It has been nearly 20 years since I first began to collect cast metal jewel boxes. I don't know what it was about them that intrigued me, but one small purchase, then another, and before long, I had a COLLECTION! When I visited antique shops I discovered that this type of box was called "trinket box," "casket," "jewel box," "jewelry box," "Nouveau," "Victorian," "Deco." They were made of "spelter" or "pot metal." Dealers just didn't seem to know very much about them. And so began my quest for information. I soon learned that there was virtually nothing current written about these beautiful boxes. I began to research trade papers/periodicals and catalogs of the early 1900's. Little by little, I had compiled a notable quantity of information.
They say that "everyone has a book in them," and so I wrote and published mine: THE JEWEL BOX BOOK: The Definitive Guide to American Art Metal Jewelry Boxes 1900-1925. Hardcover: ISBN 0-9763710-0-6 ; Paperback: ISBN 0-9763710-1-4. In the book I include descriptions of the typical styles, floral motifs (and their meanings), metal composition, finishes, trademarks/patents/copyrights, sample catalog pictures, manufacturers (like Jennings Bros, Weidlich Bros, Benedict, K&O, NB Rogers), 500 color photos of jewel boxes (my collection), a guide to dating jewel boxes, and a value guide. www.jewelboxbook.com
They say that "everyone has a book in them," and so I wrote and published mine: THE JEWEL BOX BOOK: The Definitive Guide to American Art Metal Jewelry Boxes 1900-1925. Hardcover: ISBN 0-9763710-0-6 ; Paperback: ISBN 0-9763710-1-4. In the book I include descriptions of the typical styles, floral motifs (and their meanings), metal composition, finishes, trademarks/patents/copyrights, sample catalog pictures, manufacturers (like Jennings Bros, Weidlich Bros, Benedict, K&O, NB Rogers), 500 color photos of jewel boxes (my collection), a guide to dating jewel boxes, and a value guide. www.jewelboxbook.com
Steven P. Pody, Specialist Jewelry Caskets/Boxes of the Nouveau Period
As avidly as he's collected jewelry boxes, Pody has researched Art Nouveau from its beginnings in the late 19th century to its end in 1914 with the beginning of World War I.
The style--emphasizing flowing lines, feminine forms and nature themes--reflects the social and cultural attitudes of the time.As the suffrage movement changed attitudes about women's role in society, Art Nouveau's women were meant to enchant while reflecting greater ideals such as truth and progress. At the same time, writings by naturalist philosophers piqued the public's interest in natural splendors."It was a great new world, and they were putting it on boxes." Pody’s lighted cabinets display 692 boxes, each cataloged by date, place and price of purchase-- practically a museum of Art Nouveau jewelry boxes.
The style--emphasizing flowing lines, feminine forms and nature themes--reflects the social and cultural attitudes of the time.As the suffrage movement changed attitudes about women's role in society, Art Nouveau's women were meant to enchant while reflecting greater ideals such as truth and progress. At the same time, writings by naturalist philosophers piqued the public's interest in natural splendors."It was a great new world, and they were putting it on boxes." Pody’s lighted cabinets display 692 boxes, each cataloged by date, place and price of purchase-- practically a museum of Art Nouveau jewelry boxes.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
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