How to Choose the Best Photo Locket Necklace: Styles, Metals, and Gift Ideas

photo locket necklace

A photo locket necklace isn’t just jewelry—it’s a memory you can wear. Whether it’s a gift or a personal keepsake, a well-made locket holds sentimental value that goes far beyond trends. It’s the kind of piece that makes people pause, open, and remember.

At YFN Jewelry, we design lockets that balance emotional depth with everyday elegance, making them timeless additions to your jewelry collection.

Most Popular Photo Locket Necklace Styles

With so many photo locket necklace styles available, here are the top picks for 2025:

  • Classic Oval or Round Lockets
    These traditional styles are simple and elegant, perfect for engraving or everyday wear. They pair well with both modern and vintage outfits.
  • Heart Locket Necklaces
    A heart necklace adds an unmistakable message of love. Whether for partners, parents, or yourself, the heart-shaped locket is a romantic and symbolic choice.
  • 2-Photo Lockets
    These let you include two separate photos—ideal for children, couples, or honoring loved ones on both sides of the family.
  • Men’s Photo Locket Necklaces
    Clean, strong, and minimal—men’s lockets often feature rectangular or circular designs with hidden compartments. Perfect for subtle daily wear.
  • Engraved or Custom Lockets
    Add a name, date, or short message to make the locket even more personal. Many people also choose to add birthstones or coordinate charms for extra meaning.

Solid Gold or Sterling Silver: Choosing the Right Metal

Material matters—especially when your locket holds deep emotional significance.

  • Solid Gold Lockets (14K / 18K)
    Solid gold is luxurious, timeless, and designed to last. Unlike gold-plated alternatives, it won’t fade or chip over time. At YFN, we use only real 14K and 18K gold in yellow, white, or rose tones.
  • Sterling Silver Lockets (925)
    Sterling silver offers a more affordable option with a clean, versatile look. It’s hypoallergenic and durable, great for daily wear. Some YFN pieces combine silver with gold-plated accents for extra warmth.

Whether you prefer solid gold or sterling silver, each YFN locket is handcrafted for lasting quality and meaning.

Best Occasions and People to Gift a Photo Locket Necklace

A photo locket necklace is a timeless and personal gift for a wide range of people and moments. At YFN Jewelry, we’ve seen our customers choose them for:

  • Romantic Partners
    A locket with a favorite photo or engraved date is a heartfelt gift for anniversaries, weddings, or Valentine’s Day.
  • Parents and Grandparents
    Include photos of children or family milestones. These lockets become heirlooms, passed down with love.
  • Yourself
    Whether honoring a lost loved one or keeping motivation close, a self-gifted locket can offer comfort and strength.
  • Friends
    A thoughtful choice for best friends or long-distance connections. Customize it with initials or inside jokes.
  • Graduations and Life Transitions
    Celebrate milestones with a gift that marks both the past and the future. A locket reminds them of who supports them.

For extra meaning, pair your locket with a birthstone charm or layer it with a favorite piece like a heart necklace.

heart locket necklace with birthstone
14k gold heart locket necklace with birthstone

How to Personalize Your Locket Necklace

Customizing your locket makes it even more meaningful. Here are tips from YFN’s design team:

  • Choose a high-resolution photo in natural light
  • Select a font for engraving that’s readable but elegant
  • Add one or two initials, a special date, or a short message
  • Consider gemstones or symbols like a heart or infinity sign
  • Select chain length based on how you want the locket to rest

All YFN lockets are carefully finished by hand and shipped with clear instructions on how to insert your photos.

FAQs About Photo Locket Necklace

Q1: What is the best material for a long-lasting photo locket necklace?
Solid gold is the most durable and retains value over time. Sterling silver is also strong and more budget-friendly.

Q2: Can a photo locket hold more than one picture?
Yes. YFN offers 2-photo lockets that can hold pictures on both sides.

Q3: Do you offer lockets for men?
Absolutely. We have sleek, masculine designs in gold and silver that are popular for Father’s Day, anniversaries, or everyday wear.

Q4: How do I insert a photo into a locket?
Use the provided template to cut your photo to size, or upload it when ordering—we can insert it for you.

Q5: Can I pair a photo locket with other jewelry?
Yes. Many customers layer their lockets with dainty pendants or charms like a heart or birthstone. Vary chain lengths to avoid tangling.

YFN Tip: guide to put a photo into the locket