1800’s French Antique Jewelry Box

[lavenderdragonfly23]

2am: my restless mind has an epiphany

Beautiful antique diamonds belong in an antique jewelry box …

And so my search began. Antique beveled ormolu boxes, velvet and satin boxes, gilted leather… I dug a rabbit hole that would impress Flora. A week goes by, auctions, Etsy, eBay, marketplace, Craigslist, local antique shops, I narrowed my search to two IG sellers: Morgane of The Antique Secret and Maria of The Antique Box Atelier. Together they have some of the most exquisite antique boxes out there. A month goes buy, and another…. And one day, scrolling through IG, my heart stopped, then started to race. This was a familiar feeling. I felt it the day I found Flora.

I found my box.

Morgane had my dream box. Just one minor detail… my bridesmaids dresses were a beautiful light aqua silk dupioni … and that’s what I dreamed of on the inside. Morgane immediately recommended Maria for the restoration project. Switching out the fabric, also means Maria can make custom compartments. Once she gets the box and looks it over I will have more of an idea of what she thinks the box needs and what is possible.

I would love to
*restore the existing leather and gilding if needed
*replace the fabric inside and have her make some custom compartments
*I would love a combination of silk dupioni and velvet - aqua accents or all aqua I’m not sure.

I would love your thoughts on compartment layout and fabric ideas. I’m open to almost anything. Two tone, one tone, print, no print. Help me shop, please!

But for the time being… here she is

Late 1800’s french leather gilded jewelry box
Bronze sculpture of a woman collecting fruit/flowers, by M. Jampolsky

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[maryjane04]

Oh wow... I definitely think you need a compartment for everything.. one for rings and bands.. one for some wrist bling.. one big tray for a necklace/necklaces etc.. and maybe some bits and bobs for earrings and ear bling.. hahaha what an amazing box and I can't wait to see the restoration process.

 

[Christinak]

Wow this is beautiful @lavenderdragonfly23

For inspiration - I’ve always loved the Jessica McCormack jewellery boxes

Luxury Jewelry Boxes | Jessica McCormack

Jessica believes that jewelry honors meaningful moments in time, brought to life in precious, lasting form. It is in this same spirit that Jessica conceptualized and crafted our Heirloom Jewelry Box service. Our beautiful Heirloom boxes create a home for these treasured pieces, ready to be...

www.jessicamccormack.com

 

[Ally T]

I am so excited for this journey! You definitely need a ring tray, where you can slide your lovelies in standing upright. You don’t want Flora to scratch on anything else, so I feel she needs to be secure when tucked up at night.

 

[autumngems]

Oh My, now you have me looking at these!

 

[lavenderdragonfly23]

I am so excited for this journey! You definitely need a ring tray, where you can slide your lovelies in standing upright. You don’t want Flora to scratch on anything else, so I feel she needs to be secure when tucked up at night.

Thank you! I’m so excited!!!

Most definitely- ring tray(s) is a must.
If this was your collection how would you organize the two upper baskets and lower space?

Currently own
Flora
4 bands

I would love to add
4 thin bands
2 wide bands
1 five stone ring
1 dinner ring
1 Tennis bracelet
2-3 bangles
1-2 pair of earrings
1 solitaire necklace
1 watch

 

[winnietucker]

Wow this is beautiful @lavenderdragonfly23

For inspiration - I’ve always loved the Jessica McCormack jewellery boxes

Luxury Jewelry Boxes | Jessica McCormack

Jessica believes that jewelry honors meaningful moments in time, brought to life in precious, lasting form. It is in this same spirit that Jessica conceptualized and crafted our Heirloom Jewelry Box service. Our beautiful Heirloom boxes create a home for these treasured pieces, ready to be...

www.jessicamccormack.com

Absolutely gorgeous but $29k?!?

 

[lavenderdragonfly23]

Absolutely gorgeous but $29k?!?

Oh thank god… I was hoping I wasn’t the only one

 

[lavenderdragonfly23]

I have a little bit of direction … I found the most perfect shade of aqua in velvet fabric for the upper two basket compartments and the entire lower space.

“Duck Egg Blue”



Now to find a coordinating print (hopefully a beautiful silk dupinoi with for the front and top (see highlighted areas)

 

[lavenderdragonfly23]

For the silk in the highlighted areas I would love to find something similar to this… leave it to me to fall in love with something I had to buy two centuries ago

My current mood board, which will probably change 300 times lol

 

[lala646]

I agree with @Ally T that you need a ring tray, but make sure to be very aware of Flora's height when talking with the designer. I have a few rings that are too tall to go in the ring tray in my jewelry box (it was not custom). That may not be an issue with Flora, but something worth keeping in mind.

 

[lavenderdragonfly23]

Oooo.,,, since the brass plate on the top is Art Nouveau style, I could do an art nouveau fabric on the inside and a matching aqua velvet for the compartments.

I agree with @Ally T that you need a ring tray, but make sure to be very aware of Flora's height when talking with the designer. I have a few rings that are too tall to go in the ring tray in my jewelry box (it was not custom). That may not be an issue with Flora, but something worth keeping in mind.

OHHH! Good point! Thank you!

 

[LightBright]

Oooo.,,, since the brass plate on the top is Art Nouveau style, I could do an art nouveau fabric on the inside and a matching aqua velvet for the compartments.


OHHH! Good point! Thank you!

I’m curious what you consider Art Nouveau style fabric. Is that a pattern?

Just an opinion, but I’d think solid colors all around would be better to help your pieces pop. Patterns to me obscure the jewelry.

If you want patterns, maybe consider a pattern woven into the fabric (same color).

This is just a thought.

 

[lavenderdragonfly23]

I’m curious what you consider Art Nouveau style fabric. Is that a pattern?

Just an opinion, but I’d think solid colors all around would be better to help your pieces pop. Patterns to me obscure the jewelry.

If you want patterns, maybe consider a pattern woven into the fabric (same color).

This is just a thought.

I’ve been looking at art nouveau fabrics that are based mainly off of William Morris designs. He was a textile artist in the mid-late 1800’s who is considered the pioneer of the art nouveau/art and crafts movement in England. Art nouveau looks like something out of a dream, fantasy if you will… patterned flowers, animals, birds, fruit. Another art nouveau artist who you may be more familiar with - his father started a jewelry company around this time, I’ll give you a hint, it starts with a “T” lol!

I have a feeling I will end up doing something like you mentioned, same color through out, different texture. Most of the print I really like are larger scale and I don’t think will look right on a smaller space.

I have time to decide, so just narrowing things down.

 

[Christinak]

Absolutely gorgeous but $29k?!?

Exactly !!!

Which is why I admire from afar :0

 

[lavenderdragonfly23]

I love these next two, but they

Exactly !!!

Which is why I admire from afar :0

You and me both!