Locket

A locket is a small pendant that opens to reveal a compartment for mementos such as a photograph, a lock of hair, or another keepsake. Worn on a chain or ribbon around the neck, a locket is designed to protect the contents while keeping them close to the wearer.

The name derives from the French loquet, meaning a small lock or latch, and entered English in the early modern period. Lockets have appeared in various forms since the 16th century, evolving from plain metal pendants to more elaborate pieces.

Most lockets are two halves joined by a hinge with a small clasp. Inside, a tiny space may be viewed through a window, often protected by glass. Lockets are made from gold, silver, or other metals, and may be decorated with engraving, enamel, or gemstones. Common shapes include oval, round, and heart-shaped. Some versions function as locket watches or as fob lockets.

Historically, lockets have been used as personal mementos in many cultures. In Victorian England, mourning jewelry frequently featured hairwork or miniature portraits sealed inside a locket. Today lockets remain popular as gifts and keepsakes, produced in traditional as well as contemporary designs.