Lockets are a centuries-old jewelry tradition – a pendant or amulet in which you can keep a tiny memento or photo of someone you love. Hundreds of years ago, lockets often contained locks of hair, tiny hand-painted portraits, and even bits of cloth soaked in perfume to combat the ripe aromas of passersby on the streets. As time passed, lockets gave way to more traditional photo inserts.
A gold locket is still prized today, often carrying serious sentiment for the wearer. They’ve even spawned a whole new genre of cremation jewelry, in which one carries a tiny vial of ashes from a loved one or even a pet.
Today’s lockets are creative, beautiful, and more affordable than ever, so if you’re looking to give someone a special reminder of you, you’ll find the perfect fit among this list of the best gold lockets.
Big, bold and beautiful, this 14K gold swivel locket is as impressive as they come. The ornate bale acts as a frame around the rectangular locket, which is embellished with a pretty floral design. This piece is unusual and would be best worn by someone who loves to set their own personal style standards with jewelry that’s unique and different. The locket itself swivels 360 degrees, so the two photo frame inside can be shown from any direction.
Another large, vintage style heart locket features two layers of 14k gold on the front. The triple heart pattern, which is played out with a heart shaped bale, has a beautiful underlayer in deep pink, with an openwork gold layer embellished with diamonds on top. The 14K White Gold Diamond Filigree Oval Locket looks like something designed in old world Russia.
This solid 14K yellow gold locket has the old world charm of something you’d expect to see from Europe in the last century. The inset on the locket face is a magnificent hand-carved blue and white cameo featuring the sweet image of a beautiful mother snuggling close to her tiny child, almost like a modern day Madonna. This lovely pendant would be the perfect gift for a new mother to cherish her first picture of her baby.
A locket is meant to capture and hold specific memories close to one’s heart, and this beautiful gold locket takes it to a higher level. Unlike most lockets which hold one or perhaps two photos at a time, this beauty holds four precious pictures at once, giving the wearer more special memories to hold close and to share with others.
Heart shaped, with an elegant, hand-engraved floral border, this pretty piece comes with a 20 inch gold-filled Singapore chain that has a sturdy lobster claw clasp to keep it securely in place. You can also get an antique gold tone four picture gold locket in a pretty oval shape with an etched flower motif in the center. For a two tone look, this oval gold locket features gold etched silver footprints – perfect for a new mom or grandma to hold pictures of a new baby.
Lockets have long been used as expressions of faith. Centuries ago, they held bits of bone or hair from revered religious leaders. This beautiful 14K gold dipped locket features a bale set with beautiful blood red stones, and the openwork front is embellished with a white crystal cross. This gold locket holds two photos and comes with a lovely gold tone rope chain.
If you’re looking to give someone an inspiring gift as they head off to college or on a new life adventure, this 14k yellow gold guardian angel locket might be the perfect reminder of home. Inside the locket, two photos can be placed, and on the back of this pendant are the words “your guardian angel to love and protect you” which have been hand stamped so they’ll never fade away.
Because this locket doesn’t come with a chain, we’d recommend this 14k yellow gold open wheat link chain which has enough weight to look great with the pendant. If you’re shopping on a budget, you can still get 14k gold combined with shimmy sterling silver in this guardian angel locket that’s hand stamped on the back with “To watch over you and remind you that you are loved.”
If you’re looking for a wallet friendly locket that also has a truly unique look, this might be the choice for you. Most lockets open at the side or rarely, from the top. But this angel wing locket opens from the middle to reveal the photo of a loved one. The intricate design is made of sterling silver and then plated in 18k gold. You can get it in either rose gold or simple sterling too.
Another unique option about this gold locket necklace is that you can have it customized with the words of your choice on the back which would be a special added touch if you were giving it as a gift. It comes with a matching chain, beautifully gift boxed and ready for giving.
Filigree is so popular because of it’s elegant and intricate style. In fact, the earliest examples of this lacy metalwork harken back to ancient Mesopotamia according to authorities on the topic. This locket necklace has that elegant vintage look, and the richness of gold flashing without the high price. The oval pendant is made with .925 sterling silver and then flashed in either rose, yellow, or black gold to give it a high-end look at a budget price.
It comes with a matching 18 inch rolo chain and can carry photos, or even an aromatherapy disk if you prefer.
If you’re looking for a solid gold locket that’s also a statement piece, this big beauty is a winner. At 1.34 inches long, it’s great for hanging on a 20 or 24 inch chain (which isn’t included with this piece.) The beautiful swirling scrolls on the face of this locket evoke thoughts of flowers, leaves, and vines. Inside, the locket is capable of holding two photos at once.
Because it’s a bigger, bolder pendant, you might want to consider a sturdier 14K gold rope chain or box chain. A larger 14K white gold oval locket would be perfect for a woman who loves bold looks, and it’s equally as beautiful as the first. If you’re really looking to spoil yourself or your special lady, the 14K Yellow Gold Oval Diamond Locket is gorgeously etched with flowers and leaves and features a beautiful blossom centerpiece studded by a glittery diamond.
This beautiful 14K gold plated locket is reminiscent of a pocket watch necklace from the turn of the century, but with an updated look. The face of this locket is embellished with a delicate diamond pave halo. The classic mother of pearl and quartz doublet center is elegant and beautiful. Popped open, this pretty piece can hold a photo of your favorite memory to cherish whenever you wear it.
The gold plated rolo chain allows you to choose from two lengths. It has a jump ring at both 16 and 18 inches. The Rose 14K Gold Plated Diamond Heart Locket Bracelet or Anklet is another fun idea, especially as a gift for a special woman. Give it to her with a picture of yourself already inside. The Rose matching locket necklace is another perfect gift idea, if your lady (or you) aren’t into anklets or bracelets.
So many times, when you’re looking for a locket, the market is flooded a jillion heart shaped lockets, but hardly anything else. That’s what makes this beautiful stacked square locket really unique. It has an ultra-contemporary look and feels like the hippest pieces of fashion jewelry. Two 18K rose gold plated squares are cast in a beautiful openwork design.
The center insert plate secures your photos inside. The center front of this lovely locket is highlighted with a sparkling diamond accent. The locket hangs from a pretty double chain that can be secured at either 16 or 18 inches, giving you lots of flexibility with what tops you wear this with. The Diamond Round Filigree Locket Necklace is another really different and beautiful choice. Seven tiny diamonds embellish its floral filigree front that has an interesting and unique depth and beauty. If gold is a bit rich for your budget, consider a white topaz embellished sterling silver locket.
Give grandma an expression of all that’s in your heart with this beautiful 14K yellow gold-filled locket. Adorned with dainty flowers and leaves in rose gold, the pretty pendant features “grandma” etched on the front of the locket. Once opened, this sweet gift could contain two different pictures of you, your kids, or even tiny dried flowers.
This locket doesn’t come with a chain included so you might want to get her something sparkly like this dainty mirror box chain. If your grandma happens to prefer a simpler gold heart locket, the solid 14K Gold Sweetheart Locket is etched with “grandma” but has a puffed heart design and a glistening shiny finish. If she’s one of those women who isn’t into heart shaped jewelry, you can still find a beautiful gold locket for grandma in an oval shape.
