01
Oct
Vintage Jewellery

Vintage lockets: sizes, chains and how to fit a photo

Posted on by Ann Powell

A vintage locket is personal by nature. It carries a story and sits close to the heart. In our Stockport shop we help customers choose lockets for daily wear and for special moments, then match them with the right chain so the piece sits neatly. This guide covers size, length and layering, and shows you a safe way to fit a photo without damaging the locket. If you are ready to browse, explore our Vintage Lockets.

Why choose a vintage locket

  • Character: Hand engraving, engine turning and chased borders give each locket its own face. Older stone cuts and hand-made galleries have a softer sparkle than modern styles, and tiny hallmarks or maker’s marks let you trace where and when a piece was made. Together they create a clear identity you can see and feel.
  • Wearability: Most vintage lockets are light on the neck and sit flat, so they work with shirts, knits and dresses. Choose 16–18 inches for everyday, or 20 inches and beyond for layering. You can also swap chains to change the mood, from a fine trace for a clean look to a belcher or curb for a little more presence.
  • Sentiment: Inside there is space for a small photo or note that makes the piece yours. Use a paper template to trim a copy of the image so it fits neatly behind the insert, and keep the original safe. Some lockets hold two photos, others one photo and a tiny keepsake, which makes them thoughtful gifts to mark a date or memory.
Vintage gold locket open with two small photos inside

Choosing a size that suits you

We list height and width in millimetres so you can picture the scale against your neckline. As a simple guide:

Vintage 9ct gold heart locket by Georg Jensen on a chain
Vintage 9ct Gold Heart Locket by Georg Jensen London

Chain lengths that sit well

  • 16 inch: sits close to the base of the neck. The Georg Jensen heart locket above comes on a 16 inch chain, which keeps the look tidy with open collars.
  • 18 inch: the most popular length. Works with round neck tees, shirts and light knits. The Vintage 9ct Gold Round Locket by Georg Jensen (1983) is a clean, easy match at this length.
  • 20 to 22 inch: adds space for layering and suits deeper lockets and higher necklines. Heart and oval shapes like the Georg Jensen 9ct Gold Heart Padlock (1960) look elegant here.
  • 24 inch and longer: relaxed over knits and dresses, especially good for larger lockets or bold textures.

Chain style matters: a fine trace or cable suits smaller pieces. Belcher and curb links balance medium to large lockets. Snake chains give a smooth, modern line. Check the bale opening if you plan to swap chains so your preferred link will pass through.

Layering recipes

Vintage locket on model showing size and scale

Best photos for your locket

The right picture brings a vintage locket to life. Pick images that mean something to you, then crop them so they sit neatly inside the frame.

  • Choose clear, simple images: head-and-shoulders photos work best. Two people can work too if faces sit close together and at similar heights. Avoid busy backgrounds and wide group shots.
  • Leave a little breathing room: keep some background around the face so you can trim to fit and still keep the subject centred.
  • Match the crop to the locket shape: an oval crop suits ovals, a heart-shaped crop flatters heart lockets, and round crops are very versatile.
  • For groups, think multi-photo: if the original is a big family shot, consider placing individuals in separate windows when your locket holds two photos.
  • Test the fit before trimming: make a quick paper template of the window, place it over the image, and only then cut a copy of the photo to size. Keep the original safe.

How to fit a photo safely

Paper template and trimmed photo being fitted into a vintage locket
  1. Make a template: place thin paper over the locket window and trace the shape. Cut out the template and check the fit.
  2. Trim the photo: place the template on the image and trim carefully with small scissors. Start slightly larger, then shave tiny slivers until it sits snugly.
  3. Use the insert: many lockets have a clear insert or frame. Keep it in place to protect the photo. Avoid glue on metal and avoid tape that can mark the surface over time.
  4. Check the hinge and clasp: close the locket and make sure it clicks gently and sits flush. If it feels loose, ask us for advice before wearing.

For best results print on thin, good quality paper. Keep the original photo safe and use a copy in the locket.

Hallmarks and hinges

Hallmarks often sit on the bale, the jump ring or inside the rim. A UK hallmark can confirm the metal fineness and the assay office and in many cases helps you date the piece. Check that the hinge opens smoothly and that the clasp closes with a light click. A well made locket feels tidy in the hand and stays closed during normal wear.

Editor’s picks from our current collection

Care and storage

  • Put jewellery on after fragrance and hair products. Keep lockets away from moisture.
  • Wipe with a soft cloth after wear. Avoid ultrasonic cleaning on pieces with inserts, enamel or pearls.
  • Store the chain fastened to avoid tangles and keep the locket in a soft pouch so it does not mark other pieces.

Shop vintage lockets

We handpick lockets for everyday wear, from smooth hearts to engraved ovals and gemstone centres. Explore all Vintage Lockets, or browse the wider Vintage Jewellery collection to see what is new.

Common questions

What chain length is best for a locket
Most people find 18 inches the most useful everyday length. Add a 16 inch chain above or a 20 inch chain below if you want to layer.

How do I know if a locket will take my chain
Check the bale opening in the listing and compare with the width of your chain. If you are unsure, ask us and we will advise.

Can a vintage locket hold two photos
Many can. Look inside for two windows or an insert on each side. If there is one insert only, you can still place a single photo behind it and a small note on the other side.

Is it safe to wear a locket every day
Yes, as long as the hinge and clasp are sound. Keep the piece away from water and wipe it after wear. If it ever feels loose, bring it in for a quick check.

Need help

Not sure on size or chain length? Our Stockport team is happy to help you choose a locket that sits just right and to guide you on fitting a photo. Contact us, or explore Vintage Lockets to find your match.

Ann Powell