How do I open an old locket?

Most antique lockets utilise a small thumbnail notch along the side seam to release the snap closure. Gentle outward pressure applied with a fingernail or thin tool usually opens the hinged halves. Avoid forcing stuck hinges, as aged metal and tiny pins require careful manipulation to prevent bending or structural damage.

What is gold back and front?

Gold back and front describes a nineteenth-century manufacturing technique where thin sheets of solid gold form the exterior faces of the locket. A base metal core sits sandwiched inside to provide rigidity and reduce the overall cost of the item. These pieces offer the visual appearance and wear surface of solid gold while remaining structurally robust for daily suspension on a chain.

Can I put modern photos inside?

Antique lockets frequently accommodate photographs, though modern printed pictures usually require careful trimming to fit the interior bezels. Original metal frames and plastic or glass covers help hold trimmed paper securely in place. Measuring the internal aperture accurately ensures the photograph slips beneath the retaining rim without folding or tearing.

How do I date an engraved locket?

Dating relies on examining the specific stylistic motifs, such as Aesthetic Movement swallows or Edwardian foliate scrolls, combined with any visible hallmarks or maker marks. Birmingham and other assay office marks provide specific years of manufacture when present. Construction methods, such as the thickness of the hinge and the presence of engine-turned patterns, also offer clues regarding the period of origin.