Have you ever had a locket? I think I had one as a child, but I haven’t had one in my adulthood. The origin of the locket has been lost, though some think the concept may have started in the medieval times when people wore special things in trinket boxes near the skin. The Victorian Age, however, is when the locket began mounting in popularity.
Initially, people during the Victorian times used lockets to remember a loved one, with a lock of hair or a handpainted portrait of the deceased enclosed inside. The paintings eventually turned to photographs as they became more popular and attainable, and people began giving lockets as reminders of those who love each other. The lovestruck couple would have a photo on either side of the locket, oftentimes facing each other.
ruby lane
Lockets remained a classic piece of jewelry, but popularity waned until the 1940′s when WWII sweetheart jewelry became the fashion. These lockets were sold everywhere, even the post office!
the vintage bazaar
And of course, this may be the most famous locket ever. That Miss Hannigan and her shenanigans…
avon
Today, the locket is still a source of sentimentality, and it will remain so. Keeping our loved ones near our hearts will always be in style. The locket has come a long way from its Victorian styling, and there are some really great options out there! I have rounded them up for you in one place, and with Love Day quickly approaching, maybe you could drop a hint to your significant other!
Here are my favorite modern day lockets…
1. Mint Oval Locket from The Blooming Thread (Etsy)- $30 – The Blooming Thread is known as the place to get simple and colorful lockets. This locket comes in a myriad of colors, and they are all handmade and hand-painted. You can even specify the length of chain!
2. A Moment Saved Neclace from lkfarnsworth (Etsy) – $43 – If you are looking for a locket with beads, this is a pretty one! It has a bit of a mid century flair, yes? It also comes with a matching pair of jade green earrings to make a nice set.
3. Poppy Locket Necklace from NatsukoJewelry (Etsy) – $70 – I love poppies so I think this locket is really sweet. You can order the poppy in several different colors if you are not fond of the blue.
4. USB Locket from Urban Butik – $69.95 - If you are a bit of a techie or just want a more modern locket style, you could wear one of these porcelain USB lockets! They come in several colors and a few different styles so you can plug in and show off your favorite photos any time.
5. Medallion Locket Pendant from Piperlime – $75 – I really like the Art Deco detailing on this style, and it also comes in a copper and silver metal. Very modern and fresh!
6. Brass Locket Necklace from Designs by Ilai (Etsy) – $22 – If you are more of a simple girl, this is the locket for you. Simple, raw brass, handmade, classic.
7. Aqua Verdigris & Rose Locket from marigoldmary (Etsy) – $36 – I love nearly anything verdigris so I think this is a lovely choice. You can choose your chain length on this one, too.
8. Aviary Fond Memory Necklace from ModCloth – $12.99 – The detailing on this peacock pendant is really cute and makes a statement without going overboard.
9. Acorn Locket from Madewell – $35 – I’ve seen this in real life, and it is darling! The pop of blue is really nice, and it would be especially darling as a nod to autumn months.
10. Custom Monogrammed Locket Necklaces (SET OF 3!!) from lecollezione (Etsy) – $113.85 – You get three custom monogrammed lockets from this Etsy listing so this would make a fun gift idea for your three favorite friends, or a sweet gift for a mother of two boys (plus a husband) or a mother of three (people or dogs ; ) ). I like the single letter stamp’s simplicity.
11. Brass Floral Vines Locket with Bird from PemselandVess (Etsy) – $24.50 – Isn’t this a happy little locket? The brass locket is vintage, but the bird and chain have been added.
12. Brass USB Mini Locket from Emily Rothschild – $198 – If you like the USB idea, but want something a little more traditional, you may want an Emily Rothschild USB locket. She has a few different designs that are all very pretty. I pictured the mini locket version, but her regular size locket holds a USB, and is very Victorian looking.
13. Color Study Locket by verabel (Etsy) – $68 – It is hard to choose which one of these colorful verabel lockets I like best. The patterns are all unique and intriguing, and I love her modern view on the classic locket.
14. Double Strand Locket Neclace from 4ever4 (Etsy) – $27 – This neclace is made from two vintage brass lockets, and I think the look is very fresh. I love old things being made new!
15. Geometric Tribal Pattern Locket from mossandmirror (Etsy) – $27 – If you are into ikat and bohemian type patterns, this locket is for you. I really like the black accent!
16. Long Locket Neclace With Four Brass Lockets from iheartmies – $33 – Guess who would look just great in this neclace? ; ) Can’t you just see my favorite little faces in it? I really like the multiple enclosure locket options.
Because I keep finding lockets I think are interesting, you should definitely check out this silver Greek key option from Overstock, and these vibrant enamel options, too.
Which is your favorite? It’s hard to decide, huh? Any of you routinely wear a locket?
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