Venetian-glass intaglios, ancient Greek and Roman coins, antique porcelain buttons and other treasures that Elizabeth Locke collects from around the world all inspire and are incorporated into her earrings, necklaces and other handmade designs.
The Virginia-based jeweler began her journey as a collector after she’d already launched her namesake jewelry line, and her assemblage of micromosaics, which are essentially miniature plaques composed of enameled-glass tesserae, were the subject of the 2020–21 exhibition “A Return to the Grand Tour: Micromosaic Jewels from the Collection of Elizabeth Locke” at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
“They’re very hard to find, and you never know where you’ll see them,” Locke explains of micromosaics, the magnificent, miniature works for which she’s had to navigate lesser-known antique shops and auctions and build relationships with private dealers in Europe.
All of Locke’s imaginative jewelry pieces see an integration of rare and eclectic materials, the kind that might’ve been amassed during a 19th-century Grand Tour of Europe, when these coming-of-age journeys had long been popular (mostly for wealthy European men). Working in a neoclassical style, Locke references history with a modern approach for her moonstone earrings, gold-link bracelets, Venetian-glass pendants and other distinctive accessories. As she told W magazine, “Jewelry is designed for the era in which it is worn.”
In 1988, as an editor for Town & Country, Locke traveled to Bangkok to write about making jewelry. Unexpectedly, she found her niche. Upon her return home, Locke enrolled in the Gemological Institute of America and began sketching ideas. By 1990, her tourmaline ring — crafted with the goldsmiths she had met in Bangkok and who she would continue to collaborate with over the following decades — landed the cover of W.
Locke’s handmade, 19-karat-gold designs give one-of-a-kind antiquities new meaning in the 21st century. Not one to follow trends, Locke prefers designs that express a unique vision. “I know what I can do and I know what I feel comfortable doing, and I stick to it,” she has said.
Find a collection of Elizabeth Locke’s jewelry on 1stDibs.
Elizabeth Locke Spinel Rhodolite Garnet 19 Karat Hammered Gold Gemstone Ring
By Elizabeth Locke
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a mixed oval cut spinel weighing approximately 4.80 carats Natural light pink in color and semi-transparent Flanked by 5.0 mm cushion cut rhodolite garnets Well-matched tra...
Garnet, Spinel, Yellow Gold
$1,600 / set
Stackable Hammered Band by Elizabeth Locke
By Elizabeth Locke
Located in Bethesda, MD
Expertly crafted with 19kt gold, the Stackable Hammered Band by Elizabeth Locke is the perfect addition to any jewelry collection. It is designed to fit a finger size of 5.25 and wei...
Elizabeth Locke Twisted Rope Band size 2.5
By Elizabeth Locke
Located in Bethesda, MD
Elizabeth Locke's twisted rope band features an expertly crafted design that makes a striking statement on any finger. This pinky ring weighs just 5.9 grams for comfortable everyday ...
$1,115Sale Price|20% Off
Rhodolite Garnet Diamond Ring
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k white gold garnet and diamond ring, containing 1 rhodolite garnet of gem quality weighing 1.29cts. and 24 round full cut diamonds of very fine qua...
Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold
White Gold Bamboo Band - 14k Stackable Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $35 or Down 2 sizes for $35 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Style: Band Theme: Bamboo Features: Stackable Silhouette Measurements Face Height...
14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Diamond and 9 Carat Gold Twist Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Set within one of the 9carat gold bands which twist around one another there are nine round cut diamonds which total approximately 30pts and are set in square shaped settings. Ring...
Diamond, Gold
$2,900Sale Price|20% Off
Adolfo Courrier Sapphire and Diamond Stackable Band
By Adolfo Courrier
Located in Greenwich, CT
Inspired by the passion for art and Italian craftsmanship, husband and wife Adolfo Courrier and Alessandra Zanchetta, creates contemporary designs that...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
.35ct Rope Twist Cluster Ring 14kt
Located in New York, NY
Rope Twist Cluster .35ct Natural Round Cut Diamonds. Vs-2 clarity H color. 14kt yellow gold 8.3 Grams Overall ring: 16.3mm Depth: 12mm Current ring size: 7.5 May profession...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k White Gold Diamond Ruby Eternity Band 2.5 Gram
Located in Santa Monica, CA
14K White Gold Diamond Ruby eternity band 3mm wide Weighting 2.5 gram 7 pieces natural Rubies 4mm by 2mm Baguette cut 7 pieces 1 Millimeter Earth Mind Diamonds Finger size 5.25
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Peridot Rhodolite Garnet Ring
Located in София, BG
14 kt Gold Ring with Peridot and Purple Rhodolite Garnet Gold color: Yellow Ring size: 4 US Total weight: 2.64 grams Set with: - Peridot Cut: Mix Weight: 1.92 carat Color: Green - R...
Garnet, Peridot, Rhodolite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
White Gold Rhodolite Garnet Ring
Located in Miami, FL
14K white gold and diamond ring with rhodolite garnet center stone. Rhodolite garnets offer a brilliant and vibrantly colored combination of pink an...
