Collectable and fun trinket boxes
A trinket is a trivial thing; it’s a trifle, a small ornament, such as a piece of jewelry. And where do these miniature treasures end up? In a box, a decorative or ornate one, as it may be!
Trinket boxes have many aliases. They have been called fairings, patch box, pin box, keepsake or bejeweled box, treasure box or collectible curio box, Staffordshire, and Victorian box. They are said to originate from England, Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany or France, but no-one can vow to that.
These decorative gem holders are sold as souvenirs at seaside resorts, offered at auctions, found at flea markets and antique stores or bought from Internet merchants. They may be given as gifts at birthdays, weddings, Valentine's Day, and other special occasions. Some may represent a promise of love from a sweetheart and a true romantic may have one, keeping a passionate kiss from a secret lover inside. Suitable for lots of different events, trinket boxes can be perfect little bridal shower favors or make intricately fashioned presents for wedding flower girls or bride’s maids. Whether featuring golf balls and tees emblems or a pink ribbon "Survivor" symbol, they represent more than just housing for treasured souvenirs.
These compact treasure boxes come in all possible shapes and dimensions. They can be elegant, made of exceptional materials, and can even be personalized. If you’re lucky you will stumble upon one with black velvet or white satin lining inside, or discover a keepsake box with antique finish, floral design, claw-footed, or shaped as a maple leaf heart. Indeed, artists and crafters will come up with the most amazing designs. Some forms of patchwork porcelain go even one step further and create delightful scenes of children playing with their pet or hiding in a wicker basket.
Collectors find that the charm of the trinket box lies in the wide variety of subjects and decorative adorning of the hinged or loose-lid covers. Nowadays, with specialty groups like children, adults, animals, flowers, buildings, boats, etc. to choose from, it will be hard to pick the one that will be the center of your new hobby.
The majority of antique trinket boxes were made during a time when it was fashionable to have knickknacks on shelves, tables and mantels. That has not changed, except that the more delicate or valuable ones will now find a protective spot in a curio cabinet or display case. They will be dust-free and safe and the bright hand-painted colors won’t have a chance to fade! |
