Today, lockets are made in a variety of shapes and sizes and are fashioned from many different types of metals, but lockets have a long and intriguing history. The locket necklace was not always used to hold the pictures of our loved ones.
Once upon a time in history, lockets played a more sinister role than housing precious memories of loved ones. It is believed that lockets were often used to conceal and carry various types of poisons and dangerous powders centuries ago. These were used to help carry out sinister plots against others. Over time though, the role and use of lockets changed to something more pleasant. People began using lockets to hold good luck charms, a lock of hair from their beloved or even the aches of a loved one who had died.
It is believed that in the Victorian era lockets were often given as gifts to persons who had lost their loved ones so that they could keep a memory of them close to their hearts. They eventually gained popularity and became romantic gifts that were given as keepsakes and handed down for generations.
It is believed that in the Victorian era lockets were primarily fashioned into heart or round shapes and were made with metals like brass, copper and iron. Nowadays, the designs are endless. There are the standard heart and round shapes still, but you can also find rectangular, book shaped, star shaped and many other designs. Locket necklaces also features gemstones like diamonds these days and will often boast a love note, verse, or other types of inscriptions on the back.
For the most part, the overall quality of lockets has improved since their inception centuries ago. With the advent of new and improved technology they can now be manufactured with greater precision. Despite the many changes that have occurred since the locket necklace made its debut centuries ago, it is still seen as a fashionable piece of jewelry that is loved by many.