Lockets are already incredibly personal, but choosing between a photo locket and an engraved locket can completely change the feeling of the gift. This guide will help you decide which style is perfect for your person and your occasion.
What is a photo locket?
A photo locket is designed to hold one or more small photographs inside. When the locket opens, the image is revealed and the meaning of the piece becomes instantly clear.
Photo lockets are ideal if:
- You want an emotional “wow” moment when they open it.
- You’re gifting to someone very sentimental who loves photos and memories.
- You’re marking a milestone: new baby, wedding, anniversary, or remembrance.
Examples:
- A new mum wearing a photo of her baby.
- A partner wearing a favourite couple photo.
- A memorial locket with a loved one’s picture.
What is an engraved locket?
An engraved locket is personalised with text, symbols, or dates on the outside, the inside, or both. Instead of showing a photo immediately, it hints at a story through words.
Engraved lockets are ideal if:
- The wearer prefers subtle, minimal, or timeless jewellery.
- You like the idea of a “secret message” only they fully understand.
- You want a piece that feels meaningful but still very wearable every day.
You can engrave:
- Initials, names, or monograms.
- Important dates (wedding, birth, anniversary).
- Coordinates, short phrases, or inside jokes.
When a photo locket is the better choice
Choose a photo locket if:
- The relationship is very close (partner, child, parent, grandparent).
- The occasion is deeply personal: first Mother’s Day, big anniversary, memorial, new baby.
- You already have a photo that perfectly captures your story.
Why it works:
- Strong emotional impact when they open the locket.
- Feels complete and “ready to wear” from day one.
- Becomes a daily reminder of someone they love.
When an engraved locket is the better choice
Choose an engraved locket if:
- The relationship is newer, or you want something meaningful but not overly intense.
- The recipient prefers clean lines and minimalist jewellery.
- You’re buying for a general occasion: birthday, Christmas, graduation, “just because.”
- You’re unsure which photo to choose or want them to pick later.
Why it works:
- Extremely versatile with different outfits and styles.
- Feels polished, grown-up, and timeless.
- The meaning can stay private, close to the wearer’s heart.
Best of both worlds: photo + engraving
You don’t have to choose one or the other. Many modern lockets combine a photo inside with engraving on the front, back, or interior.
This is a great option if:
- You’re buying for a partner or close family member.
- The occasion is a major life moment (wedding, big anniversary, new baby).
- You want the gift to become a long-term keepsake, not just a nice accessory.
Examples:
- Front engraved with initials, inside holding a couple photo.
- Back engraved with a meaningful date, inside with a baby photo.
- Outside kept minimal, inside holding the full story.
How to decide in 3 quick questions
Ask yourself:
- How emotional do I want this gift to feel when they first open it? Very emotional → photo locket (or photo + engraving) More subtle and timeless → engraved locket
- Very emotional → photo locket (or photo + engraving)
- More subtle and timeless → engraved locket
- Are they a “photo person” or a minimalist? Loves prints, photos, and memories → photo locket Prefers simple, clean jewellery → engraved locket
- Loves prints, photos, and memories → photo locket
- Prefers simple, clean jewellery → engraved locket
- Do I already have the perfect photo? Yes → photo locket (or photo + engraving) Not yet / hard to choose → engraved now, add a photo later
- Yes → photo locket (or photo + engraving)
- Not yet / hard to choose → engraved now, add a photo later
Ready to choose your locket?
If you already know which style feels right, the best next step is to see real pieces on real chains, not just imagine them. Explore our curated collection of photo and engraved lockets at locketcompany.com and find the one that tells your story.
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