We carry what we love most in our hearts; a heart locket is a physical representation of this. Lockets are small pendants in which people have put their most memorable keepsakes for centuries. From family pictures to locks of hair from lost loves, lockets have the ability to perfectly tie the past with the future.
In today’s world, locket necklaces are a sentimental yet universally appealing piece of jewellery that suits a wide range of styles and outfits. If you are looking for jewellery that is both stylish and elegant, while also allowing you to carry pictures of your loved ones wherever you go, then pendant necklaces are just the thing your collection might be lacking.
Join us as we explore the history and meaning behind this timeless jewellery piece, and offer some tips and tricks on how to choose a necklace with a heart locket or other style of pendant that best expresses your quirks and character.
The Long History and Meaning of the Locket
You have probably seen a locket at one point or another in your life. Whether around the neck of a friend, or in a historical portrait, their way of appearing in different spheres and times of your life speaks to their timeless use as both a stylish piece of jewellery and a way to commemorate a shared love.
Lockets have been around for centuries. They offer a way to carry a keepsake of your loved one with you wherever you go. Although most people today use lockets to carry around pictures of their family and friends, in the past, people would put anything that gave them a reminder of their loved ones, from locks of hair to secret poems to drops of perfume.
A fun fact is that lockets were first used as amulets believed to protect the wearer from curses, diseases and even death. They were usually in the form of jewellery, pendants, necklaces, ornaments, frankly, any small object that someone could carry with them at all times.
The meaning of a locket depends heavily on the type and occasion. Some people wear lockets to honour the love they share with family or friends, some as a way to show loyalty to a powerful figure and some to mourn a loved one, keeping them close to their heart even when they are long gone.
How To Choose the Perfect Locket Necklace?
Choosing a locket necklace is honestly fairly simple. If you are someone who often wears jewellery, then you already know what you are looking for. Locket necklaces are quite similar to regular necklaces. When selecting a necklace, you must consider the material, chain length, and pendant type.
You can apply the same strategies to choosing a locket necklace and get the perfect result. Here are the three steps you have to take in order to choose the perfect locket necklace for your style and personality:
1) Choose The Locket Style
There are numerous styles of locket pendants for necklaces available everywhere. From classic oval designs to unique 3D sphere creations, you have the freedom to explore and choose what best describes what you’re looking for. Here is a list of the most popular locket styles:
- Oval/Round Locket: These traditional shapes are the most commonly found styles of pendants. They are practical and elegant, pairing well with both modern and vintage styles.
- Heart Lockets: A necklace with a heart locket sends the unmistakable message of love and care. Heart shaped lockets are a symbol of romance, perfect as a matching pair to wear with your partner or friend.
- 2-Photo Locket: This locket allows you to place two separate photos inside. Its design is ideal for people who want to include multiple friends or family members in a subtle way.
- Rectangle Locket: Simple, yet strong, rectangle lockets are perfect for minimalists who aren’t fans of bold designs and loud statements, but would still like to include a locket necklace in their jewellery collection.
2) Selecting The Material
Material matters, especially if your locket holds great significance and you’d like to wear it every day. Choose a jewellery material that best suits your personal style. If the majority of your jewellery is gold, then you’d probably enjoy adding a gold locket necklace to the collection as well. However, if your preferred jewellery material is silver, silver lockets might better suit your personal style and complexion.
3) Choose a Chain Length
Lastly, for your locket to sit perfectly against your chest and suit the style of your tops, you must select the correct chain length. If you want to wear your necklace as a singular, statement piece, you can choose a shorter chain so it sits on your neckline and stands out, but if you’d like to layer it with multiple necklaces, then a longer chain might give you the length and layering cluster you desire.
Creative Ways To Style Your Locket Necklace
A locket necklace is more than a piece of jewellery. It’s a window into your past self, with a certain hope expressed for the future. Your locket is your ultimate sentimental companion. However, to get the most out of a locket necklace both in meaning and in fashion, you must know how to style it well.
Whether your preferred locket necklace of choice is a family heirloom passed down for generations or a new statement piece you just bought for yourself, here are a few creative ways to make your necklace stand out:
- Modern Layering Technique: There is no better way to express your taste in jewellery than through simple layering. Place your locket necklace as a statement piece and add one or even two other simpler necklaces of varying lengths to create the perfect balance. Mix chain types, pendant styles, and even necklace sizes for the ultimate fashion statement.
- Metal Mixing: Who says you have to only wear one type of metal jewellery? Fashion is all about mixing and experimentation. Combine your silver necklace with a pair of sparkly earrings, or add a rose-gold bracelet for a truly unique touch. Incorporate modern pieces with traditional styles for a truly unique effect.
- Personal Touches: Use your locket as intended, to carry your loved ones close to your heart. Yes, you can wear an empty locket necklace, but where is the emotion in that? Add a picture, a small poem, a favourite quote, or a keepsake from your loved ones to know they will join you wherever you go.
- Outfit Pairings: The best thing about locket necklaces is their universal appeal and wide range of styling opportunities. Even the vintage, more intricate designs aren’t meant to be worn just once. Feel free to wear your locket every day, whether you are going to work, to the pub, or even as part of your bridal look.
Conclusion
In conclusion, locket necklaces are the perfect way to keep a beloved memory with you wherever you might be in the world. Lockets have a way of helping you remember the good in the past, while making you feel excited for what the future holds. Carry your love for your family, friends, and even pets with you at all times in a stylish and contemporary way, with modern locket necklaces that add a familiar touch.
