The Hidden Treasures of Lockets: A Guide to Their Meaning and Making
Lockets have a long and fascinating history and are often found in museums and collections because they are precious heirlooms handed down through generations of a family. These small, hinged pendants are designed to hold cherished mementoes or keepsakes, often photographs or locks of hair.
Learn more about the history of lockets and get some contemporary design ideas.
The History of Lockets
Lockets can be traced back to ancient civilizations. The concept of wearing small containers for meaningful objects or relics can be seen in many cultures, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. These early lockets were often made of metal and featured intricate designs and symbols which is what helps ensure they survive to be found during archaeological digs - jewellery made for leather or other perishable materials will likely have degraded over time.
During the Renaissance and Middle Ages in Europe, the skill of jewellers meant that lockets evolved into more ornate pieces of jewellery. They were often used to hold religious relics or tiny portraits of loved ones. These lockets were highly decorative and were made from precious materials like gold, silver, and enamel.
Lockets gained more general popularity in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries. Miniature portraits painted on ivory or enamel were commonly housed inside lockets, allowing people to carry a likeness of a loved one with them. These lockets were often exchanged as tokens of affection or worn as mourning jewellery to commemorate the deceased.
The Victorian era (19th century) saw a resurgence in the popularity of lockets. Queen Victoria herself played a significant role in popularizing mourning jewellery, which frequently featured lockets containing a lock of hair from the deceased. Lockets also became sentimental gifts during this time, with secret compartments or hidden messages inside.
Later, lockets took on a new significance during the world wars. Soldiers heading off to war would often leave lockets with photographs of themselves or loved ones with their families. These lockets served as reminders of home and loved ones during wartime.
Contemporary Lockets
Today, lockets are still cherished pieces of jewellery. While they may not be as common as they were historically, lockets remain popular for sentimental reasons. Modern lockets can be made from a variety of materials, including precious metals and gemstones, and they often incorporate modern technology, such as USB drives for digital photos.
Lockets have become highly customizable, allowing people to personalize them with photographs, engraved messages, or other small keepsakes. They are often given as gifts on special occasions like weddings, anniversaries, or graduations.
Would you like to learn how to make a locket? Then enrol on our FREE online course
Learn how to make two different styles of locket - a hinged locket with a clasp and a riveted locket in this FREE online course for jewellers.
This is a wonderful course that teaches you lots of techniques to expand your design possibilities.
Techniques covered in the course include:
Doming metal to make a locket
Making and soldering a hinge
Creating a retention circle (for popping a photo or keepsake in)
Making a locket clasp
Creating a bail
Riveting
And many more tips and tricks.
Click the button above to find out more and enrol on the course for free.
I’d love to see what you make so do tag us on Instagram @jewellersacademy or share in the Facebook group
