When you think about jewels your mind automatically associates the concept with the exquisitely garnished recipients in which they are kept: the jewelry boxes. You might believe they were an exclusive piece designed only for queens and princesses or nobles who found their use into storing their valuable belongings, but, throughout history, they became a must to any respectable middle-class lady. This happened due to the impact of the Industrial Revolution, when it entered the process of mass-production.
They started out in small sizes, being used for storing rings or brooches for example and then they began to vary in shapes and dimensions, being more practical and useful to store multiple pieces of jewelry or even bigger accessories like gloves. Some of them had simple and minimalist designs others had elaborate structures containing multiple drawers, compartments or, for the more refined, sloths covered in satin or silk to keep your precious rings. The manufacturers surely had a lot of imagination but a lot of practical sense as well, continuing to add more features to these little storage units, like clocks or even mirrors (a true lady always needs one at disposal). The most complex ones had even musical mechanisms added into their making process, for a little of an extra touch.
Their locking system was another thing that used to differentiate the types of boxes among themselves: some had none and were up for anyone to admire what they stored inside, while others come with a little lock and a key to keep your belongings safe or even tricky methods of opening resembling puzzles. They really had a lot of time on their hands. Now that I have bored you enough with history, it is time to actually present you different types and models of jewelry boxes that would amaze you.
#1. The French were really picky when it came to storing their belongings. This can be observed in this unique trinket wooden enameled box with 24 K gold ornaments that remind you of a king throne. Ideal for small and medium sized jewelry. Golden lock and key included.
#2. Here we have an example of an exquisitely hand-crafted English casket wooden box. Very popular in the Victorian era, this type of rectangular-shaped wooden box is ideal for storing medium to large sized jewelry. The lid and the frontal part is covered in white, floral patterns giving it a simple but refined aspect. It comes with a lock, so everything you store inside is perfectly safe.
#3. A similar example to the one I mentioned before, made from polished oak and silver engravings that reminds us of the Medieval era. Perfect for large jewelry but also money and valuable documents. Graving your initials was very popular during the 19th century, as it can be observed with this authentic piece. Rounded lock incorporated to keep everything in place.
#4. We continue our series of wooden boxes with this veritable piece made from butternut and garnished using a less common method than you might imagine: burning the wood. The final result is gorgeous leaf and flowers motif combined with folkloric symbols. It is provided with two extra drawers and a lock made from copper.
#5. This next piece is still coming from the casket family but in a pentagon shape. Made from the purest Brazilian walnut and ebony, this piece will definitely make your accessories stand out from the crowd. Decorated in an Art Nouveau aesthetic, with flowers, leaves and also musical instruments. Coming with a rounded, golden lock and key with golden tassels.
#6. This box is a miniature version of a treasure chest, handmade and hand painted. Made from 100% mahogany with an ebony rectangular stand. The pattern is a combination of Russian motifs and Art Nouveau topping it all with a glorious bird figure. Lock all your personal treasures with the tasseled golden key that the box is provided with.
#7. Who said you cannot keep your precious metals in another chunk of precious metal? Inception? Maybe. Check out this beauty then: golden jewelry casket with leaves delicately ornamenting the whole exterior. The lid is engraved with a stunning lira giving a very Antic Greece vibe.
#8. Up next is another example of French refined taste and extravagance. This box is an original late 19th century Art Nouveau piece made entirely of bronze. The margins are manually engraved in an abstract leaf motif, while on the lid is a gorgeous porcelain portrait of a Young Beauty, surrounded by flower and leaves engravings. Golden key included.
#9. Changing the cultural context, we come face to face with a Japanese work of art. This bamboo jewelry box is manually sculpted and covered in a thin gold foil. The attention to detail is exquisite, as all the faces of the box depict a different scenery of the Japanese life. Lock included.
#10. If you got bored of the never-ending examples of wooden stuff, we spice things up with this stunning French jewelry casket made of finely crafted gilt bronze and crystal clear glass panels. Carefully embossed with golden leaf and flowers motifs to accentuate the grandeur. The frontal part is dedicated to a particularly large plate with space for a lock key guarded by two small bronze angel figures. Literally divine design.
#11. Colorful and small enough to even fit your pocket, this trinket jewelry box is covered in rhinestones and metal applications in various floral shapes and designs. Made of bronze, with a lid obtained in a method called braiding .In the center of the lid we find a sculpted piece of quartz.
#12. Another material used in manufacturing jewelry boxes is ivory. Here we have a combination of it with oak, transformed into this amazing rectangular casket with leaf engravings and sculpted animal figures.
