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A locket is a metal ornament used for decorative purposes, often in the form of a medallion. It can be used as part of art, personal decoration, or to commemorate heroic deeds. Medallions are often used as design elements in architecture and can also be awarded for important actions. Lockets are sometimes worn as fashion statements and confused with pendants or charms.
While a locket can take on many different forms and applications, the term is generally used to refer to a piece of metal used for some type of ornamental purpose. Ornament may be used as part of a work of art, as a design element within a domestic or public building, as personal decoration, or as an object commemorating heroic deeds undertaken by the individual. In ancient times, a locket was understood to mean a coin, including ceremonial coins used to honor the dead. In most cases, a locket is constructed with the use of metal, although there are examples today made with the use of wood and plastic compounds.
When used as a design element, a medallion is often used as part of scrollwork on door, window and ceiling moldings. Medallions of this type are often carved or engraved with detailed images that accentuate decorative accent lines. Round medallions are also sometimes used as an ornament around a lighting fixture, such as a chandelier.
The medallion has long been understood as a larger medal that is awarded for important actions taken by the person receiving the award. Most people tend to think of this type of medallion associated with heroic efforts that take place within a military situation. However, many organizations award large medals or medallions to individuals who have performed actions that have been proven to be highly beneficial to the primary purpose of the business or association. Within this example, the medallion is a symbol of actions or services that go beyond the norm.
From time to time, the locket enjoys a bout of popularity as a fashion statement. Generally the medallion is worn at the end of a long chain made up of complementary materials. The actual medallion design may be a little less intricate than the designs used in the decorative elements, but still tends to be detailed enough to catch the eye. The locket worn as a personal adornment is sometimes confused with a pendant, which is actually smaller in size. Also, the charms tend to be worn on slightly shorter chains.
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