French Country · Encyclopedia · Jewelry and Accessories
Locket
Pendants that open to hold photos.
Jewelry · Indicative US retail $50–$2,000
At a glance
- Family: Jewelry
- Periods most often found: Most date from 1840 to 1930.
- Typical price: about $250; range $50 to $2,000 and more for exceptional pieces
- What drives value: Gold, engraving
What it is
Lockets are pendants that open to hold a portrait, a photograph or a lock of hair. Georgian and Victorian lockets in gold, often engraved, enameled or set with pearls and garnets, carried memories of loved ones and of the dead (mourning lockets); late Victorian silver lockets with engraved initials and Edwardian gold lockets on chains followed; French médaillons were given at baptisms and weddings.
How to identify and date it
Hallmarks or karat stamps on the bail or inside the frame identify metal; check the hinge and catch, the glass or rims inside, dents in thin gold, and engraving wear. Original photos or hair add charm and sometimes historical interest.
Hallmarks and engraving.
Periods and styles
Most date from 1840 to 1930.
How much is it worth?
On the US retail market, most locket examples ask around $250. Simple or worn pieces start near $50, while documented, signed or exceptional examples can pass $2,000. The main value drivers are: gold, engraving. These are indicative ranges, not an appraisal; see our price guide for French antiques for the method.
Questions buyers ask: vintage locket necklace worth. The answer depends on the points below, which are worth checking before you compare prices.
Before you buy
- Check hinge and catch
- Read marks
- Inspect dents
Living with it
A locket worn every day keeps a story close; a group in a shadow box makes a moving display.
How we write these guides: identification notes are general guidance written by French Country; a style name, a region or a resemblance does not by itself date or attribute a piece. Price ranges are indicative US retail asking prices for antique and vintage examples in sound condition (dealers, specialist marketplaces and auctions), estimated and rounded as of November 2026; check recent sold results before relying on a figure. They are not appraisals or offers to buy or sell: condition, provenance and documentation can move a value far outside the range. For insurance, estates or sales, ask an independent, qualified appraiser for a written valuation.