The stars of the Art Nouveau movement are the jewelries crafted in the unique and extravagant design known as fabergé, a name that originates from the famous Russian artisan, Peter Carl Fabergé that used to produce decorative art in the form of Easter eggs made from precious metals such as gold, silver, malachite, jade, lapis lazuli, and a variety of diamonds and other gems.
#13. One piece in this unique style is the next box that I present you. It entirely made of crystal glass and gilded bronze margins. The lid is encrusted in jades and topaz and the legs are made of pure gold. The closing mechanism is not your usual lock and key, instead it has a fastening flap made of silver and Swarovski decorations.
#14. Up next is a similar type of box, from the same designer. Made out of the same glass with pink quartz panels and silver embossed margins and legs for perfect stability. The lid is covered in rubies and other colorful gems. The same type of lock system as the previous one.
#15. In the same beautifully ornamented Russian style is the next jewelry box I suggest you. A combination of silver, gold and crystals, and geometric symbolism, this casket is something that looks like something pulled out of duchess closet. The cherry on the…lid is the ceramic painting of the two lovers.
#16. A classic piece and accurate example of the fabergé art is this next piece. A pure 24 K golden egg encrusted with bloody rubies and classic Swarovski white crystals. A true work of art of the Fabergé House, ideal for storing small and precious items.
#17. Another colored masterpiece of the Art Nouveau movement is the next casket I show you. Having the characteristic color palette and symbols ( vibrant blues and greens and the majestic bird element) this bronze jewelry box is ideal for any kind of accessories.
#18. Deriving from the same elements as before, this next piece resembles the designs of the Gothic window panes of the cathedrals or the plumage of a peacock. In other words, inspiring richness and beauty at the same time. A great association between silver and the coldness of turquoise and royal blue.
#19. The next example is turning again to French motifs and designs. The conglomeration of patterns that resembles the Baroc period, warm tones and a central piece that denotes rather an austerity and the power of the upper class. A peculiar combination, but it works.
#20. This piece is the epitome of the Russian mentality and its strive for power and grandeur. Made entirely out of pure gold and encrusted with crystals this stunning storage box is ideal for any kind of jewelry. The central piece is, of course, the painting, but your attention can be distracted by the glorious two headed eagle and the crown embedded in crystals, a symbol of the royal power.
#21. A combination of Art Nouveau and early Art Deco style this lovely metal art piece is perfect for any age and preference: this copper and gold plated jewelry box is embossed with the classical motifs like delicate flowers and leaves and golden margins. Girly and chic.
#22. This next piece is the smaller version of one I presented you earlier. Classic trinket box of the Art Nouveau style. Rooster included in the price. A nice and unique touch is the rounded legs which give it a futuristic look.
#23. Another Russian-inspired element, this next casket is a great example of classic motifs of the folklore: classic association of colors and patterns with an elegant touch on the margins where the silver is molded in abstract shapes. The handles give it a nice grip and the lock comes with a key.
#24. I proudly present you another exquisite variation of the Faberge Egg, this time with fluid organic motifs, such as sinewy roses and fluttering birds. It is made out of the purest gold and on the inside it unravels a miniature version of a bird in a cage, made of gold as well.
#25. We return to the Victorian aesthetic with this gorgeous trinket box. Small sized, made out of copper and carefully wrapped in black velvet with golden flower and leaves engravings. The central piece is, of course, the clock in the middle, embedded in crystals.
#26. Faberge comes in all shapes and sizes as the next piece clearly demonstrates. Made entirely out of royal blue glass and embedded with abstract geometrical flowers made of crystals, this caskets is the definition of simplicity with a touch of richness.
#27. Italians are admirers of jewelry making as well. And this next jewelry box confirms it. Made out of sterling silver, with braided designs on the margins of the lid, and manually carved horses on the frontal part. The element that catches the attention is the painting on the lid, made in the classic Renaissance style.
#28. If you are a fan of the ancestral beauty and style, I got you covered. Here we have a classic rectangular sterling silver casket. What is unique about it is the pattern that covers the lid and the margins, which reminds you of the Ancient hieroglyphs the signature touch of Egyptian art and culture.
#29. Not to be repetitive but Faberge art is really one of a kind. And you can never have to many Easter eggs made out of gold, right? Check this other one out then: an international symbol of luxury, made of green and yellow enamel with specks of pale blue with delicate inlays of fine crystals.
#30. We end our list in a classical way. Here I present you a veritable antique English deep burgundy mahogany wood and ebony inlaid jewelry box. The shirred lining gives it an elegant touch, all topped with the lock made out of bronze plated metal with a tasseled key to match it.
Hoping that now, after seeing and reading all this, you are more informed and more attracted to the magical and gorgeous craft of jewelry making. And if not, at least you have more options when it comes to choosing the ideal storage unit to keep all your precious belongings and accessories.
