A locket has always been the classic way to keep someone close: a small pendant that opens to reveal a photo, a curl of hair, a tiny keepsake. So it is no surprise that many people searching for a way to remember a pet start with a pet ashes locket.
But “locket” can mean quite different things when ashes are involved. Some open on a hinge to show a photo, some screw shut around a small chamber, and some do not open at all. This guide explains the differences, what to check before you buy, and how to choose a piece you will wear for years.
If you are new to the whole category, start with our complete guide to pet ashes jewelry.
Quick Answer: Choosing a Pet Ashes Locket
- Three styles: a classic hinged photo locket, a screw-top urn pendant, and a solid portrait pendant that does not open.
- The closure matters most. Ashes are fine and light, so a threaded screw-top is generally more secure than a simple hinge or snap.
- A photo inside or a portrait outside? A photo hidden inside is private. An engraved portrait is always visible and cannot fade.
- You only need a tiny pinch, about a quarter teaspoon, or a few strands of fur.
In This Guide
What Is a Pet Ashes Locket?
A pet ashes locket is a pendant, usually on a necklace, that can hold a very small amount of your pet’s ashes or fur. Some versions also hold a tiny photo, and some carry an engraved image or name instead.
The idea is simple: you keep a small part of your companion with you, close to your heart. Because you only need a pinch, the rest of the ashes can stay in your main urn or be used in other ways. See what to do with dog ashes for ideas.
Three Styles Compared
Classic Hinged Photo Locket
This is the traditional oval or heart locket that swings open to show one or two small photos. It is lovely if you want a picture of your pet tucked inside. The trade-off is that a hinge or snap is not designed to hold loose ashes, so if you want ashes in it, ask the maker exactly how the chamber is sealed.
Screw-Top Urn Pendant
A pendant with a threaded cap that screws shut over a small chamber. This is the style made for holding ashes or fur, and it is the one most people mean when they say “urn necklace.” Our guide to hidden screws and reinforced rings explains what a secure design looks like.
Solid Portrait Pendant
A pendant that does not open at all, with the portrait engraved on the metal. It holds no ashes, so there is nothing to fill or check. If you are weighing the two, read urn necklace vs solid engraved necklace.
Photo Inside or Portrait Outside?
This is the real choice behind most locket searches. A photo tucked inside a locket feels private, a secret you reveal when you choose. But a tiny printed photo can fade, curl or be affected by moisture, and you only see it when you open the pendant.
A laser-engraved portrait on the front is the opposite. It is always visible, and because it is etched into the metal rather than printed, it does not rub off like a photo or paint. Many people like that their pet’s face is the first thing anyone sees, and that there is no need to open the pendant to see them.
A customer’s silver round pendant with their cat’s portrait engraved on the front.
What to Check Before You Buy
- How it closes. A threaded screw-top is generally more secure for ashes than a simple snap. Ask how the chamber is sealed.
- The size of the chamber. It should hold a pinch, not a spoonful. A small chamber also keeps the pendant light enough to wear every day.
- The material. Look for durable, corrosion-resistant metal that is gentle on most skin. Our comparison of stainless steel vs titanium steel explains the differences.
- The chain and the bail. A strong pendant on a weak chain is the most common way jewelry is lost. Choose a sturdy chain and a reinforced loop.
- How the engraving is done. Laser engraving lasts longer than printing or stickers.
- Whether it comes with filling tools. A small funnel and pin make filling far cleaner.
Be wary of any listing that promises a perfect seal or says a piece is completely waterproof. Any jewelry can wear, so the safest approach is to keep it away from water, harsh chemicals and impact.
How Our Pendants Fit In
To be clear about what we make: our pendants are not hinged photo lockets. Our round urn necklace is a screw-top pendant that opens to hold a pinch of ashes or fur, with a 99% accurate portrait of your pet engraved on the front and their name and dates on the back. So instead of a photo hidden inside, your pet’s face is on the outside, always with you.
Custom Pet Portrait Urn Necklace
A round 316 titanium steel pendant in 1.5cm and 2.0cm sizes, in silver, gold or rose gold. It has a threaded screw-top, a funnel and filling pin included, and a laser-engraved portrait on the front.
Prefer something that does not open? Our solid square portrait necklace carries the same engraved portrait with nothing inside, and the custom pet portrait necklace guide explains how it works. If you like the heart shape of a classic locket, see our guide to heart-shaped ashes jewelry.
Filling and Caring for Your Piece
Filling is simple and takes a few minutes. Our step-by-step guide to how to put ashes in a necklace walks you through it, including how to use fur instead of ashes. For everyday wear and care, read how to wear a pet ashes pendant.
- Check that the cap is snug before you put it on, and recheck from time to time.
- Take it off before swimming, showering, heavy workouts or using cleaning products.
- Wipe it gently with a soft, dry cloth, and store it in a soft pouch or its gift box.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a photo inside a pet ashes locket?
In a classic hinged locket, yes. Our pendants do not open to a photo. Instead, the portrait is engraved on the front. Some people also roll a very small photo into the chamber, but moisture can damage paper, so we do not recommend relying on it.
How much ashes does a locket hold?
Only a very small pinch, about a quarter of a teaspoon. The rest can stay in your main urn.
Will the ashes spill out?
A threaded screw-top that is tightened firmly should stay closed during normal wear, but it is wise to check it now and then. A simple hinge or snap is generally less secure for loose ashes.
Can I use fur instead of ashes?
Yes. A small lock of fur fits in the same chamber. Fold it tightly and guide it in with the filling pin.
Is a locket or an urn necklace better?
If you want to carry ashes, a screw-top urn pendant is the more practical choice. If you want a photo that opens and closes, a classic locket suits you better, though you should ask how it seals.
Does the locket come in gold?
Our urn necklaces come in silver, gold and rose gold. See our guide to gold pet ashes jewelry for more.
Looking for more? Read our complete guide to pet ashes jewelry or explore photo memorial bracelets.
Keep Them Close Forever
The Pet Keepsake handcrafts premium pet cremation jewelry and custom portrait memorial keepsakes. We believe that love never fades, and our 99% accurate laser engravings ensure your beloved companion’s face is forever close to your heart.
More from The Pet Keepsake
Memorial JewelryUrn Necklace vs. Solid Engraved NecklaceWhich style is right for you?
Memorial JewelryHow to Put Ashes in a NecklaceStep-by-step guide to filling pet cremation jewelry.
Memorial JewelryHidden Screws and Reinforced RingsThe security of modern cremation jewelry.
Memorial JewelryHeart-Shaped Ashes JewelryThe most beautiful way to remember.
Memorial JewelryGold Pet Ashes JewelryA warm and premium tribute.