What fits inside an antique locket?

Antique lockets typically contain small paper photographs, hand-painted miniatures, or finely braided locks of human hair placed beneath glass or gold frames. The interior space is shallow, requiring flat items that permit the hinged covers to snap shut securely without bending the metal.

How do I care for gold lockets?

Clean these items gently using a soft cloth, avoiding harsh chemical dips that damage seed pearls, enamel, or soft stones like turquoise. Keep the hinge and clasp mechanisms dry and store each piece separately to prevent scratching the polished gold surfaces.

Are antique chains original?

Many historic pendants are paired with later or matching period chains, though some retain their original manufacture links and clasps. Checking the gold hallmarks on both the pendant and the chain helps determine if they originated together as a matched set.

How are periods identified?

Stylistic markers such as Etruscan granulation, Art Nouveau flowing motifs, and Georgian foiled settings indicate the era of manufacture. Hallmarks stamped on the metal provide official assay marks and date letters that narrow down the exact year or decade of creation.