What is a Locket Necklace and How to Choose One

 

There is something incredibly intimate about a locket. Unlike a flashy diamond ring or a trendy chain that you wear for the world to see, a locket has a secret. It is a piece of jewelry that looks beautiful to the outside world, but holds a private meaning just for you, resting right against your heart.

I remember being about ten years old and finding an old brass locket in a dusty antique shop. It was intricate and beautiful, but when I tried to open it, the hinge crumbled. It was rusted shut. It made me strangely sad to think that someone’s precious memory was locked away inside, destroyed by time and corrosion.

That memory actually shaped how I design for Meideya today. When I decided to add lockets to our collection, I knew I couldn't use standard brass or cheap alloys. I wanted to create "modern time capsules"—pieces that wouldn't rust, seize up, or turn green.

If you are looking for a meaningful jewelry gift or a way to keep a loved one close, here is my deep dive into what is a locket necklace, how to fill it, and how to choose one that actually lasts.

What is a Locket, Really?

Technically, a locket is a pendant that opens on a hinge to reveal a small internal chamber. Historically, in the Victorian era, they were used to carry solid perfume, tiny portraits, or even a lock of hair (a bit macabre for today, maybe!).

But the modern locket has evolved. It’s no longer just the "granny style" filigree heart you might imagine. Modern lockets are sleek, minimalist, and often geometric. They are designed to be layered with your everyday necklaces, acting as a grounding piece in your jewelry stack.

Rule #1: The Material is the Guardian

Because a locket holds something precious, the durability of the casing is non-negotiable. You are trusting this object with a memory. You don't want a locket necklace for photo storage to accidentally pop open because the metal bent, or to corrode because you wore it on a hot day.

This is where stainless steel jewelry shines.

Unlike soft gold (which can dent easily) or plated brass (which oxidizes), 316L stainless steel is rigid and waterproof. It protects the contents like a vault. I’ve written extensively about the chemistry in Stainless Steel vs. Plated Brass, but for lockets specifically, steel ensures the hinge mechanism stays tight and secure for decades.

Rule #2: Choosing Your Shape

The shape of the locket isn't just about aesthetics; it sets the emotional tone of the piece. Here is how I categorize them for different occasions:

The Heart Locket

The classic. It screams romance. This is the perfect gift for a partner, a mother, or a daughter. It’s timeless, but my tip is to choose one with a clean, polished surface rather than engraving to keep it looking modern.

The Oval or Round Locket

The vintage revival. These feel like heirlooms. They are often practical because human faces fit naturally into ovals. I love wearing a plain gold oval locket on a long chain over a chunky knit sweater.

The Book or Rectangular Locket

The modern edge. These are structured and contemporary. They look fantastic when layered with other chains and often appeal to people who don't like "frilly" or overly feminine jewelry.

Creative Ideas: It’s Not Just for Photos

While a stainless steel photo locket is the standard, you can get creative with what you hide inside. Here are a few unique ideas I’ve seen our customers use:

• The Mantra Note: Write a tiny intention or a word (like "Breathe" or "Strength") on a slip of paper. Fold it up and keep it inside as a reminder to yourself during stressful days.
• The Geographical Memory: Print out a tiny map snippet or write the coordinates of a place that changed your life—where you met your partner, your childhood home, or a favorite travel spot.
• Pressed Nature: A tiny dried flower petal from a wedding bouquet or a leaf from a memorable hike. (Just make sure it’s fully dried so it doesn't mold!).
• The Scent Keeper: Put a tiny piece of felt inside and spray it with your favorite perfume or a drop of essential oil. The locket becomes a personal diffuser.

The Practical Guide: How to Put a Picture in a Locket

This is the #1 question I get. "Mia, I bought the locket, but how to put a picture in a locket without ruining it?" It can be fiddly, but here is my founder’s hack to make it easy:

1. Use the Template: Most Meideya lockets come with a clear plastic protective film or a paper insert inside. Take that out carefully—don't throw it away!
2. Trace It: Place that insert over your printed photo (wallets size prints work best) and trace the shape with a pencil.
3. Cut Inside the Lines: This is the secret. Cut slightly inside your pencil line. The photo needs to be a fraction of a millimeter smaller than the opening to lie flat.
4. The Tape Trick: Use a tiny loop of double-sided tape on the back of the photo to keep it secure against the metal backing.

Locket Styling 101: How to Layer

A locket is usually a "statement" piece because it has more volume than a flat disc. This makes it perfect for layering, but you have to get the balance right so it doesn't look messy.

My Favorite Locket Stack Formula:

• Layer 1 (Shortest): A texture-heavy chain, like a Snake Chain or a Rope Chain, sitting at 16 inches. This frames the neck.
• Layer 2 (The Bridge): A simple link chain, like a Paperclip chain, at 18 inches. This adds some airiness.
• Layer 3 (The Locket): Your locket should be the longest piece, sitting at 20 or 22 inches. This draws the eye down and gives the locket space to swing freely without clanking against the other chains.

If you aren't sure about lengths, check my guide on How to Choose the Right Necklace Length to visualize where these will fall on you.

Can a Locket Be Waterproof?

This is a tricky question. Our stainless steel jewelry itself is 100% waterproof. The metal will never rust or tarnish if you wear it in the shower.

However, the photo inside is paper. Unless your locket has a rubber gasket seal (which makes them very bulky), water can seep inside the hinge mechanism.

My Advice: If you want a truly waterproof locket necklace experience, simply laminate your tiny photo with clear packing tape before cutting it out. This seals the paper from moisture. Otherwise, treat your locket like a watch—splash-proof, but take it off before a deep dive.

FAQ: Locket Logistics

The Perfect Gift

In a digital world where all our memories are in the cloud, a physical photo in a locket feels radical. It’s grounding. It's a way to physically hold onto a moment.

Whether you are buying it for yourself to keep a reminder of your inner strength, or gifting it to someone to say "I'm with you," a stainless steel locket is a choice that says forever.

[Keep your memories safe: Shop our Stainless Steel Locket Collection]

Published: [January 28, 2026]