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Home / Fashion
Fashion

The Emblem of Love That Never Goes Out of Style

By Anne Bratskeir on February 13, 2018

For Valentine’s Day and beyond the locket is a sexy, romantic, and personal symbol of love—and a great gift.

© Courtesy respective retailers

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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.

 
Courtesy Monica Rich Kosann

Deco Darling

Modern meets vintage in this 18-karat gold chevron and ceramic locket that merges 21st-century material with the 20th century Art Deco movement. $5,350; monicarichkosann.com.

Courtesy Saks Fifth Avenue

Tag Her

A diamond vine motif is emblazoned on this rose gold modern variation on the dog tag. $7,200; saks.com.

Courtesy Barneys

Wise Woman

An owl feather symbolizing wisdom is housed in this diamond-framed bevel crystal locket, by Feathered Soul. $2,550; barneys.com.

 

Courtesy Glenn Bradford Fine Jewelry

A Rock ‘n’ Roll Angel

She deserves wings. Give her this tattoo-inspired pair in 18-karat green gold that includes a heavenly sapphire “night sky” background and diamond moon and star designs set in the center. $28,875; glennbradfordfinejewelry.com.

Courtesy Fox & Bond

Puppy Love

Antique lockets are available here along with the services of the company’s in-house artist who will happily paint a portrait of your creature companion (not just dogs, but cats, horses, birds and even snakes too). From $850; foxandbond.com.

Courtesy Kimberly McDonald

One of a Kind

This unique geode and diamond locket is set in 18-karat white gold with black rhodium on a handmade chain. $25,525; 646-205-9994; kimberlymcdonald.com.

Courtesy Mayfair Rocks

Eye Love You

Sparkling sapphires and diamonds make up the center of this 22-karat gold and silver evil eye locket, by Arman Sarkisyan. $5,940; artandsoulboulder.com.

Courtesy Michael Bondanza

Cornered

This handmade in NYC 18-karat gold locket boasts sparkly cushion-shaped diamonds in the corners and a vintage design. $6,500; michaelbondanza.com.

Courtesy Temple St. Clair

Slow and Sweet

This charming turtle locket is studded with emeralds with diamond eyes. $3,250; templestclair.com.

Courtesy John Wind

Bee-Loved

This honey of a locket is costume, but how sweet it is. $48; maximalart.com.

Courtesy Idayne

Romantic Red

An alluring and intricate enameled oval includes a double chain in gray matte rhodium finish. $100; 516-766-3855; kravitjewelers.com.

Courtesy Sydney Evan

Hidden Heart

This 14-karat gold and black rhodium locket features pavé diamonds on the bottom half and, surprise, a separate garnet heart charm inside. $3,610; sydneyevan.com.

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