Jewelry or valet boxes have long been the sort of personal piece that owners express themselves in. This jewelry box was a commission piece for a client who liked the look of old English gentlemen's dressing cases, but wanted an interpretation of the style fitted out on the inside as a jewelry box.

I worked with the client to refine a design featuring an inside ring box for an engagement ring. The client had an ancestor who had worked as a cabinetmaker, and asked me to incorporate materials into the project left from their time in the trade. I made the burl elm veneer from those materials the visual centerpiece of the inside by using it on the ring box.

We had extensive discussions about where to follow period examples, and where to selectively make departures. Many of the best surviving period examples are veneered in exotic woods that are either no longer available or are harvested unsustainably.

I view my role in these circumstances as an educator; I advised the client about the issues with using more period accurate exotic veneers and suggested some possible alternatives. I'm happy to report that the client chose black walnut burl as an alternative.

That choice let me echo the visual elements from the outside of the box: dark burl with brass inlaid on the edges on the soft curves of the ring box inside: light burl with mahogany inlaid on the edges.

Prices vary based on interior options, veneering, inlay, hardware, and finish, but would likely be between $1,500 and $4,000. Please reach out via the contact page to discuss options.