subject: The Charm of Musical Jewelry Boxes [print this page] The Charm of Musical Jewelry Boxes The Charm of Musical Jewelry Boxes
Musical jewelry boxes have been around for a long time, since the 19th century, in fact. The original name for this charming invention is carillons musique, and they have been made from snuff boxes in the past, which could easily fit in a man's coat pocket. They were originally used for entertaining people at various gatherings and parties, but of course, they have evolved through the years, and now offer different designs and qualities which make each one truly distinct from the next.
If you are looking for a musical jewelry box, one characteristic to look for is its natural beauty. There are different designs for them and different materials to choose from, as well. You can opt for a classic wooden design, or for an enameled glass one. When it comes to the design, you can then select one with an inlaid or hand-painted cover, which is more pricey but more unique, or with a glazed- or matte-finish wooden cover. The wood can also be according to your taste. The most common types of wood used for beautiful boxes are cherry, elm, oak, maple, or pine, and even bamboo made in Asia. Wood is exceptionally good for a musical jewelry box because of its fine acoustic quality. It's just like a superb musical instrument which can be likened to a guitar, where sounds reverberate and become more melodious.
Another characteristic to look for is the tune. Most of these music boxes offer classical tunes, like the ever-popular Fleur de Lis, but if you are looking for one that has a more contemporary tune, it would probably be easier to look for one online. You can even find some artisans or craftsmen who can customize your tune for a minimal fee, or even change the tune for you even before you receive the musical jewelry box in the mail.
The next characteristic that you should pay attention to when choosing your music box is its internal cavity. Normally, a good one would be lined with velvet or silk inside. The partitions should be made sturdily, and you should look carefully for any spots which might tear or wear out. Granted, the inside material of a these boxes may be pricey, but keep in mind that it's your jewelry that's inside, and you don't want to risk having a loose thread hang on to your earrings. Setting these aspects aside, there is nothing as charming as opening a musical jewelry box and listening to its beautiful tune.
