Different Types of Jewelry Box

There are many different types of jewelry box from the lighthearted styles meant for little girls to exceptionally handcrafted jewelry cases. You can find a jewelry box in almost any shape, size and price range to match the various types of jewelry that it may be used for from cheap costume pieces to priceless heirlooms.

Of course, many little girls love having a jewelry box of their very own and most of us had one that was a wind-up musical box that came complete with a ballerina who danced while the music played once the lid of the jewelry box was opened. Nowadays you can buy ones with almost every popular children's character on them. This type of jewelry box is usually made from heavy cardboard or pressboard. A jewelry box made for children will often contain a small mirror so that little girls can see themselves after putting on their precious pieces of jewelry which is seldom fitted in an adult version which is a pity. Of course, a child’s jewelry box is an inexpensive gift but it is often one that gets a lot of use. Other styles of jewelry box for young girls include those that resemble a small chest of drawers that are lined with soft fabric and painted in bright colors. These are perfect for older girls who have earrings that they need to keep safe.

As we get older we are likely to need a more sturdy jewelry box, probably with a lock on it. The most common material for a jewelry box to be made from is wood but the varieties of wood and the intricate carvings that can be achieved mean that prices vary too. Some of the earliest examples of a jewelry box date back to the 17th century and have carved wood inlaid with mother of pearl or precious jewels that far outweigh the value of most jewelry that would be kept in it today.

The lining of a jewelry box is extremely important to protect the items of jewelry that are kept in it. The more costly forms of jewelry box have a number of small compartments that are inlaid with a soft cushioned fabric to protect the jewelry from being damaged by separating as many as possible. Of course many women are familiar with the ritual of trying to untangle a dozen or more necklaces that have managed to get tangled up together in the bottom of the jewelry box.

Leather is also used as a covering for a jewelry box but these tend to be for men’s watches, tie pins and cuff links and are usually smaller. Obviously, a man would never admit to having a jewelry box but that is basically what he has, even if he does end up using it for pens!