9 Best Charm Locket Necklaces Family Vloggers Recommend
Opening with a dilemma: I wanted a necklace that felt like home but didn’t scream “memory box.” Which charm locket would actually survive toddler chaos, travel, and daily wear while still looking effortlessly chic on camera and in real life?
Why I trust family vloggers’ picks I follow several family vloggers who wear jewelry every day between school runs, filming, and family dinners. They’re practical, honest, and they test pieces under real conditions — spit-ups, pool days, and packing for road trips. Their recommendations matter because they choose pieces that hold sentimental value and stand up to daily life. Below, I share nine charm locket necklaces they consistently recommend, with details, sizing, materials, and real-life notes.
How I evaluated each pick I looked for durability, classic style, hypoallergenic metals, clasp security, ease of changing charms, and whether the locket could hold photos or small keepsakes. I also considered finish longevity, chain thickness, and how the locket reads on camera — does it catch light in a flattering way? These are the criteria family vloggers live by.
- Kendra Scott Elisa Locket Pendant Necklace — Gold Drusy Why vloggers love it I’ve seen this on multiple family creators who want a subtle focal point on camera. It reads luxe without being flashy, and the drusy face adds a soft sparkle that looks beautiful in natural light.
Product details
- Brand/model: Kendra Scott Elisa Locket Pendant Necklace
- Materials: 14k gold-plated over base metal with a drusy stone front
- Colors: Gold-plated with assorted drusy colors (I tested the champagne drusy)
- Dimensions: Pendant ~1.1 in (28 mm) long; chain options 16–18 inches with extender
- Features: Magnetic locket closure; easy-to-open hinge; lightweight for everyday wear
How it fits into life I wear this with T-shirts and blouses alike; it layers well. The drusy surface is subtly textured — like tiny crystals — and gives an organic, romantic look on camera. It holds a tiny folded photo or a pressed flower fragment.
Personal testimonial I had it on during a backyard filming day; the magnet held despite toddler tugging, and it didn’t discolor from sunscreen or sweat. It felt secure and looked polished in footage.
- Monica Vinader Riva Mini Locket — Rose Gold Vermeil Why vloggers love it This is a go-to for creators who want a modern heirloom. The Riva Mini locket is slim, elegant, and photographs beautifully without adding bulk to layered looks.
Product details
- Brand/model: Monica Vinader Riva Mini Locket
- Materials: 18k rose gold vermeil over sterling silver
- Colors: Rose gold; also available in gold vermeil and silver
- Dimensions: Pendant ~22 mm diameter; chain 16–18 inches with adjustable clasp
- Features: Screw-top locket design for extra security; high-polish finish; hypoallergenic
How it fits into life The rose gold tone gives skin a warm glow on camera. The screw-top provides peace of mind when I tuck a tiny photo or a lock of hair inside. It wears comfortably against the chest and layers seamlessly.
Personal testimonial After months of daily wear, it’s retained polish with minimal care. I love that creators recommended it because they noted the screw-top avoids accidental openings during filming or exercise.
- Gorjana Parker Locket Necklace — Polished Gold Why vloggers love it This is the kind of everyday locket family vloggers recommend for minimalist wardrobes. It’s simple, lightweight, and designed to vanish into outfits while keeping sentiment front and center.
Product details
- Brand/model: Gorjana Parker Locket Necklace
- Materials: 18k gold-plated over base metal
- Colors: Polished gold
- Dimensions: Pendant ~0.7 in (18 mm) diameter; chain 16 inches with 2-inch extender
- Features: Push-snap closure; flat profile for layering; delicate, feminine proportions
How it fits into life I pair it with denim and knitwear; it never competes with patterns. The flat locket sits comfortably under sweaters and doesn’t catch hair or clothing. For moms on the move, it’s low-maintenance and neutral.
Personal testimonial I found the push-snap closure reliable for everyday wear. There’s a comforting, unobtrusive presence when I wear it during long filming days.
- Lockets by Faye Readable Mini Photo Locket — Sterling Silver Why vloggers love it Family vloggers who prefer genuine silver and craftsmanship often recommend this brand. The Readable Mini is handcrafted, simple, and feels personal without being ornate.
