THE HISTORY OF LOCKETS: THE ULTIMATE MOTHER'S DAY JEWELLERY GIFT GUIDE 2025
Looking for the perfect Mother's Day gift? Discover the fascinating history of lockets, from ancient amulets to modern keepsakes, and why these sentimental jewellery pieces make treasured gifts for mums.
What Is a Locket Necklace and Why Are They Popular Mother's Day Gifts?
Locket necklaces are special pendants that open to reveal a hidden compartment designed to hold something precious—typically photographs, locks of hair, or small mementos. Their ability to keep loved ones physically close to the heart makes vintage and modern lockets particularly meaningful Mother's Day gifts that celebrate the unbreakable bonds between mothers and children.
At Fogal and Barnes Fine Jewellers of Harrogate, our collection of gold and silver lockets offers timeless pieces perfect for celebrating the mothers in your life.
The Origins of Lockets: From Ancient Protective Amulets to Royal Treasures
The history of lockets dates back to ancient civilisations when people wore amulet-like pendants containing herbs or written charms for protection. By the Middle Ages, these evolved into more recognisable jewellery pieces worn predominantly by nobility.
The 16th century saw locket pendants gain tremendous popularity among European royalty. Queen Elizabeth I famously wore a locket ring containing portraits of herself and her mother, Anne Boleyn—demonstrating how lockets have connected mothers and children throughout history.
Victorian Era: The Golden Age of Antique Lockets
Locket jewellery truly flourished during the Victorian era (1837-1901) when Queen Victoria's deep mourning for Prince Albert set fashion trends throughout Britain. After his death in 1861, the Queen wore a mourning locket containing his portrait and a lock of his hair. This royal example inspired a mourning jewellery trend across the country, with heart-shaped lockets and oval lockets becoming essential keepsakes.
Victorian antique lockets were often ornately designed with:
- Intricate engravings
- Precious gemstones
- Detailed metalwork
- Sentimental symbols like forget-me-nots, birds, or hearts
While mourning jewellery drove popularity, these beautiful vintage lockets celebrated all forms of love and connection, making them perfect gifts between mothers and children.
Photo Lockets Through the 20th Century
The early 20th century saw photo lockets become more accessible to the middle class. During both World Wars, lockets gained renewed significance as tokens exchanged between loved ones separated by conflict. These wartime lockets often contained photographs of mothers, children, or sweethearts.
By mid-century, locket designs became more streamlined to match changing fashion trends. The 1970s and 80s saw more casual styles emerge, while the 1990s brought renewed interest in vintage-inspired pieces that harkened back to Victorian locket designs.
Why Choose a Locket Necklace for Mother's Day?
Locket necklaces make exceptionally meaningful Mother's Day gifts for several reasons:
- They celebrate the bond between mother and child through personalisation
- Photo lockets can hold images of children or grandchildren
- Gold and silver lockets become family heirlooms passed down through generations
- They combine beauty with sentiment in a wearable form
At Fogal and Barnes Fine Jewellers in Harrogate, our Mother's Day locket collection includes exquisite pieces suited for this special occasion, from classic gold lockets to contemporary silver lockets with gemstone accents.
How to Choose the Perfect Mother's Day Locket Gift
When selecting a locket necklace for Mother's Day or any special occasion, consider these essential factors:
- Material: Gold lockets offer timeless luxury, while sterling silver lockets provide elegant affordability
- Size and shape: Consider whether you want heart-shaped lockets, oval lockets, or more modern designs
- Personalisation: Many lockets can be engraved with initials, dates, or short messages
- Chain length: Ensure the locket pendant will hang at a flattering position
- Photo size: Consider what photographs will be placed inside the locket
Browse our complete collection of Mother's Day lockets online or visit our Harrogate showroom for personalised assistance.
How do I put a picture in a photo locket? Carefully trim your photograph to fit the interior frame of your locket necklace. For best results, use a template cut to size before trimming your actual photo. At Fogal and Barnes, we offer assistance with sizing and placing photos in your new locket.
Can gold and silver lockets be worn everyday? Yes, many locket pendants are designed for daily wear. Choose durable metals like 9k gold lockets or sterling silver lockets for pieces that will withstand regular use while maintaining their beauty.
What can I put in a locket besides a photograph? Popular alternatives include locks of hair, tiny handwritten notes, pressed flowers, small fabric swatches from meaningful garments, or even a small birthstone to represent a loved one, making each locket a truly unique Mother's Day gift.
Discover our beautiful collection of Mother's Day locket necklaces at Fogal and Barnes Fine Jewellers of Harrogate, where timeless traditions meet contemporary elegance. Order online or visit our showroom to find the perfect locket gift that will be treasured for generations to come.
View our exclusive Mother's Day locket collection | Book a personalised locket consultation | Contact us
