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 18k Gold Bezel Blue Moonstone Oval Solitaire Hammered Ring
By Elizabeth Locke
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Moonstone - Elongated Oval Cabochon Cut - Bezel Set - Blue - 9.4x4.5mm (approx.) Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold - Stamped 18k Weight: 7.58 Grams R...
Moonstone, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elizabeth Locke Harlequin 19K Yellow Gold Tsavorite Band Ring
By Elizabeth Locke
Located in New York, NY
This Elizabeth Locke Harlequin band ring is a beautiful example of the designer’s distinctive approach to classical inspiration, rich color, and high-karat gold craftsmanship. Elizabeth Locke jewelry...
Tsavorite, Yellow Gold
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
Elizabeth Locke Jewels Lapis Lazuli and Diamond Ring Cabochon Pear Shape
By Elizabeth Locke
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
This elegant ring features the finely handcrafted in rich gold and framed by a hammered bezel set with sparkling diamonds and accented with delicate gold detailing. Completed with a ...
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
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 ...
Elizabeth Locke Cabochon Sapphire 18K Yellow Gold Ring
By Elizabeth Locke
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
A striking Elizabeth Locke 18-karat yellow gold ring centered by a richly saturated oval cabochon sapphire. The sapphire displays a deep, vivid blue hue and smooth domed surface, cre...
Alex Jona White Diamond Tsavorite 18 Karat Yellow Gold Open Band Ring
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 Karat yellow gold open band ring set with 0.19 carats of white diamonds and 1.12 carats of Tsavorite, signed Jona. Dimensions...
White Diamond, Tsavorite, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$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
Twist-Style 14K White Gold Diamond Band Ring, .48 Carat, Size 5.5
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
Twist Diamond Band Ring 14 Karat White Gold Size 5.5. Very sweet ring made in a durable setting with diamonds shared prongs. The ring sways 9.5 mm...
Diamond, White Gold
$1,011Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
Rose Gold Cocktail Ring with a Cabochon Lapis Lazuli
Located in Vannes, FR
Rose gold cocktail ring with a Lapis Lazuli Cocktail ring in 18 Carat pink gold surmounted by a Cabochon Lapis Lazuli which measures 1 cm in length and 1 cm in width. This ring is i...
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
5.94 Carat Pear Shape Tanzanite and Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This stunning cocktail ring showcases a beautiful 5.94 Carat Pear Shape Tanzanite with a Diamond Halo. The Tanzanite is flanked by two Rose Cut White Diamonds, and sits on a Diamond ...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White 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
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
Vintage Cabochon Sapphire Gypsy Set Chunky Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A stylish vintage cabochon sapphire gypsy set chunky ring set in 18k yellow gold. The ring is solely set with an oval cabochon blue sapphire stone that is bezel set securely in a ch...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Blue Sapphire Oval Ellipse 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring 49
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Vivid Blue Sapphire 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Band Ring. Stunning yellow gold ring set with a fine vivid blue sapphire. Fine jewellery houses like Cartier only use t...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$947Sale Price / item|44% Off
Garnet Gold Ring, Oval Garnet Ring, 14k Gold Ring with Garnet
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Garnet Gold ring. Oval Garnet Ring. 14k gold ring with Garnet. Minimalist Garnet Ring. Garnet Engagement ring. Garnet Promise ring. Garnet Ring for woman. January Birthstone Ring. S...
Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold
$328Sale Price / item|20% Off
Unique Tsavorite Eternity Stackable Band Ring in 18k Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Unique Tsavorite Eternity Stackable Band Ring in 18K Gold featuring natural tsavorite of 0.25 carats. The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with every style. Tsavorite heals the heart c...
Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Yellow Gold Twisted Rope Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. Yellow Gold Twisted Rope Ring PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 159088 Listing Title: Tiffany & Co. Yellow Gold Twisted Rope Ring Condition Description: Since Charles Lewis...
Yellow Gold
18k Solid Yellow Gold 6 Carat Oval Rainbow Moonstone Solitaire Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
6 Carat Oval Rainbow Moonstone Solitaire Ring in 18K Gold featuring natural moonstone of 6 carats. The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with every style. Moonstone can help you attract...
Rainbow Moonstone, Moonstone, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Elizabeth Locke Cabochon Rubellite Tourmaline 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Elizabeth Locke
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
A magnificent Elizabeth Locke 18-karat yellow gold ring showcasing the designer’s signature combination of richly colored gemstones and bold, classically inspired goldwork. The cente...
Elizabeth Locke 1980's 19 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Hammered Dome Ring
By Elizabeth Locke
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a tall domed yellow gold form Featuring a hammered texture throughout Stamped for 19 karat gold With maker's mark for Elizabeth Locke Circa: 1980s Ring Size: 6 1/4 and si...
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
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 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