Jewelry Boxes

Jewelry boxes were an essential accouterment of the ancient world among aristocratic classes. These jewelry boxes, or "jewelry caskets" as they were known, were crucial for the storage of baubles, but over time these vessels became equally decorative. Some boxes were crafted with precious metals while others were adorned with inlaid gems, all to reflect the luxury the container’s contents.

As time progressed, the art of the jewelry box became increasingly important, particularly as the box became part of the presentation of a gifted piece of jewelry. The 16th-century English King Henry VII, for example, was known for his penchant for lavish jewelry boxes, bedecked with sparkling gems and lined with the most luxurious velvet. This elegance continued over subsequent generations, and, though few boxes created in recent centuries come encrusted with gems, they nevertheless maintain a tradition of refinement and elegance.

Made from materials like inlaid wood to precious porcelain, antique and vintage jewelry boxes today come in a remarkable range of styles and can be acquired for a healthy range of price points.