Tips & Guides
How to Put a Picture in a Locket
Tips & Guides
Styles come and go. Some like bad deja vu. As a perpetual cycle of on-again and off-again trends, the fashion world rules all. 20 years ago we were rockin' bejeweled low-rise jeans and chunky platform sandals. We swore, never again. Last week, I saw, with mounting horror, that #Y2Kfashion is trending on TikTok. While Gen Z is busy going through bins of the millennial past, another classic jewelry trend is on the rise. And it's one worth celebrating.
Please say no to double denim. Instead, let’s talk about dreamy, elegant lockets.
For the record, I support a revival of hundred-year-old relics. Especially when they enter the mainstream with a flare. Lockets are moving beyond oval and heart-shaped designs, but are still paying homage to their original style. As this chic movement takes hold, we’re back to wondering how to put a picture in a locket the right way. We’re bringing you the details here.
In this Article...
- Jewelry Inspired by the Past
- Preparing a Memento For Your Locket
- Put Your Picture in Your Locket (The Easy Way)
- Celebrating Locket Styles
We're all about the locket trend making a comeback. Pictured Deco Heart Locket (Ivory)
Jewelry Inspired by the Past
The allure of the locket is not difficult to trace. Chic, classic, simple, vintage, antique, unique, personalized . . . we unlock these words when we think of gold and silver chains adorned with our most prized keepsakes.
Reminiscing about memories of past nostalgia, celebrations, life-changing experiences, and loved ones. Lockets help to preserve our greatest moments in intricate ways. Take for example famous R&B singer, Toni Braxton. She shared that her silver hummingbird piece carries the ashes of her sister, Traci.
Today, lockets keep a sense of character and sentiment no matter how they’re worn. Unlike other jewelry, lockets go beyond a wardrobe accessory. They hold value and meaning to the wearer. They are as much a function of utility, while still celebrating our individuality.
Preparing a Memento For Your Locket
The thing about these flattering pieces is that they hold secrets. It’s part of their unique appeal. Lockets are kind of like a relationship in that way. You’re in a commitment once you decide on the photo or keepsake you choose to place near your heart. Most people choose their significant other. Whatever floats your boat, or hangs on the chain, we support it.
The best part about lockets? No need to cycle through the digitized memories living in your phone. All you need to do is open your charm and BOOM – “isn’t he the cutest?” If this is you, and you want your boyfriend on full display, let’s at least make sure we get the cut right.
Learning how to put a picture in a locket is not an innate skill. We’ll be the first to say it. But with some research and a little practice, you'll get the job done in no time.
Put Your Picture In Your Locket (The Easy Way)
Step 1: First things first, let’s choose your locket
The locket world has unlocked new levels of artistry. Lockets combine vintage feels with contemporary designs. Choosing your locket to personalize your style and memento is an exciting process. Consider our guide to jewelry types and fits based on style, skin tone, and necklines. As a basic rundown:
When it comes to silver vs gold jewelry, silver fares better with cool skin undertones. Gold pieces, on the other hand, work better for warm skin tones. The rule of thumb is silver accents on darker skin can look contrasting. Rose gold, a fan favorite for many, doesn’t always work well with pink undertones.
Style Guide for Lockets
The locket style you chose is going to depend on your wardrobe. Here are some tips and tricks for finding the best style for you.
As a staple and a statement, gold lockets can style up a simple white tee and jeans, or elevate your favorite LBD. Whether you choose to be subtle or extra, a gold locket can be a perfect addition. It also works well with colors and patterned designs, as well. As an essential classic, gold lockets are an eloquent finishing touch for most OOTDs.
Silver is fun because of its versatility. Since it's often highly contrasting, it pairs well with a layered look. Go ahead, mix it up with additional chains and color selections. Longer necklaces can work well with long layers, making them a fall favorite.
SHOP FORTUNE HOLDING LOCKETS
Achieve effortless and timeless looks for office attire or cocktail hour. Tell your story and let your locket be your centerpiece. Or if keep it close to your heart, making it a piece for you and only you.
Once you chose your locket, you should know the specs of the design. The locket frame will be essential for step two.
Step 2: Measuring Your Locket
Most jewelry designers measure the aspects of the chain, locket, and even frame size. Before buying, make sure that it measures up to what fits you. The locket frame -- the inside part that holds the photographs -- is the most important measurement.
I watched all the YouTube lessons for you. The best method on how to put a picture in a locket is to gather these materials:
- Plastic ruler (preferably transparent)
- High-quality Scotch tape
- Fine Sharpie (make it red)
- Small scissors (the kinds our grandma uses for sewing)
- Tweezers
- Toothpick
- Printer / Paper
The first thing you need to do is measure the frame of the locket side-to-side, bottom-to-top. Remember, sometimes the jeweler has these details, so check with them first. Jot down the measurements.
To print the photos, you can use third-party vendors. I love LocketStudio by Marathon or OddPrints. It’s also easy to find a simple photo resizing tutorial for programs like Photoshop. You'll need the measurements you took above to size your photo so it fits right.
Important tip: remember the photo you select should have some background around your subject’s face. This is to ensure that you don’t amputate a limb. As a matter of fact, be sure to print copies of your images *just in case*.
Step 3: Create a Template for The Locket Frame
Using Scotch tape and your red Sharpie, let’s make a template for the frame. Adhesive side down, lay the tape across the locket frame. Then, with your Red Sharpie, trace the frame shape. You’ll use this to lay on top of your printed photo.
We like to use a bright window to line up the photo with the tape frame. This helps to get the placement exactly right.
Step 4: Cut Your Picture
Using your small scissors, cut the taped frame. Be sure to leave some buffer room. In other words, don’t cut exactly along the red Sharpie line, but instead just outside of it.
Step 5: Put The Picture In The Locket
Before the final step, we recommend using liquid silicon or bee wax for the edges of the photo. This helps to smooth things out and prevent choppy cuts from appearing when you open the locket. Glue tack or strong tape will work as an adhesive to insert your photo.
Apply adhesive first, then gently place the photo inside. Use the toothpick to help smooth out the photo along the edges. Voila! You learned how to put a picture in a locket.
Creating a template helps you perfectly place your photo. Pictured Deco Heart Locket
Celebrating Locket Styles
Over the last few centuries, these charming necklaces were created to celebrate loved ones, artifacts, heirlooms, and more. Crafted from various materials over the years including silver, gold, silver-plated, and even wood, lockets contained everything from charms, fabric soaked in perfume, pictures or portraits, love notes, and even locks of hair. They were made famous by royal families in the 16th century and were viewed as the “must-have” fashion accessory during the Victorian Era.
Today, these delightful jewelry pieces help get us out of our digital funk. To be honest, I can’t quite remember the last time I had to print a physical photo. Celebrate a locket day with friends. Make it a weekend project. Fortune & Frame has styles that match every flare and design preference.
Each piece can truly be one-of-a-kind. Jewelry that speaks helps us realize how the past fits our present. Every small moment is worth carrying with us.
For more blog posts on lockets...
