The Jewel Box

For as long as people have adorned themselves with jewelry there has been the need to safely store these items in receptacles that may protect them from exposure to elements that may affect the finishes and degrade them. Early on only the richest and most privileged needed to be concerned with such matters. The use of ceramic jars may very likely have been the earliest form of jewelry storage. The Egyptians were most likely the first to fashion boxes for the storage of gems and jewelry adornments.

The Industrial Revolution and the mass production of many products including jewelry ushered in the demand of common folk for jewelry storage. The first manufactured jewelry boxes were made of cast lead base metal, often with electroplated finishes of copper, silver or gold. Through time we have seen incredible diversity in the materials and designs used in the crafting of jewelry boxes which are eternally sought after by girls and women from 5 to 80 and beyond.

I recall my first jewelry box was a recycled cigar box, after a couple of years it was elevated to a musical box with a ballerina inside…I believe it was made of cardboard. There are jewel boxes made of leather, exotic woods, glass and even some that are encrusted with gemstones or other sparkling embellishments. You can find jewel boxes in all shapes and sizes…some designed for function with multiple compartments, drawers lined with anti-tarnish fabrics and mirrors and other that are sought after more for their form and collectability. Today my favorite jewel box is actually a jewelry armoire that lets me hang necklaces without getting them entangled with each other and offers a variety of storage options. I also love the little trinket boxes I have collected that hold my favorite earrings and small pendants that I enjoy wearing more than occasionally. My favorite pieces of jewelry are items that have been artfully designed, handcrafted, limited in availability and made with high quality standards…just like the jewelry crafted by the artists and designers of the Starving Artists Team.

What’s in your Jewel Box? Looking for unique pieces to add to your collection? Have a look at some SATeam creations….

 

Galadryl Design on Artfire

TJR Jewellry on Artfire

Northern Girl Jewelry on Artfire

Nicole Valentine Studio on Artfire

Azoho on Etsy

Beadsire on Etsy

Featuring artisan handmade creations by the Starving Artists jewelry team. SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com and here on Artfire.