Photo Charm Lockets

Almost everyone has some type of precious keepsake that no one can put a price on. These may be photos or trinkets that have great meaning and bring back fond memories. Using a heart shape locket with photos of loved ones inserted in it is an excellent way to keep those treasured memories. Wearing jewelry that contains photos, keeps our loved ones close by even though they may be gone.

Bracelet charms are also used to keep photos. Charms that depict a favorite hobby or the hobby of a loved one are always popular. Jewelry charms are made of several different types of metal. Gold, silver, silver plate and other mixed metals are all used to create mementos that keep memories alive. Most charms are made with a lobster claw clasp attached so all you have to do is clip the charm onto the bracelet or chain.

Deciding which type of charm to use may depend solely on your choice of precious metal or it may depend only on how much you can afford to pay for it.

Photo charms are usually not made of plastic as they have to be sturdy enough to withstand continued opening and closing. You may also see charms that have intricate filigree designs or have jewels or gemstones embedded.

Local craft shows usually have quite a variety of jewelry charms and individually hand crafted pieces. You can also find unusual pieces at specialty gift shops. Most of these works are usually done by local artists.

A quick glance at your local yellow pages should give you the information you need to locate hand crafted jewelry in your area.

You may also want to visit the local craft supply shops, as many of them offer a bulletin board on which local artists advertise.

Size may also be a factor in deciding which one to choose. If it is going to be worn ariound your neck you don’t want something made of a very heavy metal. Likewise, if it is something that may be displayed in the home, such as on a shelf or coffee table, then the weight won’t matter.

Personal preference plays an important part in deciding what types and forms of jewelry you should wear. For the most part one should wear what they feel the most confortable in. A trip to your local jewelry store will give you many ideas of the types and styles of jewelry that are available.

Photos that are to be used in charms and other jewelry may need to be reduced or copied at your local photo shop. They can be done on your home computer but the ink on home computer photos sometimes does not hold up as well as a professionally done photo.

Lockets have been found in attics and trunks stored away by our grandparents, that hold precious treasures of photos and even locks of hair.

Now would be a great time to create mementos that a future generation will look at and smile with awe and wonder.