The history of jewelry boxes

jewelry boxes have been the object of attention for generations. Sometimes, the ornateness of jewelry boxes far exceeds that of jewelry. Jewelry boxes can be a work of art, so they are also an excellent collectible. Here is a brief introduction to the history of jewelry boxes.

Although jewelry boxes are an ancient invention, they really became household names in the early 20th century. Due to the Industrial Revolution, more and more people could afford rings, necklaces and other jewelry boxes, which meant that the jewelry market exploded. The market was flooded with a variety of jewelry box designs.

One of the most popular styles in the early 20th century was Art Nouveau, which was an approach that respected natural materials and elements. Rich wood tones, relief glass and mosaic patterns all conveyed a sense of organic luxury. Designers such as Emile Gall in the late 19th century inspired designers such as N.B. Rogers and Jennings Brothers to create a series of Art Nouveau styles that are widely sought after by contemporary people.

The elegance and opulence of Art Nouveau remained popular in the decades that followed, and the style continued in the designs of Tiffany Studios in the early 20th century. Tiffany Studios had been making jewelry boxes since the late 19th century, but it was not until 1910 that Tiffany Studios significantly expanded its jewelry box design range to introduce a wider range of styles.

At the same time, Art Nouveau’s main competitor, Art Deco, made its debut. In stark contrast to the elegant opulence of Art Nouveau, Art Deco celebrated the striking nature of geometric shapes, from inlaid or carved wood to highly polished metal. The meticulously crafted, streamlined jewelry boxes were both striking and sculptural, making them useful both as jewelry boxes and as stand-alone display pieces of art.

The opulence of early 20th century jewelry box design met a new austerity in the 1930s. World War I limited access to basic supplies, and the Great Depression in the United States slumped the economy, bringing the extravagance of the 1910-1920 era to an end. Despite more modest circumstances, jewelry remained popular, as did jewelry boxes, but there was a greater focus on economically designed boxes and cost-effective materials.

One such development was Bakelite. Bakelite designs played on the shapes of the Art Deco era while also being more cost-effective. As a result, they still wow collectors today and celebrate minimalism.

By the 1950s, the streamlined style of Bakelite had been completely replaced by the modern design style. This style encompassed everything in the work designed by international teams such as American designers Herman Miller and Paul McCobb and Denmark’s A. Bender Madsen and Ejner Larsen. These designers followed the old adage “form follows function” and sought a simple and stylish approach that eliminated the ornate or classic themes of previous eras. Instead, they promoted simple geometric shapes and bold colors. As is unique to mid-century design, jewelry boxes and dressers from this era were often incorporated directly into larger furniture pieces, making for a more diverse collection of furniture.

By the end of the 20th century, key themes from early jewelry box design paved the way for a diverse range of styles. Classic silver carved jewelry boxes, similar to those popular in the early 20th century, combined with modernist techniques and materials popular in the 1960s and 1970s, formed a sample of styles and decorative patterns. Of course, these enduring designs remain popular. From the bold patterns of famous Italian designer Emilio Pucci to the iconic lines of Hermes, jewelry box designs from these designers show that even the biggest designers need to find inspiration from contemporary culture.

From ancient times to the present day, the demand for jewelry boxes has never diminished. As can be seen from the jewelry box designs of the 20th century, they are works of art just like earrings, rings, bracelets and necklaces. Whether you are an avid jewelry lover or just looking for an eye-catching container to start, jewelry boxes are sure to meet all your needs.