What is a Trinket Box?

A trinket box is also known by other terms such as jewel case or casket and has been used from the medieval times on the dressers. These are small boxes that are embellished on the top in a variety of designs and have a hollow space or concealment when opened. These small boxes are perfect to keep jewels and other trinkets. The adornments on the top of the trinket boxes vary according to the designers and clients whims and fancies. From gold to iron, all metals have been used to create trinket boxes. Other materials that have been used to make these jewel cases are wood, paper mache, stone, ivory and porcelain.

Since the 17^th century onwards, there has been a spurt in the production of trinket boxes since the Limoges Box was introduced in France. As it was manufactured by the King’s own kilns, it became a rage with the nobility.

The spread of porcelain ware, art of enamelling and Art metal ware gave a further impetus to the popularity of trinket box manufacturing. Most popular trinket boxes have been classified as Art Metal wares and were created in cast metal and antimonial lead and later electroplated in silver, gold, copper and even ivory. In the late 19^th century, trinket boxes were a necessity on the vanity cases and dressers of women all over the world. From handcrafted ivory boxes inlaid with jewels of the east to the delicate porcelain boxes of France, there was a rich variety available.

During the late 1890s and early 1900s, art metal manufactures tried out a variety of polishes and finishes. Some of the boxes were electroplated with copper, silver and gold while numerous artificial polishes gave rise to terms such as Roman gold, French Bronze, French Grey, Parisian silver and copper finishes. Copper was a popular material used to plate before the application of silver and gold was applied. Later, in 1911 enamel came to be the favoured finish.  Adornments, paintings, embellishments of jewels were used to add a rich look to it. Other oxides were also used over

painted enamel and resulted in a variety of beautiful finishes- ‘Oriental ivory’, ‘Tinted Ivory’ and ‘Old Ivory’.

However the most popular trinket boxes and probably the most expensive were created for the Russian Tsar from 1890s to early 1900s. These exquisite gold and precious gems studded trinket boxes are better known as Faberge Eggs. Crafted by the royal jeweller, Carl Faberge, each Easter egg shape box was presented to the Tsarina every year.

Today numerous equally intricate trinket boxes are available crafted by expert craftsmen that are close replicas of the original boxes in a variety of prices.