Friday, November 30, 2012

Handcrafted Jewelry Boxes – The Perfect Holiday Gift


Most people are happy with any Christmas gift but others are more particular. While it might seem as if picky people are ungrateful, the truth is they simply know what they like. Often, buying a present for someone picky is easier because there is no question the item is something actually wanted or needed. If you have a friend or family member you need to get a Christmas gift for but are having a hard time finding “the right gift”, perhaps a handcrafted jewelry box would be the ideal solution.

Jewelry boxes are used by men and women and although you could purchase something off the shelf, a handcrafted gift would be cherished for life, no matter how particular the friend or family member. Keep in mind that a handcrafted jewelry box would be more expensive but something to become an heirloom for future generations to enjoy.

We wanted to take the opportunity to provide some ideas on handcrafted jewelry boxes, any one that would make an perfect Christmas gift for someone you love who tends to be a little particular.

Men’s Crafted Jewelry Boxes

Following are examples of unique jewelry boxes for men, each handsome and handcrafted.

o    Fully Locking Swing-Out Jewelry Box Chest with Bubinga Inlay – This is a stunning box that embodies modern and traditional styles. The unique swing-out design boasts ring rolls, swivel drawers, and divided jewelry storage all with a gorgeous velvet lining and quadrant hinges. There is even a mirror on the inside of the lid but the one aspect of this handcrafted jewelry box that men appreciate most is that all compartments can be fully secured with a brass lock and key.

o    Italian Inlay Jewelry Box - While the style of this handcrafted jewelry box is more streamlined, it is still stunning with a high gloss piano finish. Made from burl wood and boasting unique inlaid detailing on the lid, the box would be appreciated by any man, regardless of age. It is designed with necklace hooks in the lid, ring rolls, and a clever jewelry tray with open storage underneath. To keep even the finest jewelry safe and secure, this handcrafted jewelry box comes complete with a brass lock and key.

Women’s Crafted Jewelry Boxes

There are also multiple options for handcrafted jewelry boxes for women with two suggestions listed below.

o    Genuine Maple Wood Jewelry Box Chest – Because of the design, appearance, and functionality, this has become one of the most popular of all handcrafted women’s jewelry boxes available. The maple wood comes in a choice of two finishes, making it an obvious choice regardless of a woman’s preferred style. Key features include necklace storage inside the lift lid, two gliding drawers, divided drawers for smaller jewelry items, and a special section with two watch pillows and ring rolls.

o    Elegant Wooden Jewelry Box with Inlaid Floral Design – For the women who loves feminine things, this would make the perfect Christmas gift. Made from Oak Burl and featuring accents of Mahogany and Natural Mapa with high gloss piano finish, this is an extremely elegant box. Features include three drawers, two necklace swing-outs, divided storage for rings necklace holders on the sides, and divided storage, all with anti-tarnish stone faux suede lining. For added convenience, this handcrafted jewelry box has a mirror on the inside of the lid.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Gorgeous Cases for People who Love Watches

When it comes to jewelry, everyone has a personal preference for the type and number of pieces worn. Some people love rings while others prefer necklaces. However, the one piece of jewelry that is classy, timeless, and worn to enhance appearance or make a statement by both men and women is the watch. Whether you own an expensive watch worth $10,000 or a department store special you paid $20 for, it would be worth storing it in a watch case.

In fact, a watch case is recommended for inexpensive and expensive watches for the same reasons. The box is designed to keep the face from accidentally getting scratched but also to keep dust out of watch mechanisms to keep it running perfectly. Interestingly, many people are unaware that watch cases are even made and sold. Now, you could always purchase an actual jewelry box if wanted, but if the goal were simply to keep your watches safe, organized, and protected, a more logical approach would be a watch case.

Personal Choice

Just as you have a personal style in the brand and type of watch worn, you would have a preferred style of watch case. Because there are cases made from a variety of materials, sold in different colors, and designed to hold a varying number of watches, you would have no problems finding several perfect boxes. Of course you could choose whatever design you like best but to keep things simple and make it easier to see the watch being stored, we recommend choosing a box with a display window.

Below we list some examples of popular watch boxes that you might consider but before that, we wanted to provide information about two unique features available on the higher quality cases. First are locks, something definitely needed for the more expensive or hard-to-find watches. Second are quadrant hinges that are hidden, giving the case a more sophisticated look.

