Various Metals Used for Designing Jewelry Boxes
Metal jewelry boxes have been in existence for more than 6000 years now. 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. Cast metal was primarily used and this was plated with gold, silver and copper.
Satin sourced from Japan and China were used to line these metal boxes. Victorian designs were also popular. Usually cast resin metal, antimonial lead, and spelter were used to make the base of the box. Alloys of all kinds were used.
Soft metals, or those with low melting points were often used. Ormolin was a process through which all metal jewelry boxes were electroplated. Some other metals like French bronze, Roman gold, Pompenian gold, and Parisian silver were used in plating.
In plating, copper was used as the base and the finish was usually done in silver or gold. These boxes were constructed to create a safe storage space for expensive jewelry and ornaments. This was the primary reason why people preferred 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 absolutely astounding!
Metal boxes were used by ancient Egyptians to hold their mummies or to keep jewelry in the 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 gorgeous and sought after.
People who couldn’t afford large jewelry boxes would be happy with a handkerchief or pin box. 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 were antique pieces and the artisans then were so skilled that most of the work cannot be repeated today.
When compared to boxes made of enamel, wood or marble, metal boxes are the most durable. The only bad part is that these metal boxes are heavy and cannot easily be carried on trips. If they lose color, they can easily be fixed with a fresh coat of paint. Maintenance will be in the form of re-coating and re-plating.
Globally museums take a lot of care in preserving metal jewelry relics from ancient times. On your next visit to the museum, make sure you check out the section on metal objects. 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 feature evocative wood art designs, created from unique wood grain patterns and colors. 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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