Frequently worn over the heart, a locket can contain a photo or hair of a loved one, standing in for a person who may be gone or far away. Fashioned from metals, gemstones, and found objects, these three handmade lockets reflect the natural allure of some of Earth’s myriad beautiful creatures.
Handcrafted Living
Wild at Heart
Animal lockets that contain cherished memories.
By Shivaun Watchorn
November 24, 2024
Alexis Pavlantos
The jewelry of Santa Fe–based Alexis Pavlantos, who was raised by her gemologist and goldsmith mother, reflects a deep connection with recycled materials and the earth. She used over an ounce of rose, yellow, and white gold, and a 0.2 carat ruby, to create this 2-by-2-by-0.75-inch kinetic crab locket that hangs from a 17-inch handmade coral chain. The locket opens with latches on the crab’s eyes, and the articulated legs dance with the wearer’s movements.
/ $8,800
Photo by Autumn Swisher
Alexis Pavlantos' gold crab pendant.
Rebecca Myers
In many cultures, butterflies symbolize good luck. The wearer of Baltimore jeweler Rebecca Myers’s sumptuous monarch wing locket, with its 18-inch yellow gold chain and diamond charm holder clasp, will count themselves lucky too. Peppered with pavé cut white diamonds, the 2.5-by-0.75-inch sterling silver and 18k gold locket is as ethereal and special as a visit from a real monarch butterfly.
/ $4,475
Photo by RMC
Monarch Wing Locket Pendant with pocket watch bail. 18k gold, oxidized silver, pave set diamonds.
Gabrielle Gould
Gabrielle Gould’s fantastical bird jewelry could fill an aviary. The St. Augustine, Florida–based jeweler incorporates locally found materials such as feathers, shells, and sharks’ teeth in her compositions, inspired by the coastal wetlands that surround her. The feather-accented sterling silver body of this night heron locket, 2 by 2 inches on a 19-inch chain, opens to reveal an included pair of simple pearl earrings.
/ $750
Photo by Gabrielle Gould
Night Heron with Pearl Earrings, neck locket.
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