If you have never owned a watch case before or if it has been years since buying one, you will be pleasantly surprised at the wide selection available. Remember, there is no right or wrong choice, simply you having the opportunity to choose the box that would provide your prized watch the best protection possible.

o    Octagon Watch Box – This is a smart looking watch box designed to store a single watch. Not only would this be perfect if you have just one watch to protect, it makes a great gift for someone typically hard to buy for. This box may be small in size but it is definitely huge in craftsmanship and luxury. Key features include a high-gloss cherry finish, tan silsuede lining, brass compass hinges, and a single pillow on which the watch rests.

o    Wooden Watch Box – If you are a serious watch collector, this box holds up to 15 watches and accessories. In addition to the glass display window making it possible for you to quickly find the right watch for any occasion, the style is such that it would be acceptable for both men and women. This case is made from cherry, each slot is padded, it boasts a gliding drawer with four unique storage sections, the lining is ivory sueded fabric, the drawer pull has a beautiful gold tone, and the top section features a key lock.

o    Black Leather Watch Box – Although sold as a man’s watch case, many women also love the sleek leather and basket weave designed lid. Some of the primary features of this six-watch case includes the compact yet functional size, high quality craftsmanship, pillows for each watch, security lock, and silsuede lining that is tarnish resistant.

o    Man’s Fine Leather Travel Box – For a businessman who travels and needs to impress, this watch case would be an ideal choice. Designed to hold up to three watches, this box is made from Nappa leather. The tan colored leather is stylish yet trendy, making it perfect for the younger generation. This watch case is designed to hold up to three watches and has a display window, snap closure, soft lining, and divided storage sections for watches but also bracelets, cufflinks, and rings. If wanted, this particular case can be personalized with one name or three initials, which is why it has become a popular gift.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

The Perfect Jewelry Box to Match Every Little Girl’s Dream

Although little girls who love the color pink and frilly dresses and those who prefer wearing jeans and climbing trees are very different in some aspects, they do share a common bond – the love of owning a jewelry box. When growing up, you probably owned a special box where you stored all your favorite treasures. If like many women, you may still own this jewelry box and perhaps even use it, if it has not already been passed down to a niece of daughter.

For years, the most common type of girl’s jewelry box was white with pink silky lining. Now, if you were fortunate enough, you might have owned a fancier jewelry box that featured a dancing ballerina on top accompanied by soft music. Of course, that very style of box is still manufactured and sold today but as with everything, times have changed. As a result, little girls now have many more options when it comes time to choose a first jewelry box.

New and Exciting Styles

Yes, the original style of girl’s jewelry box is still available but we wanted to mention some of the newer styles that you could consider for your favorite little girl. Remember, boxes are not only different in appearance but they are made with a variety of different materials, they come in a wide selection of designs, and most even boast special features that only little girls would appreciate, especially if they want to keep things hidden from a sister or brother who loves to snoop.

o    Tall Jewelry Box – A take on the white jewelry box with silky pink lining from the past is one that stands 12 inches tall, perfect for a dresser or nightstand. Made from wood and painted white, this jewelry box has gracefully sculpted legs, five pull out drawers, two swing-out side doors for necklaces, and a lid that opens to reveal a place to store rings, pins, and other smaller items. This little girl’s jewelry box also has a mirror under the lid that makes getting “dressed up” easier.

o    Ballerina Box – For a little girl who wants the dancing ballerina and music that was so popular during the 1960s, the carousel egg with horse would be an excellent option. Literally shaped like an egg, a beautiful carousel horse takes the place of the dancing ballerina. While there are a number of songs, “My Heart will Go On” from the movie Titanic is a great choice. Adding to an already gorgeous design is the white background with a hand painted gold, purple, pink, and blue design that any little girl would love.
Armoires

As an adult, you probably own a jewelry armoire and if you are a mommy, chances are good your little girl would love nothing more than mimicking everything you do. Obviously, a full-size jewelry armoire would be much too large and expensive but you could purchase one designed just for little girls. Following are two of the many design options you might consider.

o    Oak Finish – This particular jewelry armoire is unique from others but still the perfect fit for a little girl who likes things “outside the box”. The combination of traditional and modern design coupled with brushed nickel hardware and ivory suede fabric lining are key reasons this has become a top seller. Inside the lid is a compartment for rings and open storage space but also a handy mirror. Other popular features include two swing-out necklace doors with six hooks and catch panels each, four pull out drawers, scalloped front apron, and cabriolet legs.

o    Classic Floor Armoire – We also wanted to suggest this as a little girl’s jewelry box, which is simply stunning yet age appropriate. The box is classic white, hand lined with ivory suede fabric, it comes with hardware and drawer pulls made from antiqued brushed pewter, and the legs are square and tapered. Additional things that would make this ideal for your special girl includes the top lid with central ring roll, six open sections, and interior mirror, four pull out drawers, two swing-out necklace doors, and a perfect height of 13.5 inches!