A personalized locket holds a printed photo of someone you love behind a cover you can engrave. It is one of the oldest ways to keep a person close, and it still works: one click and their face is there. Today you can choose the shape, the finish, the photo and the words, inside and out.
Here are our five personalized lockets, how they differ, and how to choose the photo and engraving.
Our personalized lockets
1. Oval photo locket necklace with engraving
A vintage-style oval locket you can personalize three ways: engrave the cover, engrave a message on the inside left, and place a printed photo on the inside right. Or choose photos on both sides. Gold, silver or rose gold, on a 16-inch chain with a 2-inch extender.
2. Engraved heart locket with photos
A classic heart that opens to hold one or two photos, with optional engraving on the cover and inside. The same personalization choices as the oval locket, in a romantic heart shape. Gold, silver or rose gold.
3. Heart locket necklace with custom photo
A simple, polished heart locket with one printed photo inside, or a short message instead. A lovely everyday piece and a favorite gift for moms and grandmothers. Gold, silver or rose gold.
4. Envelope locket necklace
A tiny envelope engraved with a name, date or "Love you" on the outside, with a printed photo inside. A love letter to wear. Made of hypoallergenic 316L stainless steel, in gold, rose gold or silver.
5. Engraved photo locket keychain
A heart or circle locket on a keyring, with photos inside and optional engraving on the front. A locket for someone who doesn't wear necklaces, like dad, grandpa or a new driver.
Which personalized locket is right for them?
| Locket | Photos inside | Engraving | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oval locket | 1 or 2 | Cover and inside | The most personal gift: photo plus a hidden message |
| Engraved heart locket | 1 or 2 | Cover and inside | Anniversaries, brides, partners |
| Heart locket | 1, or a message instead | Text option | Moms, grandmothers, everyday wear |
| Envelope locket | 1 | Outside | Long-distance love, best friends |
| Locket keychain | Photos inside | Front | Dads and anyone who doesn't wear jewelry |
How to choose the photo
A locket photo is small, so a simple, close-up photo looks best.
- Crop in close. One or two faces fill the frame far better than a group or a wide landscape.
- Keep faces in the center. Heart and oval shapes trim the corners of the photo, so leave a little space around the people.
- Choose a bright, sharp photo. Daylight photos print more clearly than dark indoor ones.
- Use both sides. On the oval and engraved heart lockets, pair two photos that belong together: a wedding day and today, mom and baby, or two grandchildren.
What to engrave on a locket
- On the cover: initials, a first name, or a date such as a wedding day or a birth date.
- Inside, opposite the photo: a short line such as "Always with you", "My heart" or the person's name and years.
- Keep it short. A few words read better than a full sentence on a small locket.
Personalized locket gift ideas
- For mom or a new mom: the baby's photo inside and the birth date on the cover.
- For grandma: a photo of the grandchildren on each side of the oval locket.
- For a bride: a photo of a loved one who can't be there, so they are with her on the day.
- For an anniversary: your wedding photo inside and the date on the cover.
- In memory of someone: their photo inside and their name and years engraved opposite.
- For dad: the locket keychain with the kids' photo, so it goes everywhere his keys go.
Lockets vs. photo projection jewelry
A locket shows a printed photo as soon as you open it. Our projection jewelry hides the photo inside a small stone instead, and you see it by shining a light through it. If you like the idea of a secret photo, read how photo projection jewelry works.
Caring for your locket
- Take plated lockets off before showering, swimming or using lotion, so the finish and the photo stay bright.
- Keep the locket closed when you're not wearing it, and store it on its own so it doesn't scratch.
- Wipe it with a soft, dry cloth.
Frequently asked questions
Are the photos printed or projected?
Printed. Every locket on this page holds a real printed photo that you see when you open it.
Can I have two photos in one locket?
Yes. The oval locket and the engraved heart locket can hold a photo on each side. The locket keychain also holds photos inside.
Can I order a locket with words only, and no photo?
Yes. The heart locket necklace has a text-only option, and the locket keychain can be engraved without photos. On the oval and engraved heart lockets, engraving is added to a photo order.
When should I order for Christmas?
Each locket is made to order. Order by December 1 for free standard delivery before Christmas. See our Christmas order deadlines.
See every style in our locket jewelry collection.