Padlocks aren’t new—in fact, they’re one of jewelry’s most enduring motifs. The Victorians were crazy for padlock-and-key jewelry, and the hanging lock is a classic for Tiffany & Co., which last celebrated the padlock in 2011 with the launch of its Tiffany Locks collection.
But the gym-locker mainstay—gussied up in precious gems and metals—has been popping up frequently in notable jewelry collections recently. It makes sense, considering the resurgence of chunky chains and the rise of interesting necklace connectors, including Marla Aaron’s popular precious metal carabiner “locks.”
Chunky is having a definite moment in the sun. And we love how designers are evolving the chubby—and always a little edgy—padlock.
Here are a few new padlock classics for your consideration:
This necklace checks off two major-trend boxes: bulky chains and padlocks—and does so with a lot of style. The rather delicate oval padlock is seamlessly incorporated into the similarly sized oval links. And the price is very nice.
This 14k white gold mini padlock from Carbon & Hyde is wrapped front and back with 0.45 cts. t.w. diamonds and is hung from a 16-inch adjustable chain. Its diminutive proportions (see photo at top for scale) are unexpected and also very chic.
Istanbul-based designer Sevan Biçakçi uses 24k yellow gold and oxidized sterling silver for this all-purpose jeweled padlock, which is embellished with a rose gold leaf layered over crushed carnelian.
This 18k gold and sterling silver working padlock charm from designer Erica Molinari has a rabbit on one side and the phrase “Ama la vita che vivi,” which is “Love the life you live” in Italian, on the other.
Polly Wales has created several gorgeous, one-of-a-kind padlock necklaces cast in her signature, semi-chaotic style with major gemstones including diamonds, sapphires, and rubies. This singular sensation is swathed in colorless and colored diamonds cut into varied shapes.
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