Which Jewelry Box is Right For You?

Choosing a Jewelry Box that's Age Appropriate

Most little girls and tweens collect jewelry, but unless they are Hiltons, a cute trinket box or simple musical jewelry box will store their costume kiddie bling nicely.

The classic musical jewelry box is a pretty, hinged box featuring ballet- or princess-inspired graphics, soft fabric lining, and tinkling music when the lid is lifted. The piece de resistance is the delicate twirling figurine within.

For girly-girls (of all ages), sparkling trinket boxes are smaller, and designed to hold just a few choice items. They are often fashioned in the shape of a small animal or other appealing item such as a purse or shoe.

Teenagers, both boys and girls, could use boxes with compartments, pockets, hooks and drawers for various sized objects in their growing collection of jewelry. Many echo the sophisticated look and organization of grown-up jewelry boxes.

Men's Jewelry Boxes

Even if they've never had one before, most guys genuinely appreciate a step up from a cigar box to hold their nice things. Containers designed for men are commonly referred to as a "valet box" or watch box.

Valet boxes look decidedly masculine, often featuring highly burnished burled wood, wood inlays, lacquered finishes, and leather or leather look-alike accents. Well-padded inside to protect gold, silver and gemstones, they may also organize all sorts of small but important objects such as keys, money clips, cell phones, and watches.

Be sure to choose a box roomy enough to accommodate current pieces while still leaving room for new additions. It would be a shame to limit his future purchases simply because he's out of storage space.

Women's Jewelry Boxes

Women are the true connoisseurs of jewelry, and often have a wardrobe of accessories to contend with and keep organized. Take a cue from her style and choice of metals, materials and colors. Is she the fastidious, old school Mrs. Howell, a fresh-faced Mary Ann, or an all-out sexy Ginger? Or does it depend on the day? A great jewelry box, whether wooden, leather, or fabric, should complement its contents. Many women might benefit from several jewelry boxes to avoid clutter.

For casual, costume jewelry, there are many gorgeous fabric-covered jewelry boxes with touches of embroidery or sparkle. For the serious fashionista, nothing will do but the all-out glamour of a cushy cabinet style jewelry box with drawers, pockets, hooks and nooks for all her treasures.

Wooden jewelry boxes, leather jewelry boxes, fabric jewelry boxes, trinket or watch boxes - intensely personal items all deserve a place of their own.