The History of the Locket

The locket is traditionally described as "a small ornamental case, typically made of gold or silver, worn round a person's neck on a chain and used to hold things of sentimental value, such as a photograph”. The appeal of the locket is that it allows the wearer to keep a loved one close to their hearts at all times, either by containing miniature photographs, a lock of hair, or even a little love letter.

The Ancient Origins of the Locket

The desire to hold a keepsake or remembrance of a loved one dates back to the earliest days of civilisation. In the Biblical Song of Solomon, written over 3,000 years ago, the writer desires to have his seal worn as a keepsake around his lover's neck.

"Hang my locket around your neck, wear my ring on your finger"

Song of Solomon 8:6. 

In Ancient Egypt, 2000 years ago, it is said that Cleopatra gifted lockets carved with her image to her favourite courtiers.

Lockets in the Elizabethan Age

During the Renaissance, when the art of portraiture became widely established, exquisite miniature portraits began to be incorporated into locket jewellery. Miniature portraiture is extremely painstaking and laborious, sometimes using paintbrushes of only a single hair.  Very few artists specialised in miniature portraiture. Nicholas Hilliard (1547 - 1619) was the most famous miniature portrait artist of his time, as well as a goldsmith, and his jewelled lockets and miniature portraits are some of the most beautiful works of art of his era.

Europeans adopted the locket as a popular style of jewellery in the 16th Century, during which time they were worn by both men and women. Lockets containing a portrait of the monarch were particularly fashionable.

One of the earliest known examples of a locket with a picture in it is Queen Elizabeth I’s locket ring. Elizabeth I had the ring commissioned for her around 1575. The ring was made from a band of mother of pearl and gold and was set with diamonds and rubies. When Queen Elizabeth I died, the ring was taken from her finger. Upon examining it, her courtiers found that the ring contained a secret compartment and inside was a portrait of Queen Elizabeth herself and her mother Anne Boleyn.

Elizabeth also gave lavish, jewel encrusted lockets to many of her favorite and loyal subjects, including the English Sea Captain, Sir Francis Drake. 

Secret Allegiances

By the 17th Century, lockets and charms were used to express a personal or  collective identity or a political allegiance. One of the most tumultuous periods of English history took place between 1642 and 1651, resulting in the execution of King Charles I. Outwardly displaying loyalty to the crown could result in persecution; wearing a locket was a way in which people could show secret allegiance to the monarchy. Following the execution of the King in 1649, loyal followers wore miniature portraits of Charles set in rings and lockets. These lockets were worn secretly and often contained locks of his hair.

Treasured Locks of Hair

By the 18th century, the lock of hair became a principle and visible part of locket  jewellery, often curled or plaited inside the locket for everyone to admire. Often the lockets were transparent, with polished glass or crystal fronts so that the lock of hair could be seen when worn.