The Romance of Vintage Lockets

Vintage clothing and jewelry continue to grow in popularity among fashion trendsetters. One reason for the enormous appeal of accessories such as vintage lockets is the romance attached to these classic pieces. Sit back and allow us to share a little bit about the romance vintage lockets have come to represent.

During Victorian times, a well-dressed lady might carry a miniature painting of a loved one next to her heart in a locket. Portrait artists specializing in these tiny representations were very much in demand with locket wearers. Whether she preferred hearts or ovals, filigree or repousse, there was a locket in the wardrobe of almost every fashionable woman.

This custom of keeping a keepsake close was mentioned often in the fiction of the day. Today's vintage lockets, especially beautiful cameo lockets, hearken back to the days when a novel's star-struck heroine might be forced to keep her devotion a secret. Sweethearts kept apart by war, society or unsympathetic parents used the locket as a way to declare their love without risking discovery.

The mystique of the locket doesn't end there, however. A slightly darker, if no less romantic, use of this popular piece of jewelry emerged when women began carrying a bit of a departed loved one's ashes in their pendants. During the U.S. Civil War, it was also very common for a widow's locket to hold a lock of hair from her departed spouse. Although both customs may seem a bit morbid to us now, they were strong symbols of romantic love in another age.

Speaking of war-time sweethearts, during both world wars lovers from across the globe sent lockets back and forth as a reminder to each other. Special lockets with military symbols, religious symbols and engraved initials were very popular during the War years.

As you can see, today's vintage lockets, cameo lockets and the ever-popular zodiac lockets have a wonderfully romantic heritage. The variety of styles now available makes it possible for jewelry lovers to wear a bit of romantic history with nearly every outfit.

Why not create a legacy of love in your own family by hiding away a keepsake in your own lockets? Select vintage lockets that suit your style, and then let the wonders of digital photography create romantic inserts for them. The locket remains a symbol of undying love. Perhaps someday your descendants will open your vintage lockets and wonder at the love immortalized by what's inside.

What Vintage Jewelry Gifts Say About You

Did you know that the gifts you give say something about the type of person you are? Think about it...if you give only useful, practical gifts, it says "I'm a no-nonsense kind of person." On the other hand, if pocket watches, cameo lockets and nature leaf jewelry are your gifts of choice, it tells the world "I'm an interesting, creative individual."

Your motive for giving gifts, of course, probably isn't to polish your own reputation. I doubt seriously that you choose birthday gifts like zodiac lockets so that people will admire you. Most likely, you choose unique vintage jewelry to give others because it's beautiful and it brings joy to them.

But isn't it fun, honestly, to have someone open a set of handmade leather journals and say, "Your gifts are always so beautiful"? And there's nothing wrong with that! We give gifts out of love, and love should make us feel warm and happy when reflected back to us.

So, now that we've admitted that it's fun and satisfying to give unusual gifts like vintage jewelry, what kinds of birthday gifts or Christmas gifts are likely to prove your creative nature? Keep in mind anyone can pick up a box of chocolates and a dozen roses. To be seen as as warm and loving, we must take the time to buy gifts that suit the recipient.

For the women in your life, choosing cameo lockets tells them "I recognize your classic beauty." Should you go to the trouble of selectingcameo rings to match those vintage lockets, they'll be overwhelmed by your generosity. They'll also know you're clever, as well as thoughtful, when you find just the right nature leaf jewelry to complement their personal style. Remember, a boring gift-giver grabs something off the shelf; someone destined to be famous for their gifts takes the time to get it right.

For the men in your life, you can't go wrong with pocket watches. Whether they're the outdoorsman who'd appreciate a classic hunting case watch to keep the face undamaged or a fashion-forward man who'd love a stylish timepiece, they'll remember your thoughtfulness.

So let's remember as we're buying gifts this year that, while giving gifts isn't all about us, those gifts do reflect on who we are. Being thoughtful enough to select a gift like vintage jewelry tells the world you're one amazing gift-giver!

