Reviewed and updated: October 27, 2022 by Jamie Wilson BA
Are you looking for ideas for your heart shaped locket tattoo? Here are some of the best heart medallion tattoo ideas in different number of styles for you!
Regardless of the style and tattoo design, the meaning of a heart medallion tattoo is simple and universal – it symbolizes love for someone.
The idea behind heart locket tattoos comes from the paired locket and key necklaces that partners would wear to show their love. This trend now continues with heart locket tattoos and paired key tattoos! As an expression of devotion to family and loved ones, people prefer to receive tattoo designs based on antique family heirlooms or modeled after a heart-shaped medallion dating back to the 1910-20’s.
Heart shaped locket tattoos come in many artistic styles and color themes. Neoclassical and modern themes are particularly popular. Whether it features black, white and gray tones or bold colors, the meaning of these heart medallion tattoos is evident in all cultures worldwide. Other symbols that are often combined with heart shaped locket tattoo designs are rose heart locket tattoos, key tattoos, decorative pins and generic heart shape tattoos.
We have compiled this list for you for the best heart locket and key tattoo ideas!
Medallion heart tattoos with roses
Colorful heart medallion tattoo designs with red undertones are an ideal choice as red is the color of love and affection. For thousands of years, the red rose has been associated with romance, passion and desire. On special occasions, we often gift our loved ones with beautiful red roses to express our affection.
The two roses here imply a romantic relationship between two people, locked deep in their hearts. The beautiful way the red color of the rose matches that of the heart medallion leaves no doubt in the eye of the beholder as to the meaning and significance of this tattoo.
Bejeweled Heart medallion tattoos
Here is a radiant heart locket tattoo filled with the color and charm of a traditional locket! The heart locket is lined with pearls and a charming gold border and topped with a pretty red ribbon. Contrasting with the traditional outline of the tattoo, the interior is filled with red geometric shapes, giving it a modern, abstract look.
The finish of the tattoo looks quite polished with the band showing a touch of reflection. In this tattoo, the traditional elements and the modern elements work beautifully together. This is a timeless heart locket tattoo to flaunt on your arm for the world to see!
Black lined heart medallion tattoos
This simple black fringed heart medallion tattoo has been paired with a key tattoo for maximum impact! Although devoid of solid colors, the tattoo features an ornamental and decorative design rendered entirely in black lines, including the flowers. Its illustrative style and floral features of the tattoo suggest that it is inspired by neo-traditional designs.
Old school heart locket tattoos
This mix of Victorian design with modern art makes this a wonderful heart medallion tattoo idea! The gold and pink designs on the lock give it a regal appeal. The ribbons and flowers add a vibrant yet delicate charm to the whole design. A bold tattoo like this covering the entire arm is suitable for people with strong personalities.
Black and white portrait heart medallion tattoos
Often depicted in older films, heart lockets were used to preserve images of a loved one, making this tattoo design a true classic.
This style uses dots instead of shading and block colors to emphasize the subtle but detailed design. In recent years, dotwork tattoos have grown in popularity, although here they are only incorporated to emphasize certain elements within the tattoo.
The black ink gives the tattoo an old-fashioned charm. The clear image in the medallion tattoo makes it a great keepsake of the memories and the bond you shared that you can carry with you at all times.
Blue heart medallion tattoos
The rustic charm of this heart locket tattoo is offset by the bright, offbeat color and design. Here we see a silver heart tattoo locket with an electric blue crystal in the center and a silver key tied together with a long lace ribbon.
The tie stretched across the leg and swinging heart medallion give it an elegant, free-flowing look. On a big canvas like this, this tattoo is sure to draw attention.
Clock and heart medallion tattoos
This clock and heart locket tattoo design is a great way to remember your love for someone who has recently passed away. The beautiful blue hue of the watch blends well with the locket. As seen here, you can personalize the tattoo with significant dates or the names of loved ones carved around the heart medallion.
This colorful piece is a great way to pay homage to her memory and the final pins in your grieving process.
Modern heart medallion tattoos
Bright violet flowers with broad patterns throughout the tattoo make this modern style of heart medallion tattoo stand out from the rest! The contrasting flowers with a heart-shaped lock and key are an interesting combination.
The flowers represent the kindness and tender nature of the heart, while the locket heart can represent mysteries that can only be opened by the loved one who has the key. These tattoo designs are a great way to put a more modern twist on this ancient token of affection!
Elaborate heart medallion tattoos
Adorned with flowers on each side, this classic intricate heart locket tattoo is truly gorgeous. Stepping away from the predominant red, this tattoo conveys its meaning with bold shades of gold and green.
The contrasting colors make the design stand out and give the tattoo its own personality. This is amazing inspiration for your own heart medallion tattoo and a great section on how to mix and match different ideas and artistic styles to create something coherent.
Modern classic heart medallion tattoos
This mix of old school classic intricate style with the cleaner and more concise modern style makes for a great design idea or your very own heart shaped locket tattoo. The portrait and the accessories pinning the hair can be customized to your liking!
Men and women can also look out for more tattoo ideas including:
- Medallion Heart Tattoo
- Heart Locket Key Tattoo
- Heart with medallion tattoo
- Rose heart medallion tattoo
- Heart lock and key tattoo