Sunday, August 8, 2010

Sterling Silver Lockets

Sterling Silver Locket: Meaning and uses for lockets

Ah yes, the locket, one of humanity's most timeless fashion accessories. Did you know that lockets can be used to hold something other than a photograph? What about the symbolism behind giving someone a certain kind of locket, is there any? Follow me as I help you to better understand the meanings and uses of lockets.The first thing I wonder about a piece of jewelry given to me is, what is it made of? The fun thing about a locket is that it can be made from almost anything. You can get a plastic one at a costume jewelry store, or even a hand carved wooden one at a renaissance festival or craft fair. By far the most popular material for making a locket is some sort of metal. When Lockets were used to depict status a gold locket was preferred to a bronze one. The shapes in which lockets are fashioned are unlimited; among the most popular is the heart, much like the Key to Her Heart lockets given to young women by their parents accompanying a discussion about abstinence.

In Ancient Egypt pharoahs would wear tube shaped lockets containing tiny rolls of papyrus paper with spells written on them said to influence the fortune of the wearer. During the rein of Queen Victoria lockets were made with tiny pillows in them to hold a drop of perfume. Back then hygiene was not a daily ritual, so this was a courtesy to the public.By far the most common use of lockets is to hold a photograph of a lover, friend or family member, typically deceased, but sometimes still living. The point is that it's hidden and can be kept close to your heart. Personally, my locket holds a photo of my favorite childhood pet. During the British Industrial Revolution, lockets could hold up to eight photos in a page like format. This was mainly helpful to the soldiers who were longing to return to their families.To pick out the perfect locket you first need to decide what it is you want this locket to say to the recipient. Gold verses silver plated could be the difference between I love you and I'm in love with you. If you are giving to your better half heart shaped locket symbolizes love stronger than a circular shaped one. An oval shape would be better for family, such as a deceased parent, as it can frame a better portrait than a heart shaped one. A circle symbolizes friendship and how it is a never ending connection. Gold may be reserved for a longer more permanent relationship than sterling silver. If you are giving to a friend you might want to go with something more decorated, maybe with colored gemstones or pearls.If you want to give a locket as a gift to that someone special in your life, don't stress out. Just go find the one that says what you want to say. Good luck now, and happy locket hunting!
 
Sterling Silver Locket: Meaning and uses for lockets

If you love jewelry and history, then you should consider the purchase of a locket. These ornamental cases that hang from necklaces, charm bracelets or pins are very personal expressions for jewelry wearers, as well as celebrations of nostalgia. They come in all shapes and sizes, with the most popular being the heart shape, and can contain anything from a lock of hair to a photograph to a tooth!

Lockets first became popular during the Victorian era. The locket was meant to be worn next to the heart of its owner, either via a long chain or clipped to one's bodice with a pin. Queen Elizabeth I of England commissioned two lockets to commemorate the defeat of the Spanish Armada, which expanded lockets' popularity. During the U.S. Civil War, soldiers often left a lock of hair at home, which was placed into a locket by their sweethearts upon news of their death. In the 1890s, personal hygiene was not as stringently observed as it is today, so ladies often wore a Vinaigrette locket containing a cotton ball soaked with their favorite perfume.

Lockets are fascinating because they tell a story. When one opens the hinges of an old locket for the first time, a mystery is waiting to be discovered! Will it hold the photograph of a long-lost first love or the lock of hair from someone who perished long ago? Regardless of its contents, the locket was undoubtedly a very special piece of jewelry to its wearer.

Today, lockets are purchased and worn for many reasons. They are frequently given for a holiday, such as Valentine's Day and Mother's Day, or to commemorate a special occasion, such as a wedding anniversary or christening. Mothers often wear lockets containing their children's pictures. Funerary lockets may hold the lock of hair of a deceased loved one.

Lockets are also made in a variety of styles. They can be shaped like a circle, a book, or a heart. They might be made of gold, silver, or pewter. Some lockets are set with precious stones, such as a birthstone, or monogrammed with initials. Traditionally, lockets have held only two photos, but specially made lockets can hold up to eight!

If you're looking for a special gift for the woman in your life, you can't go wrong with a locket that will remind her of the love in her life!

Sterling Silver Locket: Meaning and uses for lockets

Lockets have played all kinds of roles over the ages. They have been used just as pieces of jewelry, or to keep a photograph of a loved one near, or even to mask out odors and other foul smells. Lockets are generally presented to loved ones on occasions like Valentine's Day, weddings and christenings. They were very popular during the Victorian age and were noticed especially at funerals. Today, lockets make endearing gifts that are sure to be cherished. Let us look at some of the options of lockets that you can choose from. Vinaigrette lockets in Sterling silver The Vinaigrette locket is probably the one locket that is packed with history. You will find that this locket dates back to the Victorian era where they had a very specific use. To understand this use however, you must first understand the locket. The vinaigrette locket is a silver filigree locket with open work on the top and a solid back. You might even find a variation of this locket where both the front and the back are made of filigree work. During the Victorian era, silver lockets of this kind were used by ladies to hold a piece of small cloth or sponge that was soaked in their perfume. You could even put a tiny block of solid perfume inside. The locket would be worn and it would be held up to the lady's nose when she passed through an area that did not smell so good. You will still find these vinaigrette lockets in the market today. Besides being pretty, they make a perfect piece of jewelry to be handed down the generations. Hand engraved lockets in Silver Over the generations lockets have been modified to suit changing trends while keeping the basic concept the same. If you are looking for a gift for a young lady or even a baby, you might want to consider silver lockets that are engraved by hand. These lockets come with pretty floral designs that are generally colored. If you are considering lockets of this kind, you will find that your choices are plenty. Classic lockets If you are looking for a gift that is timeless, then you should consider the classic locket made of silver. This classic piece of silver jewelry is probably the first thing that will come to your mind when someone mentions a silver locket. Today you can buy these lockets in silver of the highest quality that will not tarnish. You will even find ones with the centre area in the front made with a finish of fine satin. Because of its excellent quality, this locket also makes a great heirloom item. Personalized photo lockets in silver Photo lockets are the most common kinds. You can get silver lockets of this kind in various and sizes. You can even get silver photo lockets personalized, making your gift to that special someone truly exceptional. Personalized lockets in silver are gifts that any one will treasure. They also make the perfect gift choice for any occasion. If you look around, you will find photo lockets that can hold up to 6 pictures.

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