Like Hidden Treasures

I’ve never been much into wearing jewelry unless it was unique and special. I recently came across an extraordinary website that sells very unique gifts such as vintage lockets and other jewelry items you just don’t find at your normal jewelry store. When I started looking at all the lovely items they had for sale it reminded me of the jewelry that my mother used to wear. This site was going to get a lot of business from me as it was getting close to Christmas time and I had quite a few special gifts to buy.

I bought my mother two beautiful cameo lockets that looked a great deal like ones she used to have. I remember her wearing them when she would dress up for church or special occasions. I knew she would love these; I put little pictures of me in each of them. Buying gifts for my mother is always difficult because she has just about everything she could ever need or want. I felt this was something she could treasure and then pass on to her granddaughters and keep them in the family as heirlooms.

I bought my daughter three cameo rings to begin her collection. I decided I would start a tradition with her and buy her a new piece of vintage jewelry every year. She enjoys having different types of jewelry to go with her outfits for work and I knew these would be something she would really treasure all the rest of her life.

I bought my father and sons pocket watches that I had engraved. These are not watches they would want to carry every day; these are show pieces to be displayed in a case and I planned to keep adding to their collection every year. They were exquisitely made and I knew they would make excellent collector gifts that they can hold on to and pass down to their kids when the time is right.

I was very excited about getting most of my Christmas shopping done from this one website. No more running around town and facing the mass of people at the mall. I could get my shopping done from the comfort of my desk at home; they even gift wrapped them for free and would ship them to any address I wanted. These are perfect Christmas gifts that I know they will all be thrilled with for many years to come.

Beautiful Jewelry for Gift-Giving

Since Christmas is just around the corner again and many of us wait until the last minute to go shopping. I usually am a very organized person and pride myself on this until a few years ago when my job increased my hours. I was so busy with work that I did not have time to do any holiday shopping for my friends and family until the last minute. This was a horrible experience looking for certain gifts that were out of stock and driving from store to store in bad weather. I quickly promised myself that this would never happen again.

For the past few years since that miserable shopping experience, I decided to do my shopping online. It was fast and easy. I could now shop for holiday gifts on my lunch break without even having to leave my office.

While shopping for jewelry online one day, I found this great site. The jewelry that was offered was gorgeous and priced right. With the vast variety of wholesale gifts it was hard to choose just one for each person on my holiday shopping list. That has been my only problem holiday shopping online to date.

My four daughters have always loved the look of antique jewelry and I was quite thrilled to see that many of the pieces on the site were inspired by antique jewelry from the Soho area of New York. I knew whatever I chose my four daughters would love to receive as christmas gifts that they would treasure. The only problem was deciding on a lockets or rings.

A co-worker of mine came up with a great idea to solve this problem. She told me to ask each daughter what the other one would like to receive as a gift. This was perfect! Not only would my daughters not be suspicious, I could get them exactly what they wanted. I quickly called each one to find out. My plan worked! They sang like birds telling me which one would like a lockets and which one would like cameo rings.

When each of my daughters opened up their gifts, they were all surprised that I knew exactly what to get them. The jewelry was a big hit and my daughters could not wait to wear them. All of them were so thrilled, that I knew the jewelry would be cherished keepsakes for years to come.

More Than Just a Gift: It’s a Memory

My parents' anniversary is always a big celebration and every year I stressed about what to get each of my parents for their special day. Many years ago I decided to start a tradition by giving them a gift with real meaning that they can pass down to the next generation. So many times people give gifts that seem useful at the time but often those gifts get put up on the shelf and never used. I decided I wanted to commemorate my parents' anniversary with something that would last, not only for their lifetime, but for many generations to come.

For my dad I gave him pocket watches every year. Each one is unique and engraved with the date it was given and the number of years the anniversary marked. He rarely carried any of the watches I gave him, but he does display them in a glass case and takes them out often to remember when they were given.

For my mother I wanted to give her something she would treasure. I decided to give her vintage lockets every year for their anniversary. Each locket holds a special inscription, the date it was given, and the year the anniversary marked. I also had tiny pictures placed inside each locket. These vintage lockets have become a very special collection for my mother and she always looks forward to each anniversary to see what she will be adding to her collection next.

