# The Historical Journey of Locket Necklaces
The origin of locket necklaces dates back to the 16th century, emerging as an evolution of amulets and reliquaries which were used to carry relics or charms believed to ward off evil and bring good luck. Over the years, these lockets evolved to become more personal, with the inclusion of portraits and miniatures in the 17th and 18th centuries, especially in Europe, where they were often exchanged as tokens of love or worn as mourning jewelry, encapsulating the likenesses or memories of the deceased.

The Victorian era marked the golden age of locket [photo necklaces](https://www.ifshe.co.uk/collections/personalised-photo-necklaces), with Queen Victoria herself popularizing mourning jewelry, including lockets containing the hair of loved ones, after the death of her husband, Prince Albert. This period saw an explosion in the variety and complexity of locket designs, including those adorned with intricate engravings, precious stones, and even hidden compartments.

### The Art and Craftsmanship of Locket Necklaces

Locket necklaces are marvels of jewelry craftsmanship, available in a myriad of shapes, sizes, and materials. The most traditional shapes include oval, heart, and round, but artisans have continually experimented with various forms, such as book-shaped, polygonal, or even objects like stars and animals. These lockets can be crafted from gold, silver, platinum, and more affordable metals, often embellished with gemstones, diamonds, enamel, and intricate filigree work.

The mechanism of opening varies from piece to piece—some may swivel open, others might have a clasp or a screw, and some even feature a complex series of movements to reveal the contents. The interior of a locket can hold one or two photographs, but some designs offer space for small tokens, notes, or multiple pictures, utilizing ingenious engineering to maximize the personal space within the confines of a delicate piece of jewelry.

### The Sentimental Value and Modern Appeal

In today's digital age, the [photo locket necklace](https://www.ifshe.co.uk/collections/personalised-photo-locket-necklaces) retains its charm and appeal, symbolizing a tangible connection to our loved ones in a world dominated by ephemeral digital images. The act of choosing a photo or memento to place inside a locket is a deeply personal and thoughtful process, making it a profound gift for significant life events such as weddings, anniversaries, births, and memorials.

Contemporary designers have embraced the locket necklace, reinterpreting it with modern aesthetics while preserving its sentimental value. These modern lockets can blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design elements, catering to a wide range of styles from minimalist to elaborate vintage-inspired pieces. Some designers incorporate advanced materials and technology, such as waterproof and scratch-resistant lockets, or digital lockets that can hold thousands of photos, scrolled through at the touch of a button.

### Choosing the Perfect Locket Necklace

Selecting the perfect [picture locket necklace](https://www.ifshe.co.uk/collections/personalised-photo-locket-necklaces) involves considering the personal style of the wearer, the type of memories to be encapsulated, and the occasion it commemorates. The material of the locket should reflect the wearer's preference and lifestyle—gold and silver are classics for their durability and timeless appeal, while more contemporary materials offer unique textures and colors.

The choice of photos or mementos to include is equally important, as these are the essence of the locket's sentimental value. Whether it's a photograph trimmed to fit, a tiny handwritten note, or a small lock of hair, these contents turn the locket into a deeply personal keepsake.

### In Conclusion

Locket necklaces are more than just jewelry; they are carriers of personal history, love, and memories. Their enduring appeal lies in their ability to connect us to our past, to the people we love, and to the moments we wish to hold close forever. In a fast-paced world, a locket necklace offers a timeless reminder of what truly matters, making it a cherished piece for generations to come. Whether as a gift to oneself or to someone special, a locket necklace holds the promise of keeping our most precious memories close to our hearts, encapsulated in a piece of art that is both beautiful and meaningful.