Lockets weren’t always about love.
In the 16th century these little cases, worn on a chain around the neck and close to the heart, sometimes contained perfume to help stave off unsavory aromas, or perhaps a pinch of poison to spice up an enemy’s grog. In the last century lockets (typically heart or oval-shaped) were more likely to house staid, posed photos of your great-grandparents.
But today, designer Monica Rich Kosann, arguably the queen of lockets, says, “A locket is the sexiest piece of jewelry a woman can wear. I want to debunk the notion that a locket has to be grandmotherly." Kosann’s luxurious lockets range from executions in sterling silver for $225 to custom pieces with precious jewels crafted in 18k gold, selling for almost $100,000. “They hold a woman’s secrets, and only if she wants to share those secrets can you find out what’s in that locket,” teases Kosann, whose celebrity clientele includes Katie Holmes, Hayden Panetierre, and Sarah Jessica Parker. “Every piece tells a story,” she says, adding that she’s seen everything inside from intimate phrases, locks of hair, and pet portraits too, of course, photos of loved ones. “They are totally cool no matter what age you are.”
Kosann is one of many talented jewelers and designers who create stunning, interesting, and imaginative lockets. So, if you’re looking for a special Valentine’s Day gift that will endure for centuries, have a look at a dozen lockets we love for the woman you cherish.
