Fascinating Information on Metal Jewelry Boxes
Jewelry boxes made of metal have been around for almost 6000 years. Their exotic designs are what made them popular and treasured by many. These metal chests were used primarily to ship merchandise and store precious items.
In USA, metal boxes were made in the 19th century, but artisans were not talented enough to decorate them well. With developments in technology in the 20th century, designs began to look much better. Basically cast metal was used and this was plated with gold, silver and copper.
Satin from Japan and China were used to line these metal boxes. Victorian styled designs were also popular. The base of the box was routinely made of cast resin metal, spelter, and antimonial lead. Alloys of all kinds were used.
Metals with low melting points or soft metals were routinely utilized. Ormolin was a process through which all metal jewelry boxes were electroplated. Metals like French bronze, Roman gold, Pompenian gold, and Parisian silver were used in plating as well.
When it came to plating, the base was usually done in copper and it was finished off with silver and gold. These boxes were constructed to create a safe storage space for expensive jewelry and ornaments. This was the main reason why people chose metal jewelry boxes over wood.
In some, initials were engraved into the box and in other cases ceramic photo discs were used. Edwardian Sterling boxes were quite unbelieavable!
Ancient Egyptians used metal boxes to hold their mummies or to store jewelry in tombs. Metal was preferred over wood since it tends to rot with weather changes. A typical Victorian box would be created from metal, lined with satin and finished off with swirls of flowers. These boxes were beautiful, and many would seek them out.
For those who couldn’t afford a large jewelry box, even a small handkerchief or pin box would suffice. In general, metal boxes had embossing on the sides and the lids of the boxes. Also very popular were Arabic designs. There were also boxes that had unique designs carved onto the legs to make them chic. These antique pieces are extremely unique and their artisans so skilled that their work cannot be replicated today.
Enamel, wood or marble boxes are not as strong and durable as metal ones. The only bad part is that these metal boxes are heavy and cannot easily be carried on trips. If metal boxes lose their original color, they can also be spruced up with a fresh coat of paint. Re-coating and re-plating are required for maintaining its look.
Globally museums take a lot of care in preserving metal jewelry relics from ancient times. When you visit the museum next, be sure to look out for the metal objects section. They are so gorgeously hand crafted that if by some lucky chance you happen to own one, you can consider yourself really fortunate.
This article was written by Rachael Celia Berlie and Ruth D’Souza Prabhu of MarqART Gift Shop. Our jewelry boxes are original works of art, no two creations are the same. Each wood shown has its own unique wood grain pattern and color. MarqART comes from combining the words marquetry (wood inlay) + Art (a creation of beauty) an apt name for our products. A fine addition to your dressing table or as a gift. Please visit http://www.marqartgiftshop.com to browse & buy exotic jewelry boxes that will give you a lifetime of pleasure!
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