NECKLACE REVIEW — UK
Green Garnet Gold Tiny Star Locket Necklace — Honest UK Review
NECKLACE REVIEW — UK
Locket necklaces have experienced a remarkable resurgence in British jewellery, blending sentimental value with contemporary design. Astley Clarke, the London-based jeweller founded in 2006, has been at the forefront of this revival with their Mini Biography Lockets collection — a range that transforms the traditional photo locket into a modern fine jewellery statement.
The Green Garnet Gold Tiny Star Locket Necklace represents one of the collection's most distinctive offerings. Priced at £198.00, it combines 18ct gold plating over recycled sterling silver with a natural green garnet and created white sapphires, all housed in a star-shaped locket that opens to hold two photographs. We put this piece through our editorial assessment process to determine whether it delivers on both its aesthetic promise and its functional purpose.
The locket arrives in Astley Clarke's signature packaging — a well-constructed box that immediately conveys a premium purchase. Upon opening, the first thing that strikes you is the warmth of the gold plating. It has a rich, buttery tone that avoids the overly yellow appearance sometimes associated with gold-plated jewellery.
The star motif is more intricate than photographs suggest. Each point of the star is precisely formed, and the gemstones sit cleanly within their settings. The green garnet at the centre has a vivid, forest-green hue that provides an attractive focal point, while the surrounding created white sapphires add subtle sparkle without overwhelming the design.
The 3mm green garnet is the defining feature of this locket. Green garnets belong to the grossular or tsavorite variety of the garnet family and are prized for their saturated colour and natural brilliance. The stone used in this necklace displays a deep, vivid green that shifts subtly depending on the lighting — appearing more emerald-like in natural light and taking on a slightly warmer tone under artificial illumination.
The garnet is claw-set within the star's centre, which allows light to pass through the stone from multiple angles, enhancing its natural fire. At 3mm, it is petite but perfectly proportioned for the 11mm locket face. Green garnets typically rank between 6.5 and 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them sufficiently durable for daily wear, though care should be taken to avoid sharp impacts.
The necklace is constructed from recycled sterling silver with an 18ct gold plating — a process Astley Clarke has refined across their collections. The gold layer is applied to a generous thickness, resulting in a finish that closely resembles solid gold. The use of recycled sterling silver as the base metal reflects the brand's commitment to more sustainable jewellery production.
In our assessment, the gold plating is smooth and even across both the locket face and the chain. The polished finish has a subtle sheen rather than a mirror-like shine, which lends the piece a refined, understated elegance. The chain links are well-formed and move fluidly, without any stiffness or tendency to kink.
The locket opens via a snap-close mechanism that provides a satisfying click when closing. It is secure enough to prevent accidental opening during wear, yet not so tight that it requires excessive force. Inside, there is space for two 8mm photographs, which can be trimmed using the template provided by Astley Clarke.
The interior is cleanly finished, with no rough edges or exposed metal that might damage photographs. Placing and removing photos is straightforward, and the images sit flat within the compartments. Additionally, Astley Clarke offers free engraving of up to three characters on the reverse of the locket, adding another layer of personalisation.
The chain measures 18 inches with a 2-inch extender, offering an adjustable range of 18–20 inches. This is a versatile length that works well for most necklines and allows for comfortable layering with other necklaces. The chain style is a fine cable link that complements the delicate scale of the locket without being so thin that it feels fragile.
The lobster clasp is secure and easy to operate, even for those who typically struggle with small clasps. It operates smoothly and sits flat against the skin, avoiding the irritation that some clasp styles can cause at the nape of the neck.
The Green Garnet Star Locket is a remarkably versatile piece. Its petite scale and warm gold tone make it suitable for both everyday wear and more dressed-up occasions. It sits beautifully as a standalone pendant, resting at collarbone level on the shorter setting and slightly lower with the extender fully utilised.
For layering, it pairs exceptionally well with longer, simpler chains. The green garnet provides enough colour interest that it works as a focal point in a layered arrangement without competing with other pieces. It complements both cool and warm skin tones, thanks to the combination of gold and green.
To maintain the quality of the gold plating, clean the necklace gently with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid exposure to perfume, hairspray, lotions and harsh chemicals, as these can accelerate tarnishing of the gold layer. Remove the necklace before swimming, bathing or exercising.
The green garnet is relatively durable but should be protected from sharp impacts. Store the necklace in its original box or a soft pouch when not being worn, ideally separated from other jewellery to prevent scratching. With proper care, the gold plating should maintain its appearance for years of regular wear.
| Metal | 18ct Gold Plated, Recycled Sterling Silver |
| Primary Gemstone | 3mm Natural Green Garnet |
| Secondary Stones | Created White Sapphires |
| Locket Diameter | 11mm |
| Photo Capacity | Two 8mm photographs |
| Chain Length | 18″ with 2″ extender |
| Clasp | Lobster clasp |
| Finish | Polished gold |
| Personalisation | Free engraving, up to 3 characters |
| Collection | Mini Biography Lockets |
| Brand | Astley Clarke, London |
| Price | £198.00 |
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
This locket is an outstanding gifting choice. The combination of a functional locket, natural gemstone, and free engraving creates a piece that feels deeply personal and considered. It arrives in premium packaging that requires no additional gift wrapping. The £198 price point positions it as a meaningful gift — special enough for milestone occasions yet accessible enough for thoughtful gestures. The locket is particularly well-suited to birthdays, anniversaries, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, or as a memorial piece.
"I bought this for my mum's birthday and she was over the moon. The green garnet is gorgeous — much more vivid than the photos show. She put pictures of her grandchildren inside and it's now her favourite piece of jewellery."
"The quality really impressed me. The gold plating has a beautiful warmth to it and the star detail is exquisite. I've been wearing it every day for two months and it still looks brand new."
"I had it engraved with my daughter's initial and it was done perfectly. The whole experience from ordering to unboxing was premium. It's a lot of jewellery for the price."
4.7 / 5
★★★★★
The Green Garnet Gold Tiny Star Locket Necklace is a beautifully executed piece that successfully marries sentimentality with sophisticated design. The natural green garnet provides a point of distinction that elevates this above standard locket offerings, while the 18ct gold plating delivers a finish that genuinely impresses at the £198 price point.
Its functional element — holding two photographs with the option of engraving — transforms it from a piece of jewellery into a personal keepsake. We would happily recommend this to anyone seeking a meaningful gift or a piece with genuine emotional resonance. The minor consideration that it is gold-plated rather than solid gold is offset by the use of recycled silver, the natural gemstone, and the overall quality of execution.