What is a picture pendant?

A picture pendant is a wearable piece of jewellery designed to display a portrait, photograph, or miniature painting. They often feature hinged covers or glazed frames to protect the image inside. Most examples double as lockets, allowing the wearer to keep personal mementos hidden against the body on a chain or brooch pin.

How do I date a locket?

Dating relies on stylistic clues, materials, and any hallmarks stamped onto the metal. Victorian pieces often display hand engraved foliate patterns, natural motifs, or memorial hairwork. Later Edwardian and mid century examples introduce different clasp mechanisms and sleeker profiles while maintaining the core tradition of holding personal imagery.

Can I put my own photos inside?

Most of these lockets retain their original internal frames, glass covers, and metal bezels designed to hold small cut photographs. You can carefully slide modern paper portraits behind the existing glass. Take care with antique glass and bezels, as they can be fragile after a century or more of handling.

What is the difference between a locket and a pendant?

A pendant is any decorative ornament suspended from a necklace, while a locket specifically opens to enclose a space for pictures or locks of hair. Many items combine both functions by featuring glazed picture frames that also open on a hinge. Victorian makers frequently designed these pieces to serve as both brooches and hanging pendants simultaneously.