ComScore

Move Over, Charm Bracelets: Lockets Are Summer’s Coolest Accessory

Time to get sentimental

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.

locket necklace trend UNI
Abby Hepworth for PureWow

I’ve wanted a locket ever since falling in love with the movie A Little Princess at the age of four. Truth be told, I’ve definitely had plenty of opportunity to achieve this goal before now, but it’s starting to look like 2025 might be the year I finally find the one for me, because lockets are literally everywhere I turn. Seriously, this hot new jewelry trend is shaping up to be one of the biggest of the summer, pushing aside other nostalgia heirlooms like charm bracelets and ladylike pearls.

There are so many adorable ways to make this trend your own. Go for classic with an oval locket featuring a picture of your nearest and dearest tucked within the frame, or a heart-shaped style engraved with a special date or name. Or you could do something more modern by tucking your personal mantra into a fortune cookie locket to bring your luck throughout the year. My favorites are those on a longer chain (think 18 inches or so) to make it easy to layer with other dainty designs, but if you’re a fan of petite lockets they’ll likely work better on a shorter chain.

Whatever your preferred style, be prepared to lean hard into all the nostalgic and sentimental vibes. Read on for 14 gorgeous locket necklaces to add to your jewelry box this summer.

I’m Calling It: These Are the 4 Prints That’ll Be Everywhere This Spring


A stunning and totally classic pendant, this AUrate design is made with a 100 percent sterling silver base plated in recycled gold. It can fit one petite image on the inside and there are multiple chain options to get the exact look you’re going for. You can even engrave something on the back, like your anniversary date or an important name, to make it extra special.

Though this locket is ultimately wonderfully simple, the square design sets it apart from the usual oval- or heart-shaped lockets I’ve been seeing everywhere. It comes in both silver and gold, and there are three chain lengths to choose from (18, 20 and 24 inches). It can also be engraved with one large initial on the front or up to three lines of eight characters each on the back. And it can fit two 15mm-square photos on the inside to keep those you love close to your heart at all times.

I love a kitschy heart-shaped locket, but this one is quite different thanks to the organic shape and handcrafted feel of the heart. In fact, the shape was actually cast from a heart-shaped pebble! Like many of the designs on this list, it can also be engraved with options for text, motifs or even a hand-drawn doodle of your very own (though you should check the brand’s specifications to ensure your image will turn out clearly before ordering). Don’t forget to add a chain to your cart, as well.

This super-dainty design comes with the photos of your choice already printed and placed within the locket, making this one a particularly great option for gifting to someone you love. It’s also water, sweat and heat resistant so you don’t ever have to take it off it don’t want to. Choose from 14-, 16-, 18- and 20-inch chains, and rest easy knowing this beauty also comes with a five-year warranty.

Does this locket not scream spring in all the best ways? Choose from six different flowers, all of which are accompanied by dainty charms on either side of the locket. You can easily slip in two photos, and the chain is 16 inches long. Just note, although the metal is nickel free, it shouldn’t be worn in water or while working out if you can help it.

This pink cat’s eye, opal and white topaz design is incredibly dreamy and looks like a vintage heirloom. The inside of the locket is also surprisingly spacious, with enough room for a photo as well as a written manifestation or small item, according to the brand. There are also six different chain options to choose from, to make this locket feel even more specific to you.

Another mini locket, this demi-fine design is about as classic as it gets. I adore the starburst engraving, and the 15-inch chain is ideal for layering with other pieces. The small size does make it a bit harder to fit an enclosed photo, but reviewers say it’s not as difficult as you might think and that the closure fits squarely within that Goldilocks spot of feeling secure while also easily opening to admire whatever you have hidden inside.

Designed in partnership with fashion designer Harris Reed (currently creative director at Nina Ricci), this black enamel locket is a fabulous statement piece for those who like to add a little drama to their wardrobe. The cubic zirconia pavé star is a gorgeous celestial-inspired touch, and the inside can fit one petite photo inside. Plus, it was crafted from recycled materials for an eco-friendly touch.

