Wood Jewelry Boxes

When buying jewelry boxes in wood, it is important to consider stability (how long it will last under reasonable wear and tear), flexibility (how easy it is to work with), and beauty. Below is a list of different types of wood to help you make an informed decision.

Hardwoods- Maple, Cherry and Mahogany are examples of hardwoods. Oak, available in both red and white varieties, is the most commonly used hardwood. Hardwoods are ideal for furniture construction but are difficult to work with in terms of detailed work such as carving.

Softwoods- Pine and Cedar are examples of softwoods. Pine, a cream-colored softwood, carries its own aromatic scent, and may have prominent ring-markings throughout the grain of the wood.
Softwoods are ideal for detail work and are often used to construct attractive household furniture. However, due to the soft surface of softwoods, they are susceptible to marks and dings.

Finishes and Exotic Woods-

- A finish is a type of coating that, when added to the wood, adds a protective sheen to insulate the piece of furniture from weathering. It also creates a luster or shine that gives it that wet, sleek look. There are two different types of finishes: natural and synthetic. Natural finishes like linseed and danish oils give a glossy finish, and were especially used in earlier time periods. Synthetic finishes, including lacquer and polyurethane, are chosen for their durability.

- Special finishes and woods: Specialty woods, or exotic woods are gaining popularity because they are so unique, and often finish beautifully. Some examples are: Lacewood, Butternut, Brazilian Rosewood, Koa, Pink Ivory, Blood wood, Black Cherry, and Tulipwood. One special finish, called the aged finish, is a technique that gives the wood a time-worn feeling to it, and is used mostly with dark or cherry wood. Other superb finishes include the high gloss piano finish, the Ebony gloss finish, and the mahogany gloss finish.

Wood jewelry boxes are easy to be personalized because there are a wide array of places on the Internet who will handcraft them for you. Remember to choose the shape, type of wood, and whether you would like the box detailed or embossed, or inlaid with a picture or design.