Discover beautiful jewellery boxes made in New Zealand – from hand-carved native timber to contemporary designs that protect and display your treasures.
A beautiful jewellery box is more than storage – it’s a treasured piece that protects precious items and adds elegance to any room. New Zealand craftspeople create exceptional jewellery boxes using native timbers, quality materials, and thoughtful design that makes them heirlooms in their own right.
Why Choose NZ Made Jewellery Boxes
New Zealand woodworkers and artisans create jewellery boxes with care and craftsmanship rarely found in mass-produced alternatives. Using sustainably sourced native timbers and traditional techniques, these pieces become treasured possessions.
Benefits of NZ-Made Boxes
- Native Timbers: Beautiful rimu, kauri, totara, and other NZ woods
- Handcrafted Quality: Attention to detail in every joint and finish
- Sustainable: Ethically sourced, often recycled timbers
- Unique Pieces: Natural wood grain makes each box one-of-a-kind
- Heirloom Quality: Built to last generations
Types of Jewellery Boxes
Native Timber Boxes
New Zealand native woods create stunning jewellery boxes. Ian Blackwell and other NZ woodworkers craft beautiful pieces from rimu, kauri, and totara. The natural grain patterns of NZ timbers give each box unique character, while quality construction ensures they last for generations.
Carved Wooden Boxes
Hand-carved boxes often incorporate Maori patterns like koru spirals or native bird motifs. These decorative pieces double as art objects while providing practical storage. Look for carvers who understand traditional symbolism.
Contemporary Design Boxes
Modern NZ designers create sleek jewellery boxes combining timber with materials like leather, glass, or metal. These pieces suit contemporary interiors while maintaining quality craftsmanship. Minimalist designs with clean lines are particularly popular.
Travel Jewellery Cases
Compact leather or fabric cases designed for travel keep jewellery organised and protected. NZ brands like The Loyal Workshop create beautiful leather accessories perfect for storing jewellery on the go.
NZ Native Timbers for Jewellery Boxes
Popular NZ Woods
- Rimu: Rich reddish-brown with distinctive grain – the most popular choice
- Kauri: Warm honey tones, legendary NZ timber, often recycled
- Totara: Reddish-brown heartwood, durable and aromatic
- Matai: Deep red-brown with beautiful figuring
- Native Burl: Highly figured wood from tree growths – truly unique
- Recycled Timbers: Salvaged wood from historic buildings
Recycled native timbers are particularly prized, often coming from demolished buildings or salvaged logs. These pieces carry history and character impossible to replicate.
How to Choose a Jewellery Box
Consider Your Collection
Think about what jewellery you need to store. Boxes with ring rolls suit ring collectors. Necklace hooks prevent tangling. Multiple compartments organise earrings and bracelets. Choose a size that fits your current collection with room to grow.
Interior Features
Quality jewellery boxes have lined interiors – usually velvet or suede – to protect delicate pieces from scratches. Look for removable trays, adjustable compartments, and secure closures. Mirrors add functionality.
Wood Finish & Care
NZ native timber boxes typically receive oil or lacquer finishes that enhance the natural grain while providing protection. Ask about care requirements – most need only occasional dusting and very occasional re-oiling.
Size & Placement
Consider where you’ll place your jewellery box. Dressing tables, bedroom furniture, or display cabinets all work well. Measure the space and choose a box that fits comfortably while providing adequate storage.
Jewellery Boxes as Gifts
A handcrafted jewellery box makes an exceptional gift for special occasions.
Perfect Gift Occasions
- Weddings: Bridesmaids gifts or bridal keepsakes
- Milestone Birthdays: 21st, 40th, 50th celebrations
- Anniversaries: Particularly wooden anniversary (5th)
- Mother’s Day: A lasting token of appreciation
- Graduations: Mark achievements with heirloom quality
- Christmas: Premium NZ-made gift
Many NZ makers offer personalisation – engraved names, dates, or messages add meaningful touches. Consider filling the box with NZ jewellery for an extra-special gift.
NZ Jewellery Box Makers
Woodworkers & Artisans
- Ian Blackwell – Exquisite native timber pieces and bowls
- Local craft markets – Discover emerging woodworkers
- Museum shops – Te Papa, Auckland Museum stock quality pieces
Contemporary Designers
- The Loyal Workshop – Leather goods including jewellery storage
- Moana Road – Kiwiana-style accessories
Where to Buy Jewellery Boxes in NZ
Direct from Makers
Buying directly from woodworkers often provides the best selection and allows for custom requests. Many NZ artisans sell through their own websites or at craft markets throughout the country.
Gift & Homeware Stores
Quality NZ gift shops stock locally made jewellery boxes. Look for stores that specialise in NZ-made products and can tell you about the maker and materials.
Online Shopping
Browse NZ-made jewellery boxes online from retailers across the country. Look for detailed photos showing the wood grain and interior features. Read about the maker and materials used.