Put a modern twist on a timeless heart shape with this sculpted cable locket from David Yurman. Slip it onto a delicate chain for a vintage vibe, or try something heartier to really have it stand out. And don’t forget to add your photo or small keepsake inside for that added dose of sentimentality.

Another vintage-inspired piece, this silver locket eschews gemstones in favorite of intricately engraved flowers and vines. It comes with a matching 18-inch cable chain and can easily fit two photos inside. Reviewers say it is perfect for gifting, and looks even better IRL.

Not all lockets need to have that vintage vibe. Case in point, this super fun fortune cookie-shaped design from Wanderlust + Co. The inside can fit a folded piece of paper with your mantra, good luck phrase or hopes for the coming year. And it even has a mini burst of CV stones for a touch of glam.

Blue enamel and a blue sapphire help this square locket to pop against traditional gold or silver pieces, as does the eight-point star design. And as the locket itself is almost an inch long, the photos on the inside can actually be fairly large to better see the folks you hold most dear. It also comes with a black steel chain and gray cord so you can switch things up whenever you like.

Dainty, simple and perfect for the person who wants something sentimental without it stealing all the attention. And with a 28-inch chain, you can easily pair this beauty with other bolder necklaces for a cool layered look. It’s made of recycled gold and silver, and has a two-year warranty should you find any issues. Just note, try to avoid wearing this beauty in water or while working out to maintain that beautiful shine.

For the gal who likes to wear her heart on her sleeve, a shaker locket may the your new favorite accessory. These adorable styles feature clear lockets that display the charms sealed within them, like this silver Melanie Marie design. Choose up to five charms from a selection of 25 different designs, between a heart and a circle and whether you want silver or gold to ultimately create something entirely unique.


unnamed

Editor

  • Covers fashion, trends and all things running
  • Received certification as an RRCA run coach
  • Has worked in fashion for over a decade

Why You Should Trust Us

PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
fashion
/ Marissa Wu
13 Pairs of Ballet Flats with Arch Support That Are Comfy and Stylish
fashion
/ Destinee Scott
The 66 Best Sales to Shop This Weekend, From J.Crew to The Home Depot
fashion
/ Destinee Scott
Lands' End Is Offering 50% Off Swimwear for the Whole Family—and I Found the Best Styles
fashion
/ Stephanie Meraz
This Secret Dooney & Bourke Sale Includes a *Bunch* of Luxe Leather Bags
fashion
/ Destinee Scott
Hunter x LoveShackFancy Teamed Up on the Cutest Floral Rain Boots—But They're Selling Fast
fashion
/ Abby Hepworth
16 Stores Like Reformation You’re Going to Want to Shop ASAP
fashion
/ Destinee Scott
Hoka Just Launched the *Chicest* Sneakers for Spring—Shop the New Styles
fashion
/ Stephanie Meraz
5 Spring Jackets the Most Stylish Women in London Are Wearing
fashion
/ Abby Hepworth
The 14 Best Anthropologie Dresses, According to PureWow’s Fashion Editor
fashion
/ Delia Curtis
Meghan Markle Embraced the Fisherman Aesthetic with Her Sleeveless Turtleneck
fashion
/ Destinee Scott
Seriously, lululemon Keeps Dropping the Cutest Purses—and This City Essentials Shoulder Bag Is My New Fave
fashion
/ Olivia Dubyak
After Vetting the Best Weekender Bags, These Are the Only Ones I'd Recommend
fashion
/ Natalie LaBarbera
Nail This Season's Biggest Trends with These 12 Spring Must-Haves
fashion
/ Stephanie Meraz
12 Chic Pieces I’m Coveting from Tuckernuck’s Spring Collection
fashion
/ Abby Hepworth
I’m Actually Thrilled this Millennial Trend Is Making a Comeback
fashion
/ Dana Dickey
Our Editors Review the 26 Most Flattering Swimsuits to Shop—Before They Sell Out
See More