Product details
- Brand/model: Lockets by Faye Readable Mini Photo Locket
- Materials: 925 sterling silver
- Colors: Polished silver; oxidized finish available
- Dimensions: Pendant ~20 mm diameter; chain 18 inches standard
- Features: Hinged locket with recessed photo frame; options for engraving on the exterior
How it fits into life The sterling silver gives a cooler tone that pairs beautifully with navy, whites, and muted palettes. The recessed frame keeps the interior photo protected and the hinge is robust.
Personal testimonial I had it engraved with my child’s initial; vloggers suggested engraving for personalization and longevity. It’s become my go-to when I want a more classic, refined look on camera.
- Carrie Elizabeth 8mm Birthstone Locket Necklace — 9ct Gold Fill Why vloggers love it Creators who are big on personalization recommend this when you want a birthstone and photo combo. It’s modest, meaningful, and crafted with longevity in mind.
Product details
- Brand/model: Carrie Elizabeth 8mm Birthstone Locket Necklace
- Materials: 9ct gold fill (thicker gold layer), with genuine semi-precious birthstone
- Colors: Yellow gold; stones vary by month
- Dimensions: Pendant ~8mm stone setting, locket slightly larger at ~14mm; chain 16–18 inches
- Features: Secure clasp; screw-in backing for the stone; small interior chamber for micro-photos or keepsakes
How it fits into life The gold-fill construction means it wears well without the cost of solid gold. The tiny birthstone adds color and personality without a jarring sparkle on camera. Perfect for layering with other delicate chains.
Personal testimonial I had mine paired with a longer chain when filming holiday content; it added a sweet, story-driven detail to my outfits that viewers asked about.
- Alex and Ani Expandable Locket Charm Necklace — Gold Finish Why vloggers love it This one’s for moms who want flexibility. The expandable aspect means you can add charms and swap them out to align with seasons, milestones, or outfits.
Product details
- Brand/model: Alex and Ani Expandable Locket Charm Necklace
- Materials: PVD gold finish over base metal; eco-conscious plating
- Colors: Gold finish; also available in silver finish
- Dimensions: Pendant ~24 mm diameter; adjustable chain style or slip-through charm on a bangle-style neckpiece
- Features: Expandable cage-style locket for multiple charms; lightweight; symbolic charm options (hearts, initials, birthstones)
How it fits into life I used this for a travel vlog week; I added a tiny compass charm and a small photo capsule. It’s playful and transitional, ideal for creators who narrate milestones.
Personal testimonial I appreciated the versatility. It’s not as fine as solid metals, but for layering, swapping, and daily content creation, it hits the sweet spot.
- Sarah Chloe Family Tree Locket Necklace — Vermeil Why vloggers love it This design reads sentimental and symbolic. Family-focused creators recommend the Family Tree locket because it visually represents family bonds while offering storage for tiny keepsakes.
Product details
- Brand/model: Sarah Chloe Family Tree Locket
- Materials: 18k gold vermeil over sterling silver
- Colors: Gold vermeil with optional darkened antique finish in the tree detail
- Dimensions: Pendant ~25 mm tall; chain 18 inches
- Features: Intricate tree silhouette on exterior, hinged opening, interior space for small photos or tags
How it fits into life The tree engraving catches light and casts a delicate shadow on collarbones on sunny filming days. It’s a statement piece of sentiment that still reads classic.
Personal testimonial Creators told me this was the “locket my grandma would approve of.” I’ve worn it for family portrait days and it felt meaningful and photogenic.
- Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso Loving Heart Locket — Sterling Silver Why vloggers love it For creators who occasionally invest in investment pieces, this Tiffany locket combines designer pedigree with enduring style. It’s polished, recognizable, and durable.
Product details
- Brand/model: Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso Loving Heart Locket
- Materials: 925 sterling silver
- Colors: High-polish silver
- Dimensions: Heart pendant ~22×20 mm; chain typically 16–18 inches
- Features: Iconic heart silhouette, secure hinge, optional engraving at Tiffany stores
How it fits into life This locket photographs cleanly and reads luxe on camera without overpowering casual outfits. Sterling silver is easy to care for and pairs with both gold and silver layers.
Personal testimonial I wore it during a milestone family video; the small gleam in close-ups felt refined and timeless. Vloggers often recommend investing in one signature piece like this.
- Origami Owl Living Locket — Customizable Acrylic & Metal Why vloggers love it Origami Owl popularized fully customizable living lockets for keepsakes, and family vloggers praise them for telling a story — charms that represent each child, pet, or milestone.
