When you think of a jewelry box, what do you picture in your mind? Chances are good that the first thought that comes to your mind is a wooden jewelry box. Why is this? Perhaps it has to do with tradition. Most women that own a jewelry box have a jewelry box that is made of wood. Since people are creatures of habit and most identify with the wooden jewelry boxes they have seen their mothers and grandmothers use, they tend to be the most popular choice. However, I will contend that there are a few more reasons that wooden jewelry boxes are most popular.
One of the main reasons that I believe that wooden jewelry boxes are the most popular choice comes down to economics. Jewelry boxes that are made of metal or other exotic materials such as ivory, bone or ceramics are hard to make and can be expensive to create. Imagine trying to create a large jewelry box from pewter or silver. In order to accomplish that you would need to be an expert metallurgist and have expensive equipment to heat, soften and shape the metal. Wood on the other hand, even quality wood, is within the grasp of most individuals from a cost standpoint and is relatively easy to work with. Even when creating intricate designs and carvings with wood is a much easier task than metal or any other material.
Another reason wooden jewelry boxes are the most popular type comes down to décor. Most jewelry boxes are purchased to match a given décor. Since most of our furniture and décor today consists of wood, it is each to find a matching jewelry box. Additionally, wood when stained and finished is elegant and sophisticated in its look and style. Depending on the construction style and finish, a wooden jewelry box can be created to match any décor from Victorian to modern retro or contemporary.
While being economical and stylish wood also lends itself to quality. A wooden jewelry box that is properly constructed by a craftsman can last for many generations while maintaining its integrity and beauty with a little care. After hundreds of years of creating jewelry boxes, man has yet to find a material that is better than wood and that is why, for all of the reasons I have outlined above including economics, durability and timeless beauty that wooden jewelry boxes have maintained their popularity.