One of the first things you ought to consider when buying a locket for someone is their personal taste or style. When you have an idea of what the person likes, you will have an easier time narrowing your search to something they will truly appreciate. You should consider for example, if the person prefers contemporary, vintage or artsy jewelry. Some people are allergic to certain types of metals, while others simply prefer one type to the next. These are also things which ought to be considered when choosing a locket for a loved one.

Another thing that ought to be considered is the metal that will be chosen. You do not want to choose a metal that will change color and therefore lose its beauty with time. You want to select something that is as enduring as it is beautiful. The best metals to choose from are sterling silver, gold and platinum.

It is wise to consider your budget when deciding on a locket. Sterling silver will usually be at the least expensive end of the spectrum, with platinum at the other end and gold in the middle. The metal quality will also have an impact on the cost. For example, gold has different karat ratings or weight, such as 10k, 14k, 18k and 24k. The least expensive is the ten karat and the most is twenty-four karats. Usually the highest karat weight you will find jewelry in is 18k because 24k is too soft to manipulate into long lasting jewelry.

While many lockets are plain, there are some which have precious stones added. When choosing precious stones it is good to keep the recipient’s preference in mind. If it is a birthday gift you may choose a locket necklace with her birthstone, if it is another special occasion diamonds or her favorite stone will do very well. Just ensure that the stone you choose is of good quality.

Finally, if you want to have it inscribed with a note of some kind, check with your jeweler to ensure that the metal is able to be engraved before you buy it.