Types of Locket Necklaces: Round, Heart, Envelope and More
Lockets have been around for centuries, from Victorian keepsakes holding a lock of hair to modern pendants holding a tiny photo. Today there are more shapes than ever. Here is a quick guide to the main types and how to pick the one that fits the person you are buying for.
Classic round or oval lockets
The traditional style: two hinged halves with room for a small photo on each side. Timeless, but photos need to be trimmed to fit and they can look formal.
Heart lockets
The romantic default. Easy to read as a love gift, which is great for partners and less ideal for a friend or a parent.
Envelope lockets
An envelope-shaped pendant that opens to reveal a small card or message instead of a photo. It feels like a love letter you can wear, and the opening moment makes it feel personal without any custom engraving to wait on. A good pick for partners, mothers and best friends alike.
Book and diary lockets
Pendants shaped like a small book. Good for readers and writers, though they tend to be chunkier.
How to choose
- Size: small pendants around 2 cm are easy to wear daily and sit well on a standard 45 cm chain.
- Chain length: an adjustable chain, for example 45 cm plus a 5 cm extender, sits at the collarbone and works with most necklines.
- Material: stainless steel is durable and low-maintenance. Check the listing so you know whether the colour is a tone or a solid precious metal.
- Message vs photo: if you do not have the perfect small photo, a message locket avoids the trimming problem entirely.
Care tips for any locket
Keep hinges dry, avoid perfume and lotion directly on the pendant, and store it flat. Open the clasp or hinge gently rather than prying it.
If the envelope style is the one, see the Elodie Envelope Locket Necklace in silver, gold or rose gold tone.