Pendant vs. Locket — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 31, 2023
A pendant is any hanging piece of jewelry typically attached to a necklace or bracelet, while a locket is a specific type of pendant that opens to hold a photograph or keepsake.
Difference Between Pendant and Locket
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Pendant and Locket both adorn the body but differ in function and design. A pendant is generally any ornamental piece that hangs from a chain, which can be a gemstone, charm, or other decorative item. A locket, however, is a type of pendant that is specifically designed to open and hold something of sentimental value, such as a photograph or a lock of hair.
Pendants serve as a broad category of jewelry that includes many styles and forms, from simple charms to elaborate gem-encrusted pieces. Lockets are a more intimate and personal item, often associated with love, memories, and keepsakes. While pendants can be merely decorative, lockets are usually functional and sentimental.
While pendants can be made from a variety of materials and can be purely decorative, lockets are traditionally made from metal and have a clear sentimental purpose. A pendant can be a statement piece, sometimes large and eye-catching. Lockets are typically small, meant to keep something close to the heart, not necessarily to stand out.
In jewelry terms, the word pendant is used to describe a wide variety of hanging ornaments, while locket refers specifically to a small, hinged case worn as a pendant. A pendant may not have any special function other than decoration, but a locket’s purpose is to contain and conceal a small item or items of personal significance.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A hanging ornament for necklaces or bracelets.
A small case on a necklace, holding items like photos.
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Function
Decorative, can be various shapes and sizes.
Specifically designed to open and hold objects.
Sentimental Value
May or may not hold sentimental value.
Often holds significant personal or sentimental value.
Variability
Can be a simple charm or an elaborate piece.
Typically a small, hinged case, more uniform in design.
Content
Does not usually contain items.
Designed to contain photographs, hair, or other keepsakes.
Compare with Definitions
Pendant
A piece of jewelry that hangs from a chain.
She wore a sapphire pendant on a silver necklace.
Locket
A small ornamental case on a necklace.
Inside her locket was a picture of her grandmother.
Pendant
A hanging piece on a piece of jewelry, often detachable.
The jeweler added a custom pendant to her bracelet.
Locket
A necklace with a pendant that serves as a miniature case.
She treasured the locket that had been passed down for generations.
Pendant
An item worn around the neck that dangles on the chest.
His pendant bore his family's crest.
Locket
A pendant that opens to reveal a space for storage.
Her locket held a secret message from her husband.
Pendant
A pendant is a loose-hanging piece of jewellery, generally attached by a small loop to a necklace, which may be known as a "pendant necklace". A pendant earring is an earring with a piece hanging down.
Locket
A hinged case, usually containing a loved one's photo.
She kissed the locket before her performance for good luck.
Pendant
Something suspended from something else, especially an ornament or piece of jewelry attached to a necklace or bracelet.
Locket
A locket is a pendant that opens to reveal a space used for storing a photograph or other small item such as a lock of hair. Lockets are usually given to loved ones on holidays such as Valentine's Day and occasions such as christenings, weddings and, most noticeably during the Victorian Age, funerals.
Pendant
A hanging lamp or chandelier.
Locket
A small ornamental case for a picture or keepsake that is worn as jewelry, often as a pendant on a necklace.
Pendant
A sculptured ornament suspended from a vaulted Gothic roof or ceiling.
Locket
A pendant that opens to reveal a space used for storing a photograph or other small item.
Pendant
One of a matched pair; a companion piece.
Locket
(archaic) The upper metallic cap of a sword’s scabbard.
Pendant
Hanging down; dangling; suspended.
Locket
A small white marking on a cat's coat.
Pendant
Projecting; overhanging.
Locket
A small lock; a catch or spring to fasten a necklace or other ornament.
Pendant
Awaiting settlement; pending.
Locket
A little case for holding a miniature picture or lock of hair, usually suspended from a necklace or watch chain.
Pendant
Variant of pendent1.
Locket
A small ornamental case; usually contains a picture or a lock of hair and is worn on a necklace
Pendant
(architecture) A supporting post attached to the main rafter.
Locket
A piece of jewelry that can hold a tiny keepsake.
He gave her a locket with a lock of their baby's hair.
Pendant
A piece of jewellery which hangs down as an ornament, especially worn on a chain around the neck.
Pendant
The dangling part of an earring.
Pendant
(nautical) A short rope hanging down, used to attach hooks for tackles; a pennant.
Pendant
(fine arts) One of a pair; a counterpart.
One vase is the pendant to the other vase.
Pendant
(US) The stem and ring of a watch, by which it is suspended.
Pendant
A lamp hanging from the roof.
Pendant
An ornament of wood or of stone hanging downwards from a roof.
Pendant
A long narrow flag at the head of the principal mast in a royal ship.
Pendant
(obsolete) An appendix or addition, as to a book.
Pendant
Testicles.
Pendant
(obsolete) A pendulum.
Pendant
Something which hangs or depends; something suspended; a hanging appendage, especially one of an ornamental character, as to a chandelier or an eardrop; also, an appendix or addition, as to a book.
Some hang upon the pendants of her ear.
Many . . . have been pleased with this work and its pendant, the Tales and Popular Fictions.
Pendant
An ornamental object or piece of jewelry with a hook so that it can be hung from a chain around the neck.
Pendant
A hanging ornament on roofs, ceilings, etc., much used in the later styles of Gothic architecture, where it is of stone, and an important part of the construction. There are imitations in plaster and wood, which are mere decorative features.
Pendant
One of a pair; a counterpart; as, one vase is the pendant to the other vase.
Pendant
A pendulum.
Pendant
The stem and ring of a watch, by which it is suspended.
Pendant
An adornment that hangs from a piece of jewelry (necklace or earring)
Pendant
Branched lighting fixture; often ornate; hangs from the ceiling
Pendant
An ornament suspended from an object.
The chandelier had crystal pendants hanging from it.
Pendant
A light fixture that hangs from the ceiling.
They installed a pendant light above the dining table.
Common Curiosities
Is a locket always worn around the neck?
Typically, yes, but they can also be attached to bracelets.
Can pendants be made of any material?
Yes, pendants can be made from a wide range of materials.
Are lockets considered old-fashioned?
While traditional, lockets are timeless and still popular.
Do pendants always come with a chain?
No, pendants are often sold separately from chains.
Are pendants purely decorative?
Primarily, though some may hold symbolic significance.
Can any pendant be called a locket?
No, only pendants that open to hold items are lockets.
Can men wear pendants or lockets?
Absolutely, pendants and lockets are unisex.
Can a locket contain ashes?
Yes, some lockets are designed to hold cremation ashes.
Are all lockets round or heart-shaped?
No, they can come in various shapes and sizes.
Can pendants have religious significance?
Yes, many pendants serve as symbols of faith.
Is it common to gift pendants or lockets?
Yes, both are popular gifts for various occasions.
Do lockets have to be metal?
Metal is most common, but other materials can be used.
Can lockets be engraved?
Yes, engraving lockets is a popular way to personalize them.
Can pendants be part of earrings?
Yes, the term pendant earrings refer to those that dangle.
How do I clean a pendant or locket?
It depends on the material, but gentle cleaning is usually recommended.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
