but personalised lockets are a surefire way to emotionally tickle any lucky recipient.
The longevity of the locket is evidenced by various pop culture references. Lockets play a key role in films from Titanic to Harry Potter. In Steven Spielberg’s 2011 feature Super 8, young protagonist Joe carries around a locket containing a photo of his late mother with him at all times. Following two hours of dramatic alien battle, Joe is able to send his intergalactic foe back into space by handing over the locket during the movie's climactic scene, in turn symbolising his emotional growth in the face of grief.
We’re by no means claiming that all lockets can banish extra-terrestrial beings, but they are laden with love of both the romantic and familial types.
European designs for lockets can be retraced to the 16th century and gained traction under the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Lockets were bought and sold as cherished keepsakes, withholding miniature portraits of loved ones or the monarch herself.
Renowned trend-setter Queen Victoria re-popularised the wearing of the piece decades later and was gifted hundreds during her reign. Lockets further emerged as a form of mourning jewellery to commemorate the deceased, and were typically decorated with coloured enamel, in-set diamonds and floral detailing. Silhouettes from books to envelopes began to gain favour alongside more classic pendant designs.
Today, lockets are primarily used with their original function in mind, to show love. They make exceptional wedding, baby shower and birthday gifts as they show someone you truly care.
Browse the best lockets below and gift a timeless forever piece to be coveted for generations to come.
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Monica Vinader Heart Locket
Hold your loved ones close with a beautiful heart locket by Monica Vinader. Featuring a contemporary design that departs from traditional, antique-style lockets, the silver piece is to be worn as an everyday heirloom to pass down for generations to come. Add complimentary engraving for an extra special touch.
Buy now £115.00, Monica Vinader
Linya Jewellery Pole Star Locket Pearl Necklace
Embedded within a sea of pearls lies Linya Jewellery’s celestial locket. The design portrays the pole star, which guides the sky with its light and has attracted the attention of people for centuries. Pair with a simple outfit, minimal makeup and let the statement piece take centre stage.
Buy now £279.00, Wolf and Badger
Rachel Jackson Large Personalised Stellar Star Locket
One of the most timelessly beautiful picks on the list, Rachel Jackson’s Stellar Star Locket is not to be missed. The stunning necklace adopts a smooth, coin-esque cut showcasing a glistening white topaz starburst. Have yours engraved and leave the recipient totally star-struck.
Buy now £250.00, Rachel Jackson
Alex Monroe Rocket Locket
A locket for your pocket rocket. Take your love to new heights with Alex Monroe’s exquisite designs, crafted locally in London from the finest metals. Open up the spaceship and place a neatly folded message inside for them to discover.
Buy now £225.00, Alex Monroe
Gabi The Label Heart Locket Charm Necklace
Intertwine a locket pendant with kitsch charms. Gabi The Label’s adorable, eye-catching piece will immediately draw attention to your neckline with its pastel hues and glass floral beads.
Buy now £112.00, Wolf and Badger
Astley Clarke Gold Biography Earth Locket Necklace
Ideal for globe-trotters and travel enthusiasts, Astley Clarke’s Biography Earth locket exudes pure wanderlust. The golden piece features an engraving of the planet and is crafted from 18ct yellow gold vermeil that can be personalised for free with an engraving and photograph inside.
Buy now £175.00, Astley Clarke
Marie Lichtenberg Believe Diamond & 18kt Gold Locket Necklace
A grandiose gesture for those with cash to splash, Marie Lichtenberg’s Believe Locket is a rare beauty to be cherished by generations to come. Iridescent enamel and a mystical selection of motifs including aliens, an Evil Eye and the brand’s Believe slogan pay testament to the luxuriousness of this 18-karat gold piece. The French-made gem is further topped off with a selection of tsavorites and multicoloured sapphires to steal the show.
Buy now £6985.00, Matches
Annoushka 18ct Yellow Gold Diamond Aeroplane Locket Charm
You may already own a plethora of simple chains in need of some sprucing up. Invest in one of Annoushka’s playful charms which open up to reveal a space to store secret messages. This aeroplane charm is handcrafted in 18-karat yellow gold and boasts diamond-adorned wings and windows that glitter in the light.
Buy now £1900.00, Annoushka
Abbott Lyon Heart Photo Locket Sphere Necklace
Available in glamorous gold or cool silver, Abbot Lyon’s Photo Locket is as classic as they come. A heart-shaped pendant punctuated with a single, shimmering diamond is neatly strung on a delicate chain. Upload your chosen image online and select the chain length to personalise the perfect necklace for friends, family and lovers.
Buy now £75.00, Abbott Lyon
