Buying guide for Best jewelry boxes
Whether you own costume jewelry or pieces made of precious gemstones and metals, you need a special place to keep your beloved jewelry collection. Sure, you could stash your jewelry in a drawer, but then you risk losing small items and scratching delicate finishes. If you want to keep your rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and other adornments organized and safe, you need a jewelry box.
Jewelry boxes come in various sizes and are designed to sit on a dresser, nightstand, counter, or vanity. Some are compact, basic, and perfect for traveling. Others have multiple tiers and removable trays to accommodate lots of jewelry.
Below you’ll find more information about jewelry boxes and suggestions for choosing the right one for your needs. When you’re ready to buy, we invite you to check out our favorites.
The benefits of owning a jewelry box
Most jewelry pieces are more than just inanimate objects: they hold special meaning, irreplaceable memories, and sometimes even family legacies. For the storage of your treasured possessions, a jewelry box offers important benefits.
The specialized compartments of a jewelry box can accommodate specific items, such as rings, watches, and necklaces.
A jewelry box with a soft interior lining helps protect the integrity of metals and gems.
Jewelry boxes have aesthetic appeal; many are pretty enough to leave on display in your bedroom or on your vanity.
When you keep your jewelry in a jewelry box, you are less likely to misplace it. What’s more, you’ll be able to find matching pieces quickly when you want to wear them.
Jewelry box designs
For a small jewelry collection
Even if you own very little jewelry — maybe a few rings, a watch, and a favorite necklace — you still need a place for safekeeping. Some jewelry boxes have just enough compartments to store a few items. Flat, single-layer boxes are perfect for small collections.
For a large jewelry collection
A tall jewelry box with multiple tiers is best for a larger jewelry collection. While some have two or three layers, there are others that have six or more tiers. Some jewelry boxes have drawers that pull in and out. Some have removable trays that stack neatly together. Some have side compartments designed for hanging necklaces and other items so they don’t get tangled.
For a child’s jewelry collection
A jewelry box designed for kids is great for someone who is just getting started with their jewelry collection. Pretty embellishments and fun graphics can help make these jewelry boxes even more appealing to novice jewelry collectors.
Before you choose a jewelry box, think about the location in your home where you will be placing it. If your bedroom dresser or vanity isn’t very large, you’ll need to choose a box that would fit without taking up too much space.
Jewelry box features
Compartments
Jewelry boxes have a variety of compartments. Some are designed specifically for certain types of jewelry; others are more versatile. Let’s take a look at some popular compartment styles and their uses.
Ring holders have slits for keeping rings, bands, and earrings securely in place in a upright position.
Small slots are perfect for keeping pairs of earrings together or for securing tiny rings.
Drawers that slide in and out provide space for watches, bangles, and other larger pieces.
Hooks are ideal for hanging link bracelets, necklaces, and chains. Some are situated in side compartments with doors that swing open.
Pockets are perfect for stashing tiny items.
Materials
Inexpensive jewelry boxes are often made of plastic or pressboard. They may or may not be covered in a vinyl or faux leather material. High-end jewelry boxes may be covered in soft fabric or genuine leather. Wood and porcelain boxes are also available and are typically more expensive.
Lid
The lid of the box keeps your jewelry secure. Lids have side or back hinges that make them easy to open and close. They also keep the lid propped open while you are sorting through your treasures.
Lining
As mentioned, a soft lining helps protect jewelry from damage. Many jewelry box compartments are lined with felt, suede, satin, or velvet so fine pieces never have to come in contact with hard or rough materials.
Mirror
A jewelry box may have a small built-in mirror (often integrated with the lid) so you can see yourself when putting on pieces, such as your earrings or a necklace.
Lock
Some jewelry boxes have a lock on the front. This provides a bit of added security if your goal is to protect your precious contents from prying hands. If you have a small child or a mischievous pet at home, a lock is well worth having.
Portability
Not everyone takes a lot of jewelry with them when they travel, but for those who do, a small jewelry box may come in handy. Some larger models also have a special feature: a removable compartment with its own lid that slides out of the unit and can be taken along on trips.
Did you know?
Some jewelry boxes from several hundred years ago were made of precious metals with intricate designs. These were considered luxury items that only the wealthy could afford.
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Jewelry box prices
Inexpensive
If you only need a small jewelry box for a few pieces — or a jewelry box designed for travel — you can find a good deal without sacrificing quality for $12 to $16.
Mid-range
Not everyone has a huge collection of jewelry. For these folks, a jewelry box with several levels that falls in the $20 to $50 range would likely be more appropriate. Models that are a bit smaller, including children’s jewelry boxes, also fall on this price spectrum.
Expensive
Premium jewelry boxes with numerous tiers and compartments that can fit impressive amounts of jewelry are the gold standard. Some even have leather exteriors and suede linings. If you are in the market for this type of box, expect to pay $55 to $100 or a bit more.
"The term costume jewelry refers to pieces that are made of faux gemstones and base or plated metals. Fine jewelry refers to pieces that are crafted of gold, platinum, silver, and other precious metals that may be set with real gemstones including diamonds, emeralds, and rubies."
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Tips
For a uniform look in your bedroom, choose a jewelry box with a finish that matches your decor. For example, a wooden jewelry box pairs nicely with wood trim, and one with pretty pastel colors would look great in a child’s room.
Jewelry boxes are also great for storing cufflinks, tie clips, watches, chains, and more.
Compartments that have slits to slide rings into place can also be used for stud earrings and cufflinks.
Keep the exterior of your jewelry box looking its best by occasionally dusting it with a soft cloth. For wood finishes, applying a bit of furniture polish will give it an attractive sheen.
FAQ
Q. What are some tips for cleaning a jewelry box lining?
A. First, remove your jewelry. Use a lint roller or piece of tape to attract and remove any lint or fuzz. If the lining needs a thorough cleaning, use a damp sponge or cloth with a bit of mild soap to gently wipe soil or stains. Leave the lid and drawers open to allow the lining to air dry before putting your jewelry back in the box.
Q. How can I keep my jewelry box organized?
A. The first step to a well-organized jewelry box is to choose one that’s large enough to fit all of your pieces. One with plenty of tiers and compartments is best if you have a large collection. After wearing your jewelry, put it back in the designated compartments. Don’t stack different types of jewelry on top on each other. Not only would this make your jewelry box cluttered, but it could also cause finishes to become scratched.
Q. How do I prevent necklaces from getting tangled in a jewelry box that doesn’t have hooks to hang them?
A. When you store more than one chain in a flat position in a jewelry box, it’s easy for them to twist together. Keeping one per section is a good option, but you could also place each chain in a small plastic bag before placing it in your jewelry box.