Product details
- Brand/model: Origami Owl Living Locket
- Materials: Stainless steel or plated metals with acrylic window; options for glass
- Colors: Silver, gold-plated, rose gold-plated
- Dimensions: Pendant ~1″ (25 mm) diameter; wide opening; chains in multiple lengths
- Features: Snap-on acrylic window; interchangeable charms and spacers; magnetic or threaded closure depending on model
How it fits into life I find the visual of tiny charms — a mini pacifier, a star, an initial — irresistible for memory-telling. It’s bulkier but perfect for story-driven content and everyday remembrance.
Personal testimonial Vloggers told me it’s a conversation starter in videos. I used it to represent each family member during a birthday montage; viewers loved the visual narrative.
What to look for — my buying checklist
- Metal type: For sensitive skin, prioritize 925 sterling silver, gold vermeil, or 9ct/14k gold fill. These minimize reactions and last longer through frequent wear.
- Closure security: Screw-tops and threaded closures are best if you’ll carry photos or precious keepsakes. Magnetic closures are convenient but may open under strain.
- Locket depth: If you plan to include more than a micro-photo, a slightly deeper locket (20–25 mm) is more functional.
- Finish: High-polish reflects light for camera; matte or hammered finishes disguise scratches and fingerprints.
- Chain length and strength: 16–18 inches is classic; choose a thicker chain (1–1.5 mm) if you’re active or have kids who tug.
- Ease of personalization: Some brands offer engraving or expandability for charms — think long-term meaning.
- Budget vs. durability: Solid gold holds value, vermeil gives a luxury look for less, and gold fill offers durability without a designer price.
Practical buying advice from creators
- Ask about return policies. I learned from a vlogger that a good return window matters when buying a sentimental piece sight unseen.
- Check clasp type before ordering. Lobster clasps are more secure than spring rings.
- For photos, measure interior dimensions and crop to size before sending to a jeweler or printing tiny prints.
- When layering, mix chain textures and lengths — delicate chain + small locket + longer pendant reads camera-friendly and intentional.
- Consider insurance for higher-value pieces if you wear them daily with kids.
Styling tips I use on camera and off
- Minimal wardrobe, maximum focus: Neutral tops with a locket create emotional highlights in family videos.
- Textural contrast: Pair a polished locket with knitted or linen fabrics to let it peek in a soft way.
- Layer strategically: Put the sentimental locket closest to the heart and wear trendier pieces lower for movement and interest.
- Seasonal swap: Swap charms or add birthstones seasonally to keep a familiar piece feeling fresh.
Frequently asked questions I hear from viewers
Q: How do I put a photo into a locket? A: Measure the interior and crop a photo to those dimensions. Print on glossy paper, fold if needed, and secure with a tiny dab of archival adhesive. For threaded lockets, remove the back carefully and place the photo inside before sealing.
Q: Which closure is safest for a child-friendly household? A: Screw-top or threaded closures are safest. They resist accidental openings better than magnets or simple snap closures.
Q: How do I clean and care for vermeil and gold-fill? A: Use a soft cloth and mild soap in lukewarm water; rinse and dry thoroughly. Avoid chlorine and prolonged sweat exposure. Store in a tarnish-resistant pouch when not worn.
Q: Can I swim in these lockets? A: I don’t recommend frequent swimming with gold-plated or vermeil lockets. Solid metals like sterling silver or solid gold are more resilient, but chlorine and saltwater still accelerate wear.
Q: What size locket works for tiny photos? A: A 20–25 mm locket typically fits cropped micro-photos easily. Smaller lockets (8–14 mm) may need custom photos or cropped images.
Final thoughts — choosing the right sentimental piece When family vloggers recommend a locket, they’re choosing pieces that tell stories, survive real life, and fit neatly into everyday aesthetics. I pick a piece that feels personal, wears comfortably through long filming days, and layers well with my other jewelry.
If you want one reliable, everyday choice: opt for gold vermeil or gold fill with a screw-top or threaded closure and a chain between 16–18 inches. For a splurge that’s worth the camera close-ups, choose a sterling silver or designer piece with classic proportions.
Want help narrowing to two options based on your style (minimal, sentimental, or statement)? Tell me your budget and whether you prefer warm or cool metals, and I’ll pair down the list with exact model links and sizing tips.