The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible - Arthur C. Clarke
I have been collecting jewelry boxes since I was a child. I am not sure exactly what got me started; however, it probably has a lot to do with my grandmother. When I spent time with her during the summers we would often open her chest at the foot of her bed and pull out the various jewelry boxes she owned. She would go through each box with me and show me the various jewelry pieces she had, explain what they were made of, and let me try them on. I remember each jewelry box that she had in her chest to this day and can picture each in mind. She had three antique wooden jewelry boxes as well as a couple newer leather boxes. She even had a few small silver and pewter jewelry boxes that she kept around the house which she used to store special things in. Ever since then, I have been addicted to jewelry boxes. Here are my four favorite things about antique jewelry boxes.
- The craftsmanship – Jewelry boxes are not made the same way today that they were in my grandmother’s day. Back in her day, jewelry boxes were mostly hand crafted from wood and each was crafted with pride. The workmanship on these boxes was exquisite with dovetail joints, elaborate carvings, detailed designs, top quality woods, and with beautiful hinges and accoutrements. This is why I spend most of my time today searching for quality antique jewelry boxes.
- The smell – Each jewelry box has its own distinct smell that is created by the wood, stain, and interior lining. When you open a quality jewelry box you can almost smell the craftsmanship and love that has been poured into its construction. If the boxes are anything like my grandmothers, you may even catch a hint of lavender or perfume from the sachets she would store in the same chest.
- The design – Jewelry boxes come in all different shapes and sizes and each seems to have its own unique design. I love to study the design of jewelry boxes since their designs can be as unique as those found in the different period building of New York City.
- Their history – Every time I see an antique jewelry box I can only wonder what kind of history is behind the box. Who owned it? What was kept in it? Who designed and built it? If only each box could speak to its history and what it has seen. However, since they cannot speak, I love to use my imagination to conjure up a scene.
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