Floating Lockets
Floating lockets--also known as floating charm pendants and shaker necklaces--have gained popularity in the jewelry world, as the magnetic closures on these transparent lockets open a world of personalization options and the ability to swap out the contents when the mood strikes.
A floating locket is a glass pendant filled with loose gems, charms or other embellishments, with a bit of space to allow the contents to shift inside. They're almost like a kaleidoscope, full of playful movement with an ever-changing appearance. All you need is a glass locket, a chain and the filling of your choice.
A locket with a loop at the bottom allows you to attach a drop, charm or tassel to any design for added movement and customization.
While the magnetic closures on these pendants keep your treasures secure on their own, in some cases, you may want to seal your glass lockets to keep the contents away from curious little hands and mouths.
Materials
This type of jewelry is extremely versatile because of its potential for customization. Fill the glass lockets with favorite gemstones, be they faceted stones or cabochons, beads or chips. Choose glass or crystal beads, rhinestones and more for a bit of sparkle. These pendants often have only gemstones or crystals, but the beauty of this type of jewelry is that you can fill it however you want. The key is to choose colors and materials that have special meaning and spark joy.
Birthstones
Create a mother's necklace by filling the glass with birthstones. You can easily substitute glass or crystal beads in birthstone colors. Take it a step further by adding miniature charms that represent something special about the family members. This could be a favorite animal or flower, initials or zodiac signs.
Wedding
Add materials in wedding colors to commemorate the big day. Keep a treasured family heirloom ring safely showcased as your "something old" or even include scraps of fabric and lace from your wedding gown.
Metaphysical
Some people believe that gemstones have special meaning and healing powers. For example, rose quartz is often called the stone of love, amethyst and tigereye are thought to promote clear-mindedness and clear-eyed vision and nephrite jade is believed by some to instill a sense of peace, balance and strength. Choose stones with properties you want to represent for a locket full of good vibes.
Flower Power
In the Victorian Era, every flower (and many other plants and greenery) had a meaning, and arranging different blooms and foliage sent secret messages. As a nod to this charming notion, you could fill your locket with pressed flowers protected with a layer of clear resin. A more interchangeable option is to use flower charms and either colorize them with products like Swellegent!™ or mix them with crystals in floral colors. You can also use carved gemstone beads, flower-shaped glass beads or cabochons painted with floral motifs.
In Memorium
While glass lockets aren't meant to hold the ashes of a loved one, you can fill them with other materials to remember your dearly departed. Keepsakes such as wedding bands, small photos or a scrap of cloth from a favorite garment of theirs can be safely tucked away and preserved. You could even go the Victorian route and enclose a lock of hair (or fur, if your loved one was of the four-footed variety). Anything that reminds you of them and helps keep their memory close.
Themes
Floating lockets are the perfect way to celebrate special occasions and more. Gather graduation-themed charms and glass or crystal components in school colors to commemorate a milestone graduation. You could include a year charm--even the one from the graduate's mortarboard if it's small enough.
Love the beach, but can't get away right now? Fill your locket with beach- and nautical-themed charms, tiny seashells, bits of sea glass and a little sand. Then you can take the beach with you wherever you go.
Highlight a favorite holiday with themed charms and glass or crystal components in holiday colors.
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**Please note that all metaphysical or healing properties listed are collected from various sources. This information is offered as a service and not meant to treat medical conditions. Fire Mountain Gems and Beads® does not guarantee the validity of any of these statements.