Diamond, Garnet, Rhodolite, 14k Gold, White Gold
Italian Made "Arabian Prince" Twisting Band Ring
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Introducing the Arabian Prince's Elegance: An Italian Masterpiece Ring Set with 4.01 Carats of White and Black Diamonds Prepare to step into a world of regal opulence and timeless s...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Bead Bar Station Stack Ring, 14K Yellow Gold Stacking Stackable Band, LR4909
By Gabriel & Co.
Located in Austin, TX
This bright 14k yellow gold beaded station band provides classic yet modern look! Add a touch of style to any outfit, and pair easily with formal wear. Wear it alone, build your own...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 1990's Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Twisted Rope Band Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a round brilliant cut diamond weighing approximately 0.12 carat G color with -VS2 clarity - set in a high polish bezel Completed by grooved twist motif shank Stamped for 18...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Double Stack Bubble Band Asymmetric, Bezel Diamonds, 14K Gold Stackable, LR5649
By Gabriel & Co.
Located in Austin, TX
This Gabriel & Co. stunning 14 karat yellow gold cluster bubble ring band dripping with diamonds provides a look that is very modern! This ring is very fashionable and can add a touc...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elizabeth Locke Etruscan 19k Gold Sapphire Tsavorite 3 Stone Ring
By Elizabeth Locke
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Drawing on ancient Etruscan, Greek, and Roman themes, noted designer Elizabeth Locke created this striking 3 stone trilogy ring. A 1.70-carat velvety Royal blue sapphire is flanked b...
Blue Sapphire, Tsavorite, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elizabeth Locke Cabochon Tourmaline Ring
By Elizabeth Locke
Located in Bethesda, MD
A superb example of Elizabeth Locke’s refined artistry, this elegant ring showcases a luminous pink tourmaline cabochon weighing approximately 2.80 carats. The gemstone’s soft, glowi...
Tourmaline
Elizabeth Locke 19kt Narrow Granulated Stack Ring
By Elizabeth Locke
Located in Bethesda, MD
Crafted from 19kt yellow gold, the Elizabeth Locke Narrow Granulated Stack Ring showcases a 5mm band with bead motifs along the center strip. The perfect addition to any jewelry coll...
Elizabeth Locke Tourmaline Yellow Sapphire 18 Karat Gold Gemstone Cocktail Ring
By Elizabeth Locke
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an emerald cut tourmaline weighing approximately 8.25 carats Remarkable transparent with strong peachy pink color Flanked by oval cut yellow sapphires, very well matched, w...
Yellow Sapphire, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold
Elizabeth Locke Aquamarine and Diamond 19K Textured Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Elizabeth Locke
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
This is an easy to wear design by Elizabeth Locke. The ring contains three square cut Aquamarines with two round brilliant Diamonds, bezel set in the center channel of the ring. Th...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Yellow Gold
Elizabeth Locke Agate Ring 18K Yellow Gold
By Elizabeth Locke
Located in Dallas, TX
Elizabeth Locke Agate Ring in 18K Yellow Gold. The ring features a carved dark green agate with red speckles. The ring size 6.5 and weighs 14.5 grams. Stamped 18k and Elizabeth Locke...
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elizabeth Locke Spinel Rhodolite Garnet 19 Karat Hammered Gold Gemstone Ring
By Elizabeth Locke
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Three stone ring centers a mixed oval cut spinel weighing approximately 4.80 carats Natural light pink in color and semi-transparent Flanked by 5.0 mm cushion cut rhodolite garnets ...
Garnet, Spinel, Gold, Yellow Gold
Elizabeth Locke Chrysoprase Tsavorite Garnet 19 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Elizabeth Locke
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval shaped chrysoprase cabochon measuring 15.0 x 18.0 mm. Translucent bluish green in color with medium saturation. Bezel set with gold frame surround. Flanked by tsavo...
Chrysophrase, Garnet, Tsavorite, Gold, Yellow Gold
Elizabeth Locke Pink Tourmaline Cigar Band Ring
By Elizabeth Locke
Located in Bethesda, MD
From Elizabeth Locke, this 19kt textured cigar ring contains 3 pink tourmalines. • Metal: 19kt yellow Gold • Circa: 21st Century • Gemstone: 3 pink tourmalines • Dimensions: 8.9mm •...
Tourmaline, Gold
Elizabeth Locke Chrysoprase Tsavorite Garnet 19 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Elizabeth Locke
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval shaped chrysoprase cabochon measuring 15.0 x 18.0 mm. Translucent bluish green in color with medium saturation. Bezel set with gold frame surround. Flanked by tsavo...
Chrysophrase, Garnet, Tsavorite, Gold, Yellow Gold
Elizabeth Locke Pink Tourmaline Ring
By Elizabeth Locke
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Elizabeth Locke cocktail ring crafted in 18 karat hammered gold. The ring centers on a vibrant bezel set pink tourmaline of approx...
Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elizabeth Locke Fat Bee Ring
By Elizabeth Locke
Located in Cincinnati, OH
By well-known designer Elizabeth Locke, this ring is a classic!! Handmade 19 karat solid yellow gold with her signature hammered finish. 20 X 20mm cushion shape "fat bee" top. Inclu...
Yellow Gold