To date, they each have twenty-seven items in their collections. Recently we were discussing their collections during a family meal and they informed my brothers and me that they have put the pocket watches and vintage lockets in their will to be divided among the grandchildren. I was very pleased to know how much these collections meant to them and am very proud to know that one day my children and grandchildren will be honored with one of these special gifts.

My first grandchild will be born the first of the year and I’ve decided to start this same tradition with her. I will give her cameo lockets for special birthday gifts. I will have them inscribed and have a tiny picture of her inside each locket. I think it’s important to give gifts that have meaning and allowing a person to attach a special memory to that gift. Those are truly the gifts that keep on giving.

5 Reasons to Buy a Pocket Watch, Not an Ordinary One!

Pocket watches, along with two-piece telephones, waxed moustaches, Brylcreem and snuff, are seen as relics of the early 20th century … certainly not something that could still have value in these days of one-piece telephones, hair gel and prescription medicine! However there are still plenty of reasons why something that is older is actually superior to our modern products. There is a reason that the phrase "They don’t make them like they used to" is so true! So why should you consider replacing your ordinary watch with a classic pocket watch? Here are five reasons.

1. You do jarring work

Watches are commonly known to fail when their wearers do repetitive, jarring work. Activities like building homes, laying pavers, and even picking fruit can all jar your hands repeatedly and throw out the tiny mechanisms that make watches work. What's worse is that most manufacturers do not consider this ordinary use for the purposes of having your watch replaced under warranty … so you foot the bill! The classic pocket watch design still has that enormous advantage.

2. You do any other sort of manual work

Accidental damage to your watch won't be covered by warranty … and often if you break the glass face or do any sort of internal damage to your watch, it can cost almost as much to repair it as it would to replace it. Pocket watches are much more protected.

3. Your ordinary watch isn't waterproof

There is not only the problem of sweating with a non-waterproof watch (those without at least a 50-meter water resistance rating), but the fact that we are busy busy people … and we aren’t always thinking about our watch when we have to do the dishes, take a child out of the bath, or move the sprinkler. Classic pocket watches are just that bit safer

4. If you’re not an ordinary person, why get an ordinary watch?

Your watch can be an extension of your personality, and part of what creates a first impression of you. Classic pocket watches are elegant and opulent -- and for many of you, that matches your personality perfectly!

5. Your eyesight is not perfect

Pocket watches are usually made with considerably bigger faces than ordinary watches. It is preferable to have something with a bit of substance to it in your pocket. If you think back to the feeling of changing from an old, clunky mobile phone to a newer model, and panicking when you can’t feel it in your pocket, you'll know what I mean! Classic pocket watches help you avoid eyestrain … and prevent you misreading the time. No more excuses!

Zodiac Lockets -- What Do Those Creatures Mean?

Zodiac lockets are a sweet, elegant type of jewelry with the class of a cameo but much more variety. People don't necessarily always identify with their zodiac sign, so why not broaden your gift-giving scope and pick a zodiac symbol that most represents their personality? Today we are looking at the symbolism of each of the zodiac signs to help you pick the perfect one for a friend.

The Ram (Aries)

The ancient symbolism of the ram is transferred to those born under Aries … or anybody who is competitive, fiery, stubborn, and a born leader! If you know someone as strong and stubborn as the ram (but in a good way!), grab an Aries zodiac pendant for them.

The Bull (Taurus)

The symbol for Taureans is the bull, but it applies equally to anybody that is strong, grounded, and earthy. The bull is also a very sexual symbol, both for females and males -- a good romantic gift.

The Twins (Gemini)

The twins represent the duality of life, and the duality within each of us. You probably know at least one person who sees the world in terms of black or white, wonderful or terrible … and Geminis do too. This zodiac sign is also especially communicative and sociable.

The Crab (Cancer)

Cancer's aren't necessarily always crabby -- you certainly wouldn’t want that to be the hidden message of your zodiac locket jewelry gift, anyway! The crab lives under the water, which is a symbol for the emotions. These are very emotional people, also very loyal and shy.

