Heart lockets deserve their reputation as the penultimate romantic gift. They not only look great, but act as poignant reminders of the experiences your partner and you have shared and the power of your love for each other. If you intend to purchase a heart locket for your partner, you’ve most likely wondered whether to get a wooden, silver or gold locket. Here’s a quick look at some of the pros and cons of each option.

A wooden locket has a tinge of old-world charm and sentimentality about it. It brings to mind happier and more innocent times, making it an ideal choice if you and your partner were childhood sweethearts. It also has a rather archaic feel, so any photo you enclose should either be black and white or in sepia. However, you run the risk of looking cheap with a wooden locket, so make sure you pick a locket made out of good-quality wood like walnut if a wooden locket is your choice.

A silver locket strikes a nice balance between aesthetics and affordability. Sterling silver has a nice sheen to it, yet is subtle and understated enough to be worn to business and corporate functions. A silver locket will definitely be the most versatile of these three options. Sterling silver can tarnish or darken with improper care, however, so buy a silver cleaning kit to go with the silver locket so your partner can maintain it.

Of course, nothing beats a gold locket for sheer opulence. The rich, luxurious shine of gold is unmistakable and will make your partner feel like a queen. A gold heart locket is one of the most beautiful and romantic gifts you could ever give your partner. The high cost can be prohibitive, however. Lockets made out of gold also tend to be too flashy for more formal occasions like business meetings.

Gift-giving is a fine art that involves balancing affordability, functionality and style. Put some thought into whether a wooden, silver or gold locket will suit your lover best and your present will have the desired effect.