The Lion (Leo)

Leo the lion is the king of the jungle … and people represented by the lion are the king of whatever room they enter! They are bold, dramatic, and sociable, yet very down to earth. There is some truth in the expression lion-hearted, also!

The Virgin (Virgo)

Again, this need not be a literal interpretation. The symbolism relates to the quest for perfection and purity, and Virgos are traditionally seen as tidy, meticulous, and detail-oriented. The perfect zodiac locket for any accountants in your life!

The Scales (Libra)

The scales can represent balance, or they can represent justice -- two very closely related concepts that are important to many. If you know someone in constant search of balance in their lives, why not bring it to them in zodiac locket form?

The Scorpion (Scorpio)

The scorpion is tiny but has a mighty sting in its tail … in since this is symbolism, that sting can be used for good as well as harm! Scorpios are very artistic, romantic and sexual souls -- if you’re lucky, that will sound like someone you know!

The Centaur (Sagittarius)

A piercing intellect and logical mind are the main characteristics of Sagittarians, symbolized by the archer or the centaur.

The Water Carrier (Aquarius)

Aquarians are unconventional, eclectic souls that tend to do things just because others don’t … or because others said not to!

The Fish (Pisces)

Fish live in water, a symbol strongly associated with the spirit and subconscious. Pisces people are thought to be especially considerate and empathetic, good at understanding how others are feeling. They tend towards the dreamy side … just like their zodiac locket does.

Grandma's Locket

We had every intention of providing you with some verifiable, informative content about fine jewelry, and we even dedicated our time and efforts to researching the information so that you may have only the best insight. However, in our research we came across this delightful story that made our “dry” information seem so much less pertinent….

This story was derived from a charming literary magazine called The Golden Road, the following text can be credited to Lucy Maud Montgomery.

This was a story my Aunt Jane told me about her grandma when she was a little girl. It’s funny to think of baking a locket, but it wasn't to eat. She was my great grandma but I’ll call her grandma for short. It happened when she was ten years old. Of course she wasn’t anybody’s grandma then. Her father and mother and her were living in a new settlement called Brinsley. Their nearest neighbor was a mile away. One day her Aunt Hannah from Charlottetown came and wanted her ma to go visiting with her. At first grandma's ma thought she couldn’t go because it was baking day and grandma's pa was away. But grandma wasn’t afraid to stay alone and she knew how to bake the bread so she made her ma go and her Aunt Hannah took off the handsome gold locket and chain she was wearing round her neck and hung it on grandma and told her she could wear it all day. Grandma was awful pleased, for she had never had any jewelry. She did all the chores and then was kneading the loaves when she looked up and saw a hobo coming in and he was an awful villainous-looking hobo. He didn’t even pass the time of day but just set down on a chair. Poor grandma was awful frightened and she turned her back on him and went on kneading the loaf cold and trembling-- that is, grandma was trembling, not the loaf. She was worried about the locket. She didn't know how she could hide it for to get anywhere she would have to turn round and pass him.

All of a sudden she thought she would hide it in the bread. She put her hand up and pulled it hard and quick and broke the fastening and kneaded it right into the loaf. Then she put the loaf in the pan and set it in the oven.

The hobo hadn’t seen her do it and then he asked for something to eat. Grandma got him up a meal and then he began prowling about the kitchen looking into everything and opening the cupboard doors. Then he went into grandma’s room and turned the bureau drawers and trunk inside out and threw the things in them all about. All he found was a purse with a dollar in it and he swore about it and took it and went away. When grandma was sure he was really gone she broke down and cried. She forgot all about the bread and it burned as black as coal. When she smelled it burning grandma run and pulled it out. She was awful scared the locket was spoiled but she sawed open the loaf and it was there safe and sound. When her Aunt Hannah came back she said grandma deserved the locket because she had saved it so clever and she gave it to her and grandma always wore it and was very proud of it. And grandma used to say that was the only loaf of bread she ever